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Starting a Home Business
using Microsoft Word
Nothing is more exciting than starting a home business!
If you are a whiz with Microsoft Word, then you possess a marketable, professional skill. Why not use that skill to be your own boss?
There are many types of home-based businesses you can start using a computer and Microsoft Word: word processing, transcription, desktop publishing, freelance writing, virtual assisting, secretarial services, and many more.
Microsoft Word skills you need
You need to be proficient using the tools of the trade, which in this case, means having Microsoft Word skills.
I personally believe it is best to own the latest version of your software of choice. (Then you can always provide clients with documents in a compatible format for their version.) I recommend that you buy Word 2007 and learn how to use it!
Develop Microsoft Word Skills
These are Microsoft Word skills you should develop before marketing yourself:
- using the Ribbon and Office Button
- inserting headers, footers, page numbers
- inserting graphics (optimize, crop, word wrap settings)
- using and customizing bullets and numbering
- formatting fonts (types of fonts, highlighting, character spacing)
- paragraph formatting: line height, indents, spacing, tabs)
- creating and using styles
Some clients will ask you to complete projects that require advanced Word skills:
- performing mail merges
- creating custom themes
- recording macros
Advanced skills can be learned "as you go" and are not usually required before starting a home business unless you choose to specialize in one of these areas.
If you have difficulty learning these skills on your own, consider getting some Microsoft Word 2007 training.
Learning Microsoft Word on your own is doable by using the Word 2007 help files, finding information on sites like Word-Tips.com, using an instructional manual, or by taking Microsoft Word online courses.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
In addition to being proficient with Microsoft Word, you should also possess the following character traits, often referred to as the entrepreneurial spirit, before starting a home business:
- self-motivation
- confidence
- perseverance
- more self-motivation!
As you can see, I believe self-motivation is the key factor in running a home business.
Sometimes just needing a paycheck is motivation enough to hit the keyboard in the morning! But what if you have money in the bank?
Without the motivation to get to work, it is easy to waste the day away. Suddenly, you will find yourself without a bank balance, and no clients!
My biggest motivation was that I wanted to be a work-at-home-mom (WAHM).
I ran my own home-based office support services business (now called Virtual Assisting), and home-schooled my boys at the same time.
I admit, it wasn't easy! But the rewards were well worth it.
Starting a Business from Home
Once you know how to use Microsoft Word, you are ready to explore business concepts. Find great business ideas and detailed information about starting a business from home by visiting these sites:
Work at Home Transcription: Debi Devitt, owner of Pioneer Transcription Services, shares her story and provides resources for starting your own transcription business from home. Debi hires independent subcontractors too, so be sure to visit her transcription jobs page.
Virtual Assistant Advice: A friendly information site for a prospective or existing virtual assistant. Great information for WAHMs, independent contractors, how to start a home based secretarial service, transcription from home and so much more.
Now it's Time to Get Started!
Starting a home business is admittedly a challenging and sometimes frustrating experience. But it is worth the effort...nothing makes you feel prouder than when you land your first client and receive your first check!
And the best time to start, is NOW!
I wish you all the best and much success in your business!
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