In the past ten years, major corporations have pink-slipped more than 20 million employees all over the world, while smaller businesses have followed suit, reducing their workforces steadily.

As companies continue to reorganize, downsize, purge and merge, an increasing number of professionals are finding new and innovative ways to assume control of their own careers. Concurrently, technological advances such as computers, the internet, laser printers, fax machines, desktop copy machines etc., have resulted in working from home being as efficient, productive, competitive and convenient as working from any office.

If you are thinking seriously of embarking on your own home business, the first thing you will need to do is identify the business you want to be in. Perhaps you already have a good idea what you want to do; if not, there are plenty of ideas to be found on the internet. Browse through them and select the one that you find the most interesting, and feel you have the ability to handle. Once you choose your business, here is a checklist of how to make it a success:

• Make a Business Plan: It is essential to create a plan outlining the important goals you want your business to achieve.

• Check with the Authorities: Confirm with the establishments in charge of enforcing local zoning laws. Make sure that you can run your business legally before you begin, so you don’t waste time, money and effort.

• Get Insured: Find out what type of insurance you need for your business, and buy it before you actually start functioning as a new business.

• Get your Office Organized: It is essential to function from a well-organized office in order to achieve success. Ensure that the office you set up in your home is away from distractions so that you can concentrate on running the business.

• Buy the equipment you need: Before beginning, make sure that you have all the equipment you require for the office. This will ensure that you will be ready to deal with your customers from day one.

• Create your website: Make sure that it is functionally ready to handle the online requirements of your business. You will need to buy a domain name. By setting up your website simultaneously as you set up your business, you can use your domain name in the material you use to promote your business. You could either get professional help, or check out websites on the internet to help you get your website up and running.

• Create a schedule, and stick to it: While you don’t necessarily need to have to a 9 to 5 routine, the schedule you create should follow the hours that are convenient for your customers.

• Get your inventory organized: If you stock your merchandise at home, make sure that you organize it conveniently, so that you can access it easily.

• Keep your shipping material ready: like boxes, envelopes, bubble wrap, labels, shipping tape and so forth, so that you are equipped to deal with shipping your orders as soon as you start getting them.

• Open up your business doors: With all these preparations done, begin promoting your business, and open it up for your customers.

- Article by Wale Bello