Top Ten Home Business Ideas for Parents

Top Ten Home Business Ideas for Parents
If you are looking to start a home business and are a parent, you may have to make special considerations. You will need to be able to work without punching a clock or having to be available at particular hours, otherwise, you’ll have to get a babysitter. If you don’t want to hire help, you will definitely have some special challenges. But, it’s not impossible. In fact here are the top ten home business ideas for you that don’t require clock punching, or answering to anyone but yourself.

Stock Photographer

Stock photography is used in numerous applications, from websites and blogs to print ads. The demand is quite high for good and unique photographs to use for these reasons. Therefore, most stock photography companies allow independent contractors to upload pictures for sale on their websites. You can also start your own website offering the images for use.

Graphic Designer

Designers are needed everywhere; the demand is high. If you’re good with using creative software to make webpages, advertisements, banners, book covers (eBook and paper) and more, you can work for many companies at the same time performing these services. While it’s deadline based, you can still work at 3 am if you need to.

Freelance Writer

As a freelance writer, there are many different opportunities today based on your skill level. You can write for so-called content mills, individuals looking for writers, as a copywriter writing specific sales copy, or you can write for yourself and publish your own books as PDFs or via Kindle Direct Publishing.

Arts and Craft Seller

If you’re artsy and like creating art, you can do more than just create. You can sell, and you can make bank. Sites like Etsy.com, DeviantArt.com, and Art.com make it easy for individuals to upload pictures of their work to sell. You are responsible for shipping it on time, and you’ll give a percentage of sales to the website you list on. You can also start your own website but usually, you’ll make sales faster working through an established and trusted venue.

Amazon Seller

Fulfillment by Amazon has started a trend in individuals selling both new and used merchandise through their service. Learning how to sell on Amazon can take a little time but there are people who are making six-plus figures doing it, and you can too. This is something you can do on your own time, with your children in tow.

eBay Seller

Yes, eBay is still around, selling on eBay is a little harder than the other choices, but many people do it successfully as a full-time job. If you have access to the right products, you can do it too. Again, this is something you can do on your own time. The only thing that might take a lot of work on your part is packing and shipping.

Lifestyle Blogger

You’ve likely seen the movie, “Julie & Julia” right? Well, Julie started out as just another blogger, blogging about her adventures cooking from Julia Child’s cookbook. She became very popular, sold the rights to her story, and a movie was made. She made money off the deal, of course. Today, bloggers blog about all sorts of things and earn money through advertising, affiliate marketing, and product promotions. You can, too.

Herb Gardner

This work-at-home business takes a little time and work, but it’s healthy, the children can help, and you can make about 60K a year from your back yard if it’s allowed in your area. You can sell at farmers’ markets but you can also sell directly to restaurants if you plan and market right.

Virtual Assistant

If you’re detail-oriented and like to work at your computer, the life of a virtual assistant might be for you. Don’t want to be tied to one office or person all day, every day? Consider becoming a virtual assistant, which allows you a more flexible work environment.

Social Media Manager

If you love social media, consider starting a social media management business. You’ll be paid to hag out on your favourite platforms, all day! It doesn’t require a large investment or special equipment to get started, especially if you already have a computer and internet service.

Working from home is often a parent’s dream. They can be near their kids, not have to work by someone else’s clock, and still, earn enough money to not only pay for needed items but vacations, dream cars, and more.

It might be time for you to consider starting your own business. I know it was the best decision I ever made for me and my family! If you are unsure where to start, take a peek at the Studio’s resource page, there is plenty there to help you get started today.

Tell me, if you could start your own business TODAY – with nothing stopping you, what business would you launch?

I’d love to hear from you, tell me in the comments or join us over in the Studio Workshop, my free Facebook group for women in business!

Top Ten Home Business Ideas for Parents

5 Ways to Maximize Your Presence in Facebook Groups.

5 Ways to Maximize Your Presence in Facebook GroupsMaximize Your Presence in Facebook Groups
Use these tips to really maximize your presence in Facebook groups – and have the group owner love you for it.

