It’s a sign of the times when a Google search for "businesses recession proof" brings up some 3.7 million results. Yet we’re all interested in finding that opportunity that allows us to create an income regardless of how the rest of the job market is going. One possibility: start your own home-based online business.
Is a Home-based Online Business for You?
Perhaps, if you enjoy being in charge of your work, working virtually, have the drive and ambition to create your own products and/or services, and are comfortable handling the myriad tasks associated with running a home-based online business.
These tasks, as well as much, much, more, are described in the second edition of the comprehensive (and really big) Starting an Online Business: All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies. It’s basically eleven minibooks wrapped up in one (really big) package, covering such topics as how to build a business plan (and, hopefully, profitable business) from your ideas; creating your product or service website; promoting your business online using tools like Google Adwords; and marketing through niche communities (such as Disaboom).
The guide also hits the operations aspects, such as choosing software to manage your company’s finances, and managing "fulfillment," that is, filling, packing, and shipping orders while also keeping a handle on managing your stock.
In addition, Belew and Elad address creating a virtual store (and earning money) in the popular virtual community Second Life.
Does Home-based Online Business = "Businesses, Recession-Proof?"
Depending on the product you offer and how ambitious you are, setting up an online "storefront" may provide a small additional income stream, a solid supplement to your full-time job or disability income, or a full-time, reliable, and enjoyable way of supporting yourself.
Starting an Online Business: All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies will give you the information and insight you need to decide whether or not a home-based online business might be for you, and if so, how to successfully create, launch, and build that business.
Starting an Online Business: All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies, 2d ed., by Shannon Belew and Joel Elad. For Dummies, 2009. 840p. ISBN 0470431962.
