Home-Based Business For Dummies [Paperback]

Paul Edwards (Author), Sarah Edwards (Author), Peter Economy (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...full of encouragement and information to help you through all the stages of setting up your own home-based business." (<i>www.sixtyplussurfers.co.uk</i>, June 2005) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Expert tips and advice on starting a home-based business

Starting your own home-based business is a great way to supplement your income in these tough economic times. With thirty percent new and revised material, Home-Based Business For Dummies, 3rd Edition gives you the most current and up-to-date information you need to navigate your way through the whole process.

You'll get trusted and creative advice on how to start being your own boss, bringing in a steady paycheck, and running a business you'll enjoy.

• Complete coverage of legal and financial aspects of a home-based business
• Effective advertising and promotional strategies that won't break the bank
• Tips and information you need to make your business profitable
• Advice on outfitting and running a home office

Whether you've been affected by downsizing in these uncertain times or are just looking to earn some extra cash, Home-Based Business For Dummies, 3rd Edition shows you how to avoid scams and truly start working from home for profit.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 3 edition (January 7, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470538058
• ISBN-13: 978-0470538050
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #71,693 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

  #35 in

  Books > Business & Investing > Small Business & Entrepreneurship > Home Based

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not bad for a beginner, July 25, 2001

By	Reds Fan (Cincinnati, OH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Home-Based Business for Dummies (Paperback)

If you're completely clueless to running your own home-based business, this is a great beginner (hence the title "for Dummies"). I found the book to work best when you already have an idea for your business. As with similar books, it's great to have a general idea of what type of business you'd like to pursue before reading the book; it will help you better shape your idea.

The book did spend a lot of time talking about how to deal with family problems, creating a quiet workspace, setting work hours and how to get through a project when you have no desire. While some people might find this beneficial, it read like "filler" to me.

All in all, though, it's worth checking out.

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be Your Own Boss!, December 31, 2005

By	Java Boo Boo "Java Boo Boo" (Decatur, AL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Home-Based Business For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)) (Paperback)

I would classify this book as more of a general overview of all the important things you need to consider before actually starting your business. For particulars you will definitely want to contact a good business attorney and a good accountant. Not to mention, you'll need to interface a lot initially with your local city/state governments to get tax forms and your business license.

This book seems to work best if you already have an idea for your business. Granted , they do throw out a few ideas for things like medical billing and place an emphasis on what could be described as services geared towards either elderly folks, or dual income families who are too busy to deal with traditional family type things. If you already kind of know what you think you want to try, this book will primarily help you fine tune your thoughts, and bring them to reality.

The section on Managing Money is probably one of the best things anyone can read. Obviously, if you're in business, the goal is to make money. By understanding the basic accounting principles presented in Part II of the book, you'll be well on your way to managing your business money wisely.

For general knowledge, my favorite part of the book was Part V. Here you will find Top 10 lists that describe common myths and pitfalls, and even success producing ideas to help you on your journey as a home based business owner. If you have a family, you'll want to take note on the section about what I would call, "The good way to set up your office." Which means, keeping distractions from the spouse and kids to a minimum while you are working at home.

There is a section on marketing, but in lieu of just that section alone, I would definitely recommend "Guerilla Marketing" by Jay Conrad Levinson. It's a very dry read, but there are a lot of interesting and unique ideas for getting word out about your business with out spending much (if any) money. And when you're in business for yourself, the more advertising you can get for free, the better!

I really like the way the authors describe how to get in to the home based business. Meaning, the idea of working at your full-time job (which you may or may not like) while you test the waters with your own venture on the side. That's excellent advice because if your business idea doesn't take off, you're not stuck without any income. Plus you can stay under your current employer's medical plan (A HUGE money saver!)

Overall there is so much information in here, it will be hard to take it in all at once. Likewise, as I stated earlier, the most important thing to remember is make sure and check with a professional accountant and lawyer in your area before/as you get started so they can help walk you through the particulars in your area. Every city and state is different in terms of setting up a business when it comes to taxes and getting your license.

Bottom line is, if you are semi-seriously considering starting a home based business, do yourself a favor and pick up this book and read it through. You'll get some good advice and knowledge on what it takes to be your own boss. Of course the other thing you can do is, talk to other small business owners in your area. Take them to lunch and learn as much as you can from those who are successful small business owners.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The obvious choice for anyone starting a home based business, June 21, 2005

By	Michelle A. Dunn "Writer/Publisher/Consultant" (Plymouth, NH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Home-Based Business for Dummies (Paperback)

Paul Edwards shares his great knowledge in yet another book to help anyone start thier own business. This book will answer every question you can come up with and answer it in a way that is easy for anyone to understand. This is why it will help you to become successful. I highly recommend this book, it has great tips, information and ideas to help you start and run your own home based business successfully.
Michelle Dunn, Author