Check Group Descriptions for Hashtags

If the group you belong to has themes for specific days of the week, make sure you check the group description to see if there’s a hashtag you should preface your theme posts with on that particular day.

Using the hashtag will not only please your group owner and moderators, but it will also ensure your post reach is targeted to those specifically searching for that hashtag (and by doing so, potentially reaching a wider audience, too).

Use Repetition

Whenever you submit a regular type of post to a group—such as a link to your Tuesday Tech Tip—use repetition to build trust and reassurance in your post. Use the same intro (e.g. “Time for my Tuesday Tech Tip.”) Use the same graphic—for example, an avatar icon such as a smiling cartoon monkey with a wrench, or your logo.

Repetition through repeating themes or post types will soon have those who enjoyed your first few offerings looking forward to the next one and being primed to check out each new post.

Always Check Photo and Graphics Licensing

When using photographs from either free or paid stock sites, watch out for the designation, “for editorial use only.” This means a photo cannot be used for “commercial advertising purposes”—only for educational and journalistic purposes.

Remove Links in Posts

Have you ever typed the link of something you want to share into a post, only to have a graphic box appear showing your post? If that happens, you can then delete your pasted-in link text before you press “Post.” Not only will your post be nice and “clean,” the image will remain linked and take them to the post or website you wanted to share.

Note: If you find you can’t actually do this from within a group because of permissions, post the link to your page instead, and share the desired link via your page.

There you have it! Five simple ways to boost your visibility in public Facebook Groups, without upsetting the admin.

Do you have any other tips you would like to share? Comment below and tell me – I’d love to hear from you!

5 Ways to Maximize Your Presence in Facebook Groups

Create Your Social Strategy

The power of social media is that it is easy communication, a collaborative community builder and it has a high entertainment factor. In short, it’s simple, relatively easy, and fun. Because of this people gravitate towards it. When in business, whether large or small, social networking is your online connection to your customers and potential customers. Plan to have a social media presence, make it an enjoyable experience for you and your audience.

“If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one.”
Russian proverb

With all the social media options out there, it is very important you chose the right path, or paths, in order to be successful with your business. Is Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat, Instagram, or YouTube the best place to invest your time and money? All of these are amazing platforms to promote your business but are they the right platform? In order to determine the best path; you are going to have to take a hard look at your business.

Where is your audience?

I am an advocate of knowing who your ideal customer is for everything business-related. With choosing your social media platform I am going to reiterate the importance of this. If you do not have a complete profile of who you want to work with for potential clients and customers, create one. This will help you locate them. If you know where they are, then you will know where your business needs to be. You don’t need to be where the world is, only where your clients and customers are.

Don't go chasing too many rabbits.

Align your social media goals with your business goals.

You want to ensure your social media efforts have a big impact on your business. To do this; your social media goals need to be aligned with your business goals. Your mission is clear, it needs to be apparent when you are engaging with others online. When you are setting your social media goals, keep in mind to look at the big picture. What are the top goals for your business and how will social media help you accomplish them?

Optimize your social media accounts.

There is a lot of value in social media so it is worth the time and effort into setting them up properly. Or, if you already have accounts set up, go and optimize them.

Ensure your bio or description is up to date and has your contact information and website clearly stated.
When you are filling out your bio or business description be sure to use keywords that relate to your business and industry. Using words or phrases that your potential clients and customers may use in a search to find your type of business.
Strive to have images that fall in line with your brand and represent your business accordingly. Also, with any platform, be sure that photos are sized to the correct dimensions for that social network.

Create a content plan and editorial calendar.

Having an amazing content plan and an editorial calendar is essential to succeeding at social media. Your content plan should have what type of content you intend to post on what platform, how often you will post, who will create the content and how you will promote the content. While your editorial calendar lists the dates, topics, and platforms you intend to publish the content.

