Taking the Plunge

Filed in archive Work From Home on February 15, 2010

© notsogoodphotography


I want to relate my story of how I got started with my own work from home business. Mine started soon after college. I worked a number of odd sales jobs but never found a job that made me happy. I had my heart sent on starting my own business.

After months of stress I finally decided I would take the leap. I left my sales job. I decided I wanted to be a consultant but also offer a product. So I took what little money I had set aside and paid for an LLC. I spent money on a website and printed cards.

I took my first employees on as independent consultants instead of full time employees. I paid them by the project instead of on salary to make sure I didn't go into debt.

In the beginning I worked a nightshift bartending to help bring in money. But I was so exhausted by working two jobs that I quit and went cold turkey. I'm not going to lie; I was broke for about three months. My boyfriend helped support me during this time until I got my feet on the ground.

The point is that I didn't wait until the perfect time. I didn't have thousands of dollars saved up. But I had faith and worked hard. I took some crappy projects and put up with demanding clients. In less than three years, after expanding most every quarter, my work is consist and makes me happy.

The things I learned:
• There's no perfect time, unless you create one.
• Hire a team you can trust.
• Make sacrifices.
• Make sure you're passionate about what you do.
• It helps if you're loved ones are on board.
• Be willing to ask for help.
• Cough up cash for important stuff (website, business cards…)
• Start a good relationship with your bank (you may need it later)

Do you have any questions about what it takes to start your at home business?