Category: Earn Extra Money

Becoming a Mompreneur: How to Start a Business from Home

mompreneur

Over 11.6 million firms in the United States have women owners. In 2017, that represented $1.7 trillion in sales.

You could be a business owner too.

Just because you have children and are a stay-at-home mom doesn’t mean you cannot be a successful businesswoman. Read this article to learn how to become a ‘mompreneur’ and run your own business out of your home office.

What is Mompreneurship?

When a mother is also an entrepreneur the modern term for her is a mompreneur. It describes someone balancing the demands of childcare and a business startup. It’s empowering and a warning at the same time.

The term “dadpreneur” does not seem to have been coined. Perhaps, with a few exceptions, dads generally don’t have to balance childcare and business commitments. Moms don’t often get the choice.

Whether you are a single mom or in a relationship the demands of motherhood can be huge. Many moms feel like they are doing several jobs even without adding starting and running a business. You’ve got the admire the mompreneurs.

Why Be a Mompreneur?

Moms start businesses for many reasons. Sometimes it’s about finding a way to make money while looking after a family. They start-up an at-home business because there are few other options.

For others, entrepreneurship is an ambition fulfilled. They may have a passion to run their own business and be their own boss. The urge to create a business and grow it does not necessarily stop with motherhood.

Business ideas for stay-at-home moms provide exciting, rewarding and long-term occupations. There is life after children and getting started by running a business from home makes sense.

What Kind of Business Can You Do?

Mom entrepreneurs are creative. Sometimes they have to be organized around childcare so running a business from home is a starting point. Search the internet to learn more about business opportunities.

Get Crafty

Doing something you love is a great place to start when developing a business idea. A passion for crafts or art can be monetized. This kind of work can be done from home and can fit around childcare and the school run.

There are two key things to consider. Is your hobby a viable business? Do you have effective routes to market?

The business cannot be viable if the price you can sell your product at means your hourly rate is too low. When it’s a pastime or hobby you don’t count the hours. When it’s a business don’t make yourself a busy fool, working hard for little reward.

Having an effective route to market is important if you don’t want to spend all your time on sales. Etsy is a well-known option for crafts. Local craft fayres, stores or markets might be useful options.

Is Writing Right for You?

If you have a talent for writing there are a number of ways you can work as a freelancer from home. Blogging is a popular activity but few people successfully make the step to earning significant money from it. It can be done with some knowledge and plenty of persistence.

An alternative way to use your writing talent is to write content for other people. A freelance writer can earn money by writing articles for blog sites, training materials or news sites. Even an advertising copywriter can work on a freelance basis, from home.

Those That Can, Do, Those That Can’t, Teach

Teaching from home can be a viable business. Parents will pay for extra lessons for both able and remedial students. If you have the appropriate qualifications and experience this may be an option for you.

If you play a musical instrument and especially if you have teaching qualifications this can be a business opportunity. Both adults and children could be clients for music tuition in your home.

Make sure you obtain insurance and licensing where required.

Design and Develop Your Home Business

Technology means working from home using a computer and an internet connection is a very popular mompreneur idea. Graphic design, web design, software development and more can be done remotely. A good reliable internet connection and the right software is all you need.

Find work through your existing network or freelancer websites and web design forums. It may take time to develop a client base but if you do good work and are competitive you could join the many successful home-based freelance designers.

Some Tips for Mompreneur Success

Any new business can be very demanding on your time. Being a mom can be equally demanding. You will need awesome time management skills if you don’t want to sink without a trace.

Work out what is important and block time in your calendar for those things. Be brutal about everything else that tries to steal your attention. The interruptions, trivial calls, and time-wasting distractions have to come second to building your business.

Compartmentalize your life so you can balance seeing your kids with making your business a success. Set aside quality time for your children. Plan your business commitments so that you can give them the full attention they need.

Increase your leverage by outsourcing some tasks. This frees you to do the things only you can do best. This could be office administration or it could be a home cleaner or au pair.

