Home business ideas are plentiful. You may already have your own concept of what you’d like to do working from home. If not, good sources are the Internet and any number of home business magazines available both online, in bookstores or on magazine stands. Books on the subject are available in bookstores, online, and at your public library, though some of the ideas presented may be outdated by the time the book reaches the shelves.
The number one reason most people search for a good home business idea is to make money without having to travel to someone else’s office. Another is to be independent, and not have someone else telling you what to do all day. In addition to making money, a desirable home based business is all about freedom-doing what you want, when you want, and where you want. All right, how do you decide what’s right for you? It helps tremendously to first analyze who you really are.
Being by making two lists: one for people and activities that you enjoy, and another for ones that you prefer to avoid. Start with general questions. Do you enjoy working outdoors or indoors? Around other people or by yourself? Do you prefer being talkative and friendly while you work, or totally focused on the job at hand? What are your current passions, hobbies, or interests? Turning a hobby into a profession can be a double-edged sword. You may love what you’re doing at first, but having to depend upon your hobby to provide a living for you and your family might possibly turn a pleasurable leisure-time activity into a chore.
Do you enjoy animals? Do you enjoy people? Do you prefer working around one or two individuals at a time, or several simultaneously? Do you enjoy being around children? Are you more comfortable around people who are somewhat introverted and technical minded (so-called “geeks,”) or those who are more gregarious and fun-oriented? Do you interact better with men or women? What personality type are you?
Personality types can be organized into four main categories.
1) The Amiable personality-one who wants to please everybody in every situation. This person will go out of her way to smooth over any uncomfortable situation that arises. These individuals make decisions based on how comfortable the decision makes everyone feel who’s involved..
2) The Analytical personality-one who questions everything. This person asks question after question about the smallest detail, and can almost never seem to get enough information to make a decision.
3) The Extrovert personality type is all about having fun and feeling good. Makes decisions based on how much fun is likely to result. Promise a party or big celebration, and you have this person’s interest.
4) Pragmatic: Gathers reliable information, efficiently analyzes it, and then makes a decision based on her analysis of the risk Vs reward ratio.
Each of is a mixture of personality types, though one category usually dominates. It’s important to know what type you are in order to know who you’d enjoy being around and what type work you would be most suitable for. Once you know who you really are and where you fit, then concentrate on home business ideas that provide the right mix for you. This includes the best possible combination of people, personalities, work environments, and work responsibilities.