We please to share a guest article from Libby Howell
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Tips to Help Seniors Launch a Home-Based Business
Overall, there are 31.7 million small businesses in the United States. Of those, about half are operated from home, an option that can work incredibly well for seniors.
Usually, home-based small businesses don’t require a lot of start-up capital. Plus, you get to work from the comfort of your own house and on your terms, something that may be particularly critical if you’re part of the 20 percent of seniors who struggle with mobility.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look at what it means to pursue this kind of entrepreneurship before you dive in. If you’re a senior who’s considering starting a home-based business, Seniors Helping Seniors shares what you need to know.
Having Business Skills Matters
While it’s easy to assume that anyone can hop into the world of home-based businesses, having genuine business skills is critical if you want to excel. Without business skills, you may struggle to keep your operations running smoothly. Plus, you may have trouble navigating the financial aspects of running a company, including dealing with small business taxes, expense tracking, and more.
If you’re worried about your business skills, heading back to school and enrolling in an MBA program could be a smart move. The coursework will enhance your knowledge of business, strategy, and management while improving your leadership and self-assessment skills. By going with an online MBA, you can even learn at your own pace, letting you boost your capabilities while moving forward with your new business.
Choosing an Option That Fits Your Lifestyle Is Essential
As a senior, you may not be interested in burning the midnight oil to keep your company moving forward. Instead, you might prefer home-based businesses that keep you engaged and provide you with some income without taking over your entire life.
If your goal is to balance your business with personal pursuits, then you need to choose an option that fits that lifestyle. For example, you may want to start off by freelancing in your preferred niche, allowing you to pick and choose your projects, set your pricing, and maintain control over your schedule.
Consulting could be another agile choice that may be ideal for seniors. You can take advantage of the expertise you cultivated during your career, passing on advice to companies operating in a similar niche.
Similarly, some seniors may want to have a home-based business but loathe the idea of sitting at a computer all day. If that’s the case, then you’ll want to focus on options that limit your computer time.
For instance, becoming a dog walker can be a home-based business that doesn’t leave you stuck in your office. The same goes for selling handmade crafts. While you might make the products at home, you aren’t necessarily sitting at a computer all day.
Let your lifestyle be a guide during your journey. That way, you can launch a home-based business that gives you more of what you want and less of what you don’t.
Marketing Your Business Is a Must
No matter what kind of home-based business you launch, you’re going to need to market it if you’re going to attract business. Often, the best place to start is social media. It’s an easy way to enhance visibility and connect with your target audience. You can integrate keywords in the post and use hashtags to connect with potential buyers. Plus, social media ads are reasonably affordable.
If you’re offering local services or there’s a need for your online services in your immediate area, there are low-cost options that can work quite well. Attending Chamber of Commerce gatherings or similar business-oriented events is a great way to network. You could also partner with other small business owners who have physical locations, making arrangements to advertise your services in their windows, on bulletin boards, or with business cards on countertops.
If you’re freelancing, consider setting up profiles on popular freelancer platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. You’ll be able to reach a broad audience with ease and access helpful tools like payment processing and income tracking.
Finally, don’t overlook the power of a well-designed website. Even a simple one can be a great way to attract potential buyers if it’s SEO optimized and showcases your offerings in a positive light.
If you’re worried about tackling the marketing on your own, you’re in luck. It’s easy to find specialists on the same freelancer platforms you might choose to market your services on, allowing you to get the support you need without committing to an employee. Just search for the kind of marketing materials you want, read performance reviews, and compare prices. That way, you can get the right help at the proper time.
Seniors Helping Seniors brightens the lives of seniors who can benefit from a helping hand and a friendly smile. Our caregivers, who are seniors themselves, make your life easier by providing compassionate care in the comfort of your home.