Create a support system for you. Have family and friends to help out when needed. Establish the right financial, emotional and practical support to give yourself a chance of success.

Be careful not to overreach yourself. Ambition is fine but it must also be realistic or you will crash and burn. Cash flow problems or physical exhaustion are both fatal for your business.

Be clear what success looks like for you. There may be financial goals but there may also be success criteria about work-life balance too.

Next Steps

Do your research. Write your business plan. Carry out a risk assessment.

Your preparation has to include working out how to balance family and business plans. Learn from others who have made the move to be a mompreneur before you. May you find success.

To learn more about earning money from home, click here.

7 Best Jobs for Stay at Home Moms

jobs for stay at home moms

Being a stay at home mom is a job in itself. Between parenting, cleaning, preparing meals, chauffeuring the kids everywhere, and taking care of yourself, you definitely have your hands full.

But being a stay at home parent doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice having a career as well. There are careers that can be done from home or that can easily assimilate into your life as a mom so you can succeed at work and at home. And the extra money doesn’t hurt either!

We’ve compiled a list of 7 great jobs for stay at home moms. See if any of these pique your fancy!

1. Remote Writer or Editor

If you like writing and reading, this could be the job for you. Blogs, businesses, and other websites always need writers to create content and editors to make that content perfect.

Some jobs will pay you per article and some will be per word. It can also be on a per hour or per project basis.

This type of work has a lot of variety. You could be a copywriter, a proofreader, a content creator, a copyeditor, and more. Some of these jobs require more creativity while others are more technical. Think about what skills you have and excel in to decide which path is right for you.

If you think that you can quickly create quality written content, then this career could be lucrative and fun. You could even specialize in writing for parenting or stay-at-home mom advice blogs!

While you don’t necessarily need a degree for this type of work, it can’t hurt. You can also get some more info on furthering your education to make you a more attractive hire.

2. Tax Preparer

Tax preparers do exactly what you think they do: they help prepare all of the papers, files, and forms for people to file their taxes. This job won’t be the best stay-at-home jobs option for everybody because it requires much longer hours during January through April (a.k.a the dreaded tax season).

What makes this a great job for stay at home moms is that tax preparers can usually take the rest of the year off once tax season is over. This will free up almost the entire year for you to focus on being a mom, while 4 months will have a more work focus.

This is another job that doesn’t require a college degree, and it’s still one of the best high paying home jobs.

3. Social Media Specialist

Social media specialists are responsible for overseeing and running a business’ or website’s social media pages and accounts. You’ll create content, optimize those posts for search engines, and drive traffic to the business or website.

This type of job requires past experience working with social media and usually requires a degree. If you have the experience and the background, you can easily telecommute as a stay at home mom.

4. Pet Care

If you love animals and have the ability to be active, then pet care could be the job for you. Between dog walking and pet sitting, this type of job is fun, active, and definitely a necessary commodity for people.

You can join dog walking apps to easily connect you to nearby pets and owners that need dog walkers. You can also simply ask around your neighborhood to see who needs help with pet care during the day, especially if the owners are gone to work each day.

If you don’t mind having pets in your own home, pet sitting is also a great option. You could earn hundreds of dollars per month simply by hanging out with cute 4-legged friends. Not too shabby!

5. Tutor

Whether you opt for online or in-person tutoring, this type of job is super flexible and can help you earn some significant cash. You’ll be responsible for creating lesson plans, explaining concepts, and helping kids complete their assignments.

Some tutors charge 25 dollars or more per hour, which means you can earn an easy 25 dollars while your kids are at a playdate or even napping. This type of work can be done on your own schedule and can fill up as many hours as you’d like.

Getting clients could depend on your previous teaching experience along with your background knowledge in certain subjects. But since tutors are needed in every and all subjects imaginable, there’s almost definitely a subject you could tutor in.

6. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants are usually responsible for a number of tasks that will slightly vary depending on the company you’re working for. These tasks could include:

  • Social media management
  • Data entry
  • Organization
  • Scheduling
  • Invoice management
  • Customer service

Becoming a virtual assistant doesn’t require a degree and it can be done remotely, which is perfect for many stay at home moms. Those with previous experience as an assistant or in an administrative role might be more likely to be hired, but many places will provide training to new hires anyway.