Having this all planned out ahead of time, instead of updating constantly, will give you the opportunity to work hard on other aspects of your business.

It's called Social Media, so be social.

An engaged audience is an audience who know, like and trust you and your business. When it comes down to it, you are going to need to be social with your audience. Being engaged will help you build a community of people who know and love your business and what you have to offer.

Social media an opportunity to turn your fans, followers, readers, and subscribers into voices for your brand and ultimately, your sales force. Be sure to use it with purpose. Align your social strategy with your business goals and branding, be prepared and be engaged!

It is time to go out and get visible! Decide which social media network is right for your business and create or optimize your profiles.

If you are unsure what platform is the best fit for you and your business, set up a free 30-minute Support Session with me and we can figure it out together!

It really is a free personal support session, so there’s no pitch or pressure to commit.

Book a FREE 30-minute Personal Support Session

This is a Premium Article, more like this are available only inside the Entrepreneur Essential library! If you are not a member, don’t fret! You still can be AND it is totally FREE!

Sign up below, if that isn’t your thing, I still want to help you the best way I can! So be sure to check out other available resources I have that will help you grow your business!

Facebook and your direct sales business.

When you think about Direct Sales, what comes to mind? Let’s face it, the direct sales business model has been given a bad rep. This is due to social media and the select few representatives that pushed and pushed their product, alienating friends and family along the way. Constant “buy my product” and “join my team” has cost some people more than a few relationships.

Direct sales may be pretty close to the oldest way to distribute products since civilization began. If it is really that bad, why is it still around? Because it is a solid and profitable way to run a business because of that it is more popular now than ever. However; it is time to find the balance between the old ways and the new ways because direct sales businesses are not going anywhere anytime soon.

The world needs to know that the misuse of social media is what is bad, NOT direct sales businesses. That being said, let’s look at the best way to utilize social media for your new business venture!

First, set up a Facebook business page.

Be sure to post all your business content there and NOT on your personal profile. Only use your personal profile once in a while to share your new business venture with friends and family or to share the odd promotion that may be coming up. If you use your personal profile on a consistent basis for your business, it will only end in a lot of “un-friending”. Not to mention, promoting your product through your personal profile is against Facebook policy and a fast way to lose potential customers.

Make it personal.

Once your page is set up, be sure to send personal invites to those you want to take part in your page. Be sure that these are sent to people with who you actually have been in contact within the last few months. Don’t send an invite to someone you haven’t spoken to in 15 years, they will ignore you and possibly block you right away. Business is about relationships, so be sure to start off on the right foot.

Provide value.

Even with only a few likes on your business page, it is time to post content. Be sure to create original content, you do not want to be an infomercial and post whatever your parent company is posting. Those that have liked your page do not want to support your parent company, they want to support you and your business. So, be sure to post valuable content, not just promotional material.

Be engaging, be human.

Post often, on your page, and be sure to reply to comments and questions. People want to do business with people they know, like and trust. So be sure to tell stories, introduce yourself and any of your team. Hold a Facebook live video every week; a Q&A or tutorial on using your products, opening a new delivery – get creative. Show the world who you are and what you have to offer. These few and simple suggestions for your Direct Sales business on Facebook will help grow and start you off on the right foot!

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How important is social media for your small business?

To some who have a small business, social media is the next big thing, a powerful fad that must be taken advantage of while it is still in the spotlight, and relatively cheap! To others, it is a time suck with no practical advantages and a complicated learning curve.

According to Hubspot, 92% of marketers claimed that social media marketing was important for their business, with 80% of them indicating their efforts increased traffic to their websites. According to Social Media Examiner, 97% of marketers are currently participating in social media; however, 85% of them do not know what social media tools are the best to use. This shows that there is a huge potential for social media marketing to increase your business, but a lack of knowledge on how to accomplish this increase. When used properly Social Media can boost brand recognition, improve brand loyalty and provide more opportunities to engage with your customers. Take a peek at these 5 reasons why it is important to use social media for your small business:

1. Exposure.

You can get more exposure through social media. As a small business owner, you want to become as visible as possible to your target audience. The world of social media has made this easier and has made your audience more accessible.

