So, you think you want to work at home? Go back, (maybe way back) to your school days. How did you do on your homework assignments? Were they always done without any distractions, always submitted on time? Or, if you have taken an on-line course, you have probably already faced some of the problems with home-based working environments.
Home workers must schedule their time carefully to meet employer or client commitments. Since being home denotes a more casual approach to things, scheduling cannot drop by the wayside. Children, spouse and neighbors have different notions of managing your time….since you are home they think you are available any time they need you. So, the first thing you have to become aware of is how to let people know what your work hours are and that except for predetermined emergency-like situations, you cannot be interrupted for anything except golf, tennis or skiing. Or lunch – if they’re buying (just kidding).
You also must face the challenges of your personal organizational skills before you venture into home business. If you do not schedule time for work, family and housekeeping at the present time – before venturing into homework environments – you won’t be able to structure a homework schedule very well. The only thing you’ll have is more time to execute a badly organized schedule. Organization is either a natural or acquired skill, so if you aren’t well organized, it is not hopeless, you can learn how to be efficient.
Then, you need to think about whether you are the type that would work better for an employer or if you have the inclination and skills to set up your own clients in your own business. The latter falls under entrepreneurial skills. We have a self-assessment test that gives you some idea about whether you are cut out to be an entrepreneur. Try it!
SELF ASSESSMENT
The first step in home-business planning is gathering information about you. You might discover a few things you didn’t know.
So, let’s take the test…check only one on each category.
A. Are You a Self-Starter?
- If someone gets me started, I keep going all right.
- I do things my own way. Nobody needs to tell me to get going.
- Easy does it. I don’t put myself out until I have to.
B. How Do You Feel About Other People?
- Most people bug me.
- I like people. I can get along with just about anybody.
- I have enough friends and I don’t need anybody else.
C. Can You Lead Others?
- I can get people to do things if I drive them.
- I can get most people to go along with me without much difficulty.
- I usually let someone else get things moving.
D. Can You Take Responsibility?
- I’ll take over if I have to, but I’d rather let someone else be responsible.
- There’s always some eager beaver around waiting to show off. I say, let him.
- I like to take charge of and see things through.
E. How Good An Organizer Are You?
- I like to have a plan before I start. I’m usually the one who lines things up.
- I do all right unless things get too complicated. Then I may cop out.
- Just take things as they come.
F. How Good a Worker Are You?
- I can’t see that hard work gets you anywhere.
- I’ll work hard for a time, but when I’ve had enough, that’s it.
- I can keep going as long as necessary. I don’t mind working hard.
G. Can You Make Decisions?
- I can if I have plenty of time. If I have to make up my mind fast, I usually regret it.
- I can make up my mind in a hurry if necessary, and my decision is usually O.K.
- I don’t like to be the one who decides things. I’d probably blow it.
H. Can People Trust What You Say?
- I try to be on the level, but sometimes I just say what’s easiest.
- They sure can. I don’t say things I don’t mean.
- What’s the sweat if the other fellow doesn’t know the difference?
I. Can You Stick With It?
- If I make up my mind to do something, I don’t let anything stop me.
- If a job doesn’t go right, I turn off. Why beat your brains out?
- I usually finish what I start.
J. Can You Keep Records?
- Records are not important. I know what’s needed to be known without keeping records.
- I can, but it’s more important to get the work out than to shuffle numbers.
- Since they are needed I’ll keep records even though I don’t want to.
That’s it … write down your score.
Count the points by the letter you selected
A. a=7, b=10, c=5 Your score ____
B. a=7, b=10, c=5 Your score ____
C. a=8, b=10, c=5 Your score ____
D. a=7, b=5, c=10 Your score ____
E. a=10, b=8, c=5 Your score ____
F. a=5, b=6, c=10 Your score ____
G. a=8, b=10, c=5 Your score ____
H. a=8, b=10, c=5 Your score ____
I. a=10, b=5, c=8 Your score ____
J. a=5, b=10, c=8 Your score ____
Total score _____________
Now, let’s interpret your score.
Score 100: Excellent
A perfect score. You are a born entrepreneur. If you are not presently running your own business you should definitely start one — the sooner the better. You are on the way to taking charge of your own life and career.
Score 91 – 99: Very good
You definitely have what it takes to succeed in a business of your own. Don’t hesitate, your way to business success is wide open.
Score 72 – 90: Good
You have the qualities of a successful entrepreneur with some weak spots. You should be able to cover that deficiency by either retraining yourself or hiring someone with the necessary skill to co-partner with or who will work for you.
Score 40 – 71 : So-so
The prospect of your success in a business of your own is questionable. You have some deficiencies that might out-shadow some good traits you have. If you still want to go on with it, be sure to call up all the persistence you can get. You are going to face some tough adversity on the way.
Score 40 and below: Unsatisfactory
Forget your dreams of being your own boss, it’s not for you. You’d better plan to work at home on contract for somebody else. Too many hassles starting a business.