7. Personal Stylist

If you have an eye for fashion and enjoy picking out outfits for your friends, and even for your kids, then a role as a personal stylist would be perfect for you. This job is another option that is super flexible and can be catered to your specific schedule.

You can work with companies and brands to put together outfits for websites, clothing subscription boxes, photoshoots, and even for customers directly. This job requires an eye for design, style, size, and comfort. If you think that sounds like you, then this is a great flexible and fun job for stay at home moms.

Top 7 Jobs for Stay at Home Moms: Wrapping Up

Adding a career on to the already tough job of being a stay at home parent can be tough, especially if you’ve been out of the “career game” for a while. Hopefully, one of the 7 jobs for stay at home moms piqued your interest and is getting you excited about going back to work.

There are tons of ways to earn extra money as a stay at home mom. Check out our blog for more tips on earning money as a mom.

4 Things You Need to Know About Remote Work

remote work

A 2016 Gallop survey established that at least 43 percent of the American workforce spent some of their time working remotely. In 2012, the number was 39 percent.

Evidently, more Americans are embracing working from home or from the neighborhood bookstore or from whichever other remote location they fancy!

If you are looking to join the growing army of remote workers, good move. But before you leave your 30th-floor office or accept that remote position, here’s what you need to know about remote work.

1. There Are Potential Health Benefits

Work is the 3rd most common source of stress in America, only behind money and the uncertain future of the nation.

Are you among the 61 percent of Americans who feel work is doing them more harm than good? Of course, the most effective way to battle stress is to see a mental health specialist, but there are other helpful steps you can take, like opting for remote work.

Working from home eliminates some stress triggers, such as workplace conflicts and commuter traffic, from your life.

2. You Need a Hell Lot of Discipline

Working remotely improves productivity, according to a couple of studies.

Well, it’s true your productivity can rise, especially if you’re suffering from workplace stress. But it takes the discipline and dedication of a bee to get work done from your couch.

You must learn how to beat the temptation of stepping into the kitchen for a quick bite every now and then or of flipping through the channels to see what’s happening around the world.

You have to set a schedule and live by it. Otherwise, a whole day can easily go by and all you would have done is flick on your laptop and stare at the keyboard.

3. You’re Probably Not Going to Get Pay Stubs from Your Employer

Yes, remote work is beneficial to both employers and employees, but, from a legal standpoint, there is more than meets the eye. There are several laws involved when dealing with remote employees, which is why many employers opt to hire these workers as independent contractors.

That certainly means no pay stubs for you, which also means filing your taxes is likely going to get a lot harder.

But worry not! There are online platforms that enable you to create pay stubs so you can stay on top of your income.

4. Got Wonky Internet? Time to Switch Providers

The internet is the single largest enabler of remote work.

If your home connection is just about as reliable as a politician’s promise, it’s time to cut the cables and find a reliable provider. You don’t want to lose a connection when you are in the middle of an important Skype call with your boss, do you?

It’ll cost you more to get a good connection with a larger bandwidth. But that’s a worthwhile expense. It enables your ability to deliver and is still probably less expensive than the cost of commuting to an office.

Remote Work Could Take Your Productivity to the Next Level

Going remote has its pros and cons, but for the most part, it will give your productivity, career, and health a much-needed boost. And with the information we’ve provided here, you’re no doubt in a better position to make up your mind about working from home.

Need more work from home tips? We got you!

How to Sell Your Vintage Dresses Online and Make Money

vintage dresses

Do you have a closet full of old dresses taking up space? Maybe it’s about time you clean up that closet and start your own home business.

Buying new dresses can be expensive and stressful. Why spend so much on something you only wear a handful of times? Reselling your old dresses will free up your closet space, and save others time and money.

Selling vintage dresses is an easy and intuitive way to make some extra cash from home. The market for reselling clothing online is growing 35% per year, and it’s not slowing down.