2. Social listening.

Aside from simply knowing what people think about your brand you are able to actively listen. Their thoughts and concerns will be given through mentions, reviews, and conversation. This gives you an opportunity to actively listen, respond, and address to grow your business in the direction you want.

3. Relationship building.

Now you are actively listening to your target audience you have the opportunity to build relationships. Trust is one of the most important parts of a successful business – Social media will give you the opportunity to build it with your audience.

4. Personal touch.

Social media will allow you to ensure that you are being seen by those who want to see you. Targeting who will see your business is a great way to ensure your marketing dollars are being put to good use.

5. Minimal cost.

Spending a lot of money to promote your brand is not necessary with social media. You can promote your brand yourself while in the comfort of your own office. Every chance you have to make your brand visible is a chance to find another customer. Social media accounts make your company accessible for new customers, familiar and recognizable for existing customers and will help in creating a loyal client base.

Take a peek inside our new accountability group!

Accountability benefits you in several ways as you pursue your dreams. Being held accountable isn’t only for those who are struggling with a particular issue, but for anyone with a goal. Working with an accountability partner or team is a key to success for anyone who wants their business to grow. If this is something you need, please, join us inside the Study Hall!

Become a founding member of the Study Hall community and gain access to exclusive content from the Studio Library, Mentorship, and experts in all areas of small business.

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8 Fun facts about social media.

I am a lover of trivia and useless knowledge, actually, let me clarify. Because no knowledge is useless knowledge, I suppose I am a lover of fun facts. Facts of all kinds. My family will no longer play any trivia games with me. I am always trying to learn new things, because of this I always win at trivia games. Since they won’t play with me or care to hear my “Did you know?” ‘s anymore, I have to share my knowledge somehow…

You, my friend, are the lucky recipient of my vast amount of stuff you didn’t think you needed to know. Today’s edition of stuff you didn’t think you needed to know is brought to you by social media.

Working with social media across the board I need to do my research to decide which media platform will best fit my client’s needs. In my findings, I have found these little tidbits!

** Disclaimer, this information is information I have remembered over time – I am sure the numbers are constantly shifting as social media is always developing.**

I hope you enjoy them and I know they can be used to boost your social media presence!

1. 80% of Pinterest pins are actually repinned. Seriously, not a lot of new content here!
2. The fastest growing demographic on Twitter is the 55-64 year age bracket.
3. 93% of marketers are using social media. However; only 9% of them have full-time bloggers.
4. Despite the fact that you are always hearing about privacy concerns, only 25% of Facebook users actually utilize the privacy settings.
5. Even though it has a lower percentage of users than Facebook, Twitter, Google + and Pinterest, LinkedIn has 2 new members join every second.
6. Approximately 46% of web users will look towards social media before making a purchase. – Ahem… this is why you need a cohesive plan!
7. In 2013, Instagram already had more than 16 billion photos uploaded since its debut in 2010 and 5 million photos are uploaded daily.
8. All this information points to social media’s popularity but how popular is it, really? It’s the most popular activity online. Yup. It is even more popular than porn.

There you have it – some shocking information about social media. If number 2 wasn’t shocking enough, #8 had my jaw on the floor!

That there is useful information for an entrepreneur, I can officially say my useless social media knowledge is not so useless, can’t I?

Now, take the vast amount of information you have been given, you know – the 8 things you just read, and use it to help you handle your social media accounts!

8 Fun Facts About Social Media

Take a peek inside our new accountability group!

Become a founding member of the Study Hall community and gain access to exclusive content from the Studio Library, Mentorship, and experts in all areas of small business.

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8 Fun Facts About Social Media