Comments on: Disability no barrier when it comes to running a home based business.

By: Your Reader

Your Reader — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:19:23 +0000

Wow! Thank you very much!
I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?
Of course, I will add backlink?

Sincerely, Timur I.

By: sharon

sharon — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:45:07 +0000

Hi Kathrine,

Have you looked into your local organizations for the disabled? Here in my little town we have at least two that are great resources. That might be a good place to start. You should also check with your state’s Department of Labor. They often have programs that exist to help the disabled to become self-employed and can refer your sister to other local organizations.

The US Department of Labor website has some excellent links and resources.

By: Kathrine

Kathrine — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:22:17 +0000

My sister has been on disability for 19 years and of course right on the poverty line. She was diagnosed with JRA at age 11 and experiences dibilitating pain, disfigurement, and has had several surgeries on her knees and toes, and been through countless hours of physical therapy. However, she’s not one to give up and do nothing with herself. She took up a hobby with photography, then computers, and over the past 3 years has become an amazing photographer. She really has a passion for this and would love to start a home based business doing portraits, working at her own pace and earning money.
Her great fear is if she began such a venture, she would lose her much needed medical benefits, and then possibly fail at gaining enough customers to support her financially.
We have no idea where to begin the research for finding out exactly what the rules and regulations are (especially those that the SS administration don’t openly volunteer)
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated in this matter!
My email is katden.turner@gmail.com
Thank you.

By: Autism Game

Autism Game — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:24:19 +0000

As a father of two ASD boys, I really appreciate your blog and the information you post!

By: sharon

sharon — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:12:44 +0000

Hi Kathy,

I think a good starting point would be to thoroughly research your idea first. Start with a Google search for what keyword(s) clients would use to find you. See if there is anything similar out there. If you find some that are alike or similar, you can get pricing information from those and see what the averages look like.

Next, you’ll want to see if there is a demand for your service. If your service is going to be primarily web-based, you can use a keyword popularity tool like the one at Submit Express. Try different phrases to see if people are looking for the information/service you’d be providing.

You should also have a business plan. There are lots of places that offer free business plan templates and software. Just do a search for “free business plans” and you’ll find plenty.

Once you have that in place, then you can look at building a website. You can have one designed, use website creation software (like FrontPage or Dreamweaver), build it yourself, or use a CMS like Wordpress, or TypePad. What you go with will depend on what your business is and how you want your customers to be able to interact with your site.

The Small Business Administration (http://www.sba.gov) has lots of great resources for small businesses also.

Good luck and keep us posted!

By: Kathy

Kathy — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:52:33 +0000

I have an idea for a home based online business. But not sure how to start or what to charge. Should I start a web site first, then promote it. I haven’t seen anyone else doing this service I want to do. So not sure what to charge. Are there good sites to visit regarding these questions. Thanks, Kathy PS I am on permanent disibility.

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:31:38 +0000

Good ideas. Adviced to friends

By: sharon

sharon — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:38:34 +0000

You are an inspiration, Miriam! Thanks for commenting!

By: Miriam Shutes

Miriam Shutes — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:43:15 +0000

When I was first approached with the idea about starting my own business, I also wondered how to get started. When I was selected through METTA (a microenterprise technology training assistance program), I was able to develop a team of people who actually helped me to brainstorm ideas helping me to finally do what I am doing now, Medicaid waiver billing. I might add it did not happen overnight for me because I had a lot of paperwork I had to file to become a provider of billing services. However, if your heart is in the right place, and you have a specific goal in mind, you can do it! Also, remember to ignore that word, “Can’t!” because it has set many a person back to the starting point feeling like they should not even try to do what seemed to be impossible. I am living proof of that, and I have to tell myself everyday that I can handle the biggest challenge, and that is me! Knowing that, the rest of what I hope to accomplish is within my grasp!

By: work from home typing jobs

work from home typing jobs — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 03:14:11 +0000

i want to venture working at home but i don’t know where to find the jobs available…any tips?