Read on for some helpful tips on getting started selling your vintage dresses online:

Finding Vintage Dresses

Where should you search for dresses to sell? The best place to start is your closet.

Searching through your old clothing that you no longer wear is a sure way to find a gem or two to sell. Keep an eye out for name-brand items and unique vintage styles hidden in your closet.

If your wardrobe doesn’t cut it, you can try searching through a friend or family member’s.

Otherwise, thrift stores, estate sales, and flea markets are all gold mines for vintage clothing.

Now that you know where to find items to sell, you can begin the selection process. While it’s easy to pick items you like, you need to be aware of what will actually sell.

Selecting Items to Sell

After you’ve figured out where to find vintage clothing, the next step is deciding which pieces to sell.

Details that you should be very aware of during this selection process include:

  • Quality of the item
  • Brand of the item
  • Condition of the item

The material the item is made of is extremely important when reselling. People are more interested items that are made with high quality materials, like wool and cotton.

Brands play a major role in how an item will sell. Some brands are more sought after than others. Knowing what’s popular is the key to success.

The final piece to selecting clothing to sell is condition. Be sure to check your items for mysterious stains, ripped seams, or damaged graphics.

Some clothing may retain its value despite damage, like an original Rolling Stones t-shirt or a shirt with purposely faded graphics. But classic rock and Retro Brand t-shirts like these are collectible and in-style.

But vintage dresses are expected to be in excellent condition. This means they’re free of holes, rips, and stains.

After you’ve selected the dresses you want to sell, it’s time to prepare them to be listed.

Preparing Your Items to Sell

Now that you have a nice selection of dresses to sell, it’s time to prep them for resale.

The first step to preparing your dresses is making sure everything is cleaned and repaired. While some of this can be done on your own, it’s wise to pay for these services when needed.

After that, it’s time to take photos.

Items with nicer photos are more likely to grab people’s attention. Having friends model the clothes for you and getting shots of different angles are two popular strategies for standing out in the digital marketplace.

Becoming a Business

Congratulations — you’ve just started your own business!

From here, it’s up to you to maintain your inventory and ensure you’re selling quality dresses. As competitive as the resell market may be, putting in the time and effort will pay off in the end.

If you end up realizing that the vintage reselling business isn’t for you, check out our list of home business ideas you could explore instead.

5 Unexpected Ways to Earn Cash Before Rent Is Due

earn cash

Did you realize that 39% of Americans have zero savings?

Now imagine this scenario. It’s the end of the month. You check your bank account and discover you are flat out of cash.

How in the world are you going to pay rent?

If this is you right now, don’t worry. Here are five unexpected ways to earn cash before your rent is due.

1. Go Undercover as a Secret Shopper

Do you like to eat out? If so, then secret shopping is the gig for you.

Restaurants across the country are always eager to hear real, honest opinions from their customers. And there are secret shopping companies that will pay you cash (as well as give you a free meal) and give your insight into your experiences.

It’s as simple as registering with a company and then getting to work. Pay attention to the details while you’re out and then report on how you were treated, what you saw, and your overall experience.

This is a no-brainer for all foodies.

2. Become a Craiglist Reseller

I’m sure you’ve heard of buying and selling goods on Craigslist. Well, the cool news is that Craiglist offers another great way to earn cash.

How? By reselling free Craiglist items.

Quite often, people are so desperate or time-strapped to get rid of things that they literally give them away for free. Then all you have to do is pick up the item and then resell it on Craiglist for a profit.

It’s simple. Sometimes people have to suddenly move or are downsizing. This is the perfect opportunity for you to make a profit off their free goods.

3. Sell Your Old Clothes Online

Another great way to earn cash online is to sell your clothes.

Take a second and go through your closet. Almost everyone has items they no longer wear that are simply taking up space. And if you need extra cash, then sell them!

For example, on Joli Closet, you can sell clothes, jewelry, or bags to anyone around the world. This has to be one of the simplest but most effective ways to earn a little extra cash.

