A couple of keys to finding the right venture for you

If you’re on the lookout for fantastic work-at-home ideas and that great start-up idea has been eluding you, here are two key things you can do to ensure you find the right business venture for you:

1. Do some ethnographic research

Be a fly on the wall on forums and in social media groups that are specifically targeted at the startup and work-at-home community.

You will gain exposure to a range of business types and you will also gain insight into relevant issues that may affect the type of work you take on.

Looking at what is out there is also a great way to find the gaps. You never know, that gap might be the golden idea you are looking for.

Participating in these networks will also help you build relationships with others who can give you pointers as you develop your business idea into a thriving kitchen table enterprise.

2. Invest in building your business skills and knowledge

Whether you’re aiming to sell party plan products with the marketing all laid out for you, or come up with your own business idea, it’s a good idea to boost your business through further education.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people fail to consider further education as an investment.

You don’t necessarily need to invest thousands to get results, but if you’re serious about creating a more flexible lifestyle working from home, it pays to learn new skills and further your knowledge in areas that you may lack experience in.

If you’re struggling with social media marketing, do a course with an industry leader. You don’t always have to go for the megastars to get results. Courses run in small groups or run by local business trainers could be just what you need if you’re looking for one-on-one attention.

Local business enterprise organisations and government departments offer affordable, and sometimes free, programs for budding business owners. If you are operating on a shoestring, this should be your first port of call to get you started.

If you are serious about making a lifestyle change (which is why most people choose to work from home), then get serious about building a business that gives you the freedom you are longing for.

Forget scammy get-rich-quick schemes and internet “business opportunities”. Instead, put these two strategies into practice, find something you love doing and do it well!

Over to you: What are you doing to ensure you find (and develop) a work-at-home business that works for you?