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The neo-homework
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Want to be your own boss? And do you have in you what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Try out a home-based business, and be a part of a modern market revolution...
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Graphics: Sasikumar
TIRED OF your never-ending work at office? Are you unable to devote enough time for your home and family? If you are, it would be wise to go for an alternative.
According to the reports (May 2001) of the Bureau of Labour Statistics (the U.S Department of Labour), there are 19.8 million "home workers" in the U.S. The number of home-based businesses in India too has been increasing steadily. Our city too has tuned up to this new market revolution.
If managed properly, a home-based business could well give you an additional income.
Manoj Vijayan, an architect, has been running a successful home-based business for over a decade now. Hard work and determination has made him successful as a web designer, cartoonist, illustrator and book and e-book cover designer.
Says he, "I initially started my home business for earning that extra buck. Gradually, I began to concentrate on it. Then, I decided to quit my full-time job and be a full-time home entrepreneur."
Home-based business is like any other. The only difference is that you are the boss and you benefit or lose according to your attitude and aptitude. Sometimes home business will cut you off from rest of the world. But then, you won't have to report to your boss! And you are at home! It is important to meet deadlines. Self-discipline is mandatory. Taking up multiple responsibilities is the most challenging aspect about such endeavours.
The job calls for confidence and determination.
"There are no fixed working hours. It is great to be free. But with great freedom comes great responsibility," say Rahul Bhimjiani (a home-based management consultant) and Tina (a home-based architect).
"I am able to pursue my other interests whenever I find time between jobs," says Manoj Vijayan.
Motivation is a vital element. Working from home will not reap high profits overnight. The right amount of perseverance and effort pave the way for a profitable business in the long run.
There might be several distractions. Home-based business is the art of balancing your work with domestic life.
Rakesh, working with a software development firm in Thiruvananthapuram, is a "part-time home entrepreneur". "In times of crisis, I am burdened with the risk of taking the entire responsibility.
Rajalekshmi, who runs a home-based catering service in the city, says, "It is important to sustain the equilibrium between work and domestic life. Planning is essential. When I schedule a vacation, I avoid taking any order."
Working at home does not mean discarding the essential requisites of an office. Having an office space is mandatory.
Soophia Ahmad, principal of Aligarh College of Engineering and Management, runs a home-based writing business. "Reserving space for your business makes it easier to stock stationery, organise papers, account books and other accessories related to work. It is always better to be well dressed. ," she says.
Marketing is very important. Let your friends, relatives and neighbours know of your new venture. Building websites may help those targeting an international market.
There are business consultants the world over, to guide new entrants.
Says Pramod Kurup, a consultant, "Real business consultants guide and support your business through project plans, server space for online presence and marketing. They charge a nominal fee for the services they provide. There are also people who misguide novices into believing and investing money in the wrong place."
RESMI SHAJI
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
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Kochi
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
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