Questionnaire

Operating a business from home has become the dream of millions of people worldwide. If done properly, the benefits of such a venture usually outweigh the drawbacks so that running your own home-based business can and will become a rewarding and exciting experience.

The following Questionnaire is presented for one reason only – to give you, the potential entrepreneur, some insight into your own personal motivation for wanting to start a home-based business and to underline possible roadblocks to its ultimate success.

There are no “right or wrong” answers; however, more “Yes” answers to the following questions should indicate a much higher possibility for immediate success in working from home. “No” answers can be changed to “Yes” by simply setting a goal to change them, or by finding alternate routes to achieving them.

We have provided our explanations as to why “Yes” answers are important. The explanations follow the questionnaire.

Note: This is not a test! Just answer the questions truthfully and we believe that you will increase your chances of successfully starting, running and benefiting from your own home-based business.

Have at it!

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Simply answer Yes or No:

1. Do you know what type of business you would like to start?

2. If "Yes" to #1 above, do you have experience in that field?

3. Do you have basic computer skills?

4. Are you self-motivated?

5. Are you willing to put as much time as it takes into building your new business?

6. Do you know how to write a business plan?

7. Do you have the financial means to carry you through at least 6 months while building your business?

8. If married, is your spouse agreeable to your new business idea?

9. Do you have a "private" space in your home for an office?

10. Do you have, or can you install a second phone line for business use only?

11. Is your dream of owning and operating your own business a passion with you?

12. Do you have any hobbies?

13. Are you willing to spend extra time to learn more about your particular field through continuing education and research?

14. Are you versed in "keeping the books" so that you or your accountant will be able to keep track of your income and expenses?

15. Are you familiar with your state, city and county codes in regard to licenses and/or possible restrictions for home-based businesses?

16. Has anyone told you that you can't possibly be successful at running your own home-based business?

17. Has anyone encouraged you to go for it?

Please see explanations below:

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Explanations

1. Knowing what type of business you would like to start indicates that you have an interest in a particular field or endeavor, which usually makes the process of getting your business up and running that much easier. If you answered “No” to this question, however, don’t stop now! By all means, investigate any and all business opportunities that (1) meet your criteria both financially and personally, and (2) stir your imagination.

2. Experience is always helpful, but not always necessary.

3. It is absolutely essential to make computer learning part of your business plan. If you have the skills, you’re that much ahead of the game; if you don’t, begin acquiring them now!

4. Self-motivation is a necessity in running a home-based business. Which is more important – that phone call to a client, or that TV show you wanted to watch? ‘Nuff said!

5. Time – there are no 40-hour weeks here! To be successful in any business – but especially in your own business – toss that clock out the window. Once your new business is up and running and making you lots of money, then plan your trip around the world!

6. A business plan is your map to success. If you don’t know how to write one, there are plenty of books on the subject.

7. Unless you are working at a regular job - or already have a successful business in operation - while you wait for your new business to take off, plan to have at least six months of back-up finances available to carry you through. Nothing detracts from business success (other than #8 below) like a lack of cash.

8. This is extremely important! Stormy weather caused by family problems can only bring disaster – both in your personal life and in your business venture.

9. A private area for your office is something to consider. Kitchen tables are okay for awhile, but privacy is what will allow you to make those important phone calls without interruptions, keep the kids and pets at bay, and give you a greater sense of accomplishment when the day is done. Don’t overlook the benefits and necessity of having your own space.

10. Clients like to hear your voice, not a busy signal.

11. Passion for a business venture? If you don’t have it, you’re probably barking up the wrong tree!

12. Hobbies can be turned into successful business ventures and, when necessary, can also be used to relieve the stress of day to day business operations.

13. Continuing to learn more about your chosen field will keep you ahead of the competition. This is just common sense.

14. Accounting chores are time consuming, but they are a necessary evil. Do it right, right from the beginning, and you will always know where you stand financially. And you will congratulate yourself later.

15. Don’t get blindsided by government agencies. Investigate before you start – it could save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.

16. Let’s hope so! Nothing motivates like the words of doomsdayers!

17. Again, let’s hope so! It really doesn’t matter, though – the final decision is in your hands. Go for it!