Every business begins with two things: an idea and the passion to make it a reality. Of course, several practical steps are involved in the process after that, but that’s where it all begins.

If you’ve ever found yourself itching to start a small business from home and become your own boss, you’re not alone. But many stop there because they are unsure where to begin. We have some thoughts on that as well as useful tips and practical opportunities that can help you turn your great idea into the business of your dreams.

What Can My Home Business Be?

Really, the sky is the limit here as far as business ideas, but most home-based businesses end up falling into two categories: handmade/homemade products and services.

But how do you know what’s right for you? Start by asking yourself a few questions. 

• What kind of business do I want to start?
• What do I enjoy doing?
• What do I like to create that other people can use or enjoy?
• What skills or talents do I have that can help others?
• Why do I want to start a business?

Once you’ve figured that out, you can explore how to make that dream come true.

Selling Homemade Products

If you’re a maker or creator (of anything really), turn that hobby or passion into a business and begin selling from your own home in your local community. The products can be simple or complicated, basic or elaborate, kitschy or elegant—it really depends on you.

The best thing about a product-based business is that you can control every aspect of what you sell, and you can work toward making it cost effective, better quality, and customizable for your audience for holidays or seasons as the market demands.

Whether you choose to start selling at craft fairs or through your own branded storefront on an online marketplace like Spots sharing your creations with others is a marvelous way to pursue your passion and make money doing it.

Offering Online Services

Offering services is even simpler than selling products from your home, but the challenge is allocating your time. When running a service-based business, it’s true that “time is money.”

Creative professionals—such as writers, editors, and graphic designers—freelance or consult with other companies and juggle multiple clients remotely from home. Others operate via appointments and bookings to offer services directly to customers. 

Different from product-based businesses, service providers must network and rely on word-of-mouth referrals to find suitable clients. Fortunately, a shared online marketplace platform like Spots can help spread the word and make you more visible.

Pros of Starting Your Own Business from Home

• A low-cost home business, like many of our Spots Vendors, has minimal overhead costs.
• You can sell products or services locally at shows or online.
• You have control over your work-life balance—ideal for stay-at-home parents or retirees.
• You can create a family business with help right at home.

Cons of Starting Your Own Business from Home

• You may need to make space in your home to support your business (e.g., inventory storage, creation space, home office).
• A lot of work goes into a business beyond product creation or service rendering.
• Working from home can be lonely and isolating, especially if you enjoy being around other people.

Spots Paves the Way for Your Small Business

Although we can’t help you find space in your home for your products, Spots takes a lot of stress and effort out of marketing and selling your products and services online. As a targeted virtual marketplace platform, Spots provides small business owners with a customized vendor storefront on which to sell their products or services to their local community.

Even more, Spots creates a community of local vendors that thrive on networking and supporting each other to keep more money in their local area, so you don’t have to be alone in your business.