Working at home and Homeschooling

A successful business boils down to finding something people need and providing it.

I’d start by making a list of the skills you have, hobbies, and things you like to do. Don’t try to filter your list to only what you think is marketable at this time. This is brainstorming so anything goes.

Then make another list of needs you have and things you’ve noticed that other people need. What kinds of things do you see that are too difficult or that people don’t like to do or are a hassle. Look for these pain points because people are willing to pay to avoid pain. You might have to observe people for a while to notice. You might have to ask some friends.

Now look for overlaps between your lists. Is there a product or service you could provide to meet a need using your skills? Is there something you know how to do that you can teach others to meet some of those needs? If so, you have some ideas to start. If not, you’ve learned something and can go back for another round of thinking.

Have you ever thought of taking in laundry?  I think that’d be a pretty easy way to make a litte extra.  And you probably already have all the tools you need to get started.  I wish I could find someone to do my husband’s shirts – I think we pay $2.50 each for them!  (But it’s worth it to me because I HATE ironing AND I’m slow at it!)

Pet Sitting at your home could also be a consideration – do you know how much people pay to take their pet to a kennel????  I know my mom prefers to leave her dog with a loving family while she’s away.

Also, if you have good yard sales in your area you could start frequenting them (I know that’s not very fun with four kids, but it can be done) for cheaply priced items that sell for more on craig’s list.  I’m grown quite familiar with how much things sell for on craigs list so that I can purchase things for 20-25% of what they would sell for on craig’s list.  If that’s interesting to you pm me and I can send you some price lists that are helpful.  You’ll also want to be wise in when you let people come to purchase things – making sure your hubby is home for safety reasons.

What about selling some things from your garden around the neighborhood?  I’m not going to do it myself, but I’m going to let my kids do it (with me tagging along) so they can earn money for things they want/need – that might help defray some of your household expenses.

Now, this is not making money, but I’ve been learning to contribute to our household income by saving money.  I’m couponing and buying things for pennies on the dollar – I’ve even considered reselling “packages” of items on craigs list once I build up our supply.  It’s really quite easy, much less difficult than I imagined, though it does take time – you could plan your trips while the kids sleep.

Hope those are helpful!

I second couponing and C*V*S deals. Once you get started with that, you can go in and get free items. I make myself buy only what I have in CVS reward dollars.