4. Another Way to Earn Cash: Walk the Dogs

Are you a dog lover? Then this one’s for you.

Often times, dog owners want to take their fur babies out for a walk but can’t get away from work or they’re out of town.

Here’s where you come in! There are a bunch of online services that will connect you with local dogs who need a walk. Get outside and get some exercise all while making some extra money.

Sounds like a dream to me!

5. Share Your Thoughts

Surveys are one of the simplest ways to earn some extra cash. There are all kinds of online services that will pay you for your thoughts and opinions.

Although the pay might not be that great, this is a simple way to add to your bank account so you can get that rent paid on time.

Next Steps

All you need to do next is get started. Pick one of these ideas and begin!

You can also check out our Personal Finance blog to learn how to better your overall financial skills.

Now get to work and get that rent paid on time!

How to Build a Steady Income With Freelance Writing

freelance writingIn today’s economy, more people are creating their own jobs than ever before. Freelance workers represent 35 percent of the current workforce.

While these numbers may shock the traditional nine-to-five, the reality of the situation is simple. Freelance work has never been more in demand.

Let’s take freelance writing, for example.

Blogging has become the go-to marketing strategy for businesses. As a result, freelance writers are now highly sought after.

The good news is, with a few key tools, anyone can become a freelance writer.

If the thought of earning money and avoiding the cubicle intrigues you, keep reading.

Today, we outline four proven strategies to build a steady income from freelance writing.

Set up a Portfolio Website

A writer without a website is like a surgeon without a scalpel.

Having an established website to display your portfolio is an essential tool for branding.

Think of it this way: if you want someone to buy your skills, then you need to show them why you are qualified. Describe what sets you apart from the competition, and why they should choose you.

Consider this: a recent study revealed that half of US millennials are taking part in freelancing work. For aspiring freelancers, this means your website must set you apart from the other writers.

Create a website that is eye-catching, easy to read, and displays your best work.

Settle on a Niche

Businesses seek writers who are specialists in their field. The more specialized your field, the more likely you are to be perceived as an expert and land high-paying clients.

Not exactly sure what your niche might be?

Start by reviewing your hobbies, resume, and previous work experience.

Let’s say you studied health and wellness in college, and spent the next five years working as an assistant to a naturopathic doctor. This is all relevant information that can act as the perfect foundation for your first blog post.

Read my tips for creating your first blog post to get started!

Target Repeat Customers

With freelance writing, the ultimate goal is to create stability – and get better at what you do.

The fact of the matter is, freelancing actually has the ability to create even more security than the traditional workforce.

Freelancers report that having a diverse portfolio of clients has created more stability as compared to having one traditional employer.

To do this, it’s essential to find repeat clients who are not just looking for one-time jobs. Instead, seek contract-based clientele that requires long-term projects.

Create a Strict Payment Schedule

The Freelancers Union recommends adhering to a strict payment schedule:

  • 30 percent upfront
  • 30 percent upon completion of first draft
  • 40 percent upon completion of the project

This ensures you are being paid a percentage of the project even if the project is cancelled. It also helps distribute your payments evenly and budget more appropriately.

Be sure to have an established invoice system that is simple and always delivered in a timely matter.

Start here by creating a free pay stub template to get started!

Build a Rewarding Career in Freelance Writing

Do you feel that freelance writing could be the right fit for you?

Whether you’re looking to work remotely or from home, the only thing standing between you and your first writing gig is you.

Start small and read our best tips for freelance productivity to get started!

How to Start a Salon Business from Home

salon business

Are you a haircare professional looking to start a salon business from your home? If so, we don’t blame you–there are a lot of benefits from opening your own business from home, from being your own boss to the convenience of being in your own space. But opening your own salon business requires money, industry knowledge, and a readiness to take care the paperwork, policies, and protocols required for a business.

In this article, we’ll cover the ins-and-outs of opening your own salon business so you can set yourself up for success!

How to Set Up Your Own Salon Business from Home

Running a business from home can be great, but it does require a lot of planning and preparation. Here are some key things you need to do before opening your own salon business from home.

Register Your Business

Before you can start providing haircare services, you need to register your business with the local government and choose your business’s legal structure. You then will have to register with your state and apply for a federal tax ID number. You should keep in mind that there may be limits on what you can name your business and that you’ll need to pick a legal structure like LLC to make sure your assets are protected in case your business ever faces bankruptcy or legal issues.

Obtain the Necessary Licenses & Permits

The licenses, permits, and insurance you’ll need will differ by location, so make sure to check your local government website to see what’s required for your salon business. You may also need to get a special cosmetology license or additional ones if you want to provide other beauty services like nails or hair removal. You should allow between 9 to 12 months to complete any cosmetology program.

When I doubt, check your local government’s website. That way you’ll know if you need other things like business owner’s insurance policy or a home occupation permit or other health and safety permits.

Make Sure Your Space Meets Local Codes

If you want to start a salon business from home, you have to make sure it meets your local codes for businesses. Your town or city may require that you have a permanent wall between the part of your home you live in and the main salon area. They may also require that your salon has a separate entrance and even a separate restroom specifically for customers.

If your salon space can’t offer these things, you may need to do renovations to meet these local codes. But don’t worry, you can always apply for a business loan or try to find a partner to help finance your renovations.

Purchase the Proper Equipment

First things first, you’re going to need a wet station so you shampoo and condition clients’ hair. This space will also be essential if you plan to offer coloring services. After that, you’ll need salon chairs, which cost between $100 to $300 on average.

You’ll also need salon pro equipment like hair dryers and color processors, as well as standard beauty supplies like razors, scissors, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, hair gel, and other haircare essentials.

Budgeting is incredibly important when it comes to maintaining inventory since you’ll be replacing it regularly. Make sure to look for hair care brands your clients will trust, and buy the necessary products for any additional services you offer like coloring and extensions.

Design Your Space

Once you have the proper equipment and inventory, you can get to the fun part: decorating the space! Your salon should reflect your personal style while still being inviting for clients. While the major design ideas are up to you, make sure have things like large mirrors, reception area chairs, and shelving for equipment and any retail items you’re selling.

Not sure how to design your home salon? Here are some design tips:

  • Visit other salons to get design ideas
  • Use neutral colors for walls, window treatments, and flooring
  • Add pops of color to the space through decor, wall art, and rugs
  • Consider additional amenities like a coffee machine, coat rack, and other waiting area accommodations

By following these tips, you can create a warm and inviting space that will attract clients and lend credibility to your business.

Set Up a Website

Now that you have your salon space, you need to spread awareness about it! You should have a salon website that provides address and contact information, highlights your space, and explains the services you can provide. Try to follow local SEO best practices to make your website appear higher in search results, so customers can easily find your website.

Establish a Social Media Presence

A website isn’t enough when it comes to spreading awareness. You also need to use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to spread the word and promote your brand and services. Make sure to update these profiles regularly, connect with clients and potential clients, and encourage them to spread the word about your business.

Figure Out Pricing

Making a profit is the make or break point of any salon business. You should calculate your prices based on things like overhead costs, competitive rates, and operating expenses. Think about how much you spend on things like products, equipment, and utilities, and make sure you can cover these costs while maintaining a profit of at least 10 to 20%.

Decide on Services

When opening a salon, you should absolutely know what services your target audience is looking for and how they align with what you want to offer. You should always offer services like cuts, washes, and basic styling, but if you live in a wealthier area you may want to consider adding high end services.

If your skill set doesn’t match the demographics of the people in your area, consider additional training to make sure you can provide what customers are looking for. By offering services like coloring and extensions you can add variety to your offering, which will broaden your clientele and drive greater sales.

Final Thoughts on Starting Your Own Salon Business

Starting your own business isn’t easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding (and profitable) if done right. By following the tips in this article, you can set yourself up for success and make it big as a business owner.

Are you hoping to open your business at home? Do you have any other questions? Let us know in the comments!