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Posted By: Michianna Tell Us About Your Business - 07/30/04 12:48 PM
I'd like to hear what others are doing in their home-based business or small office. What kind of business is it? How many hours do you generally work? Is this a business that others can join, like Mary Kay, etc.?

Let's share with each other!
Posted By: AnimalSpirit Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 09/27/04 11:56 AM
My business is just me. I own it, design the jewelry, design the website,etc...It's work, but hoping it will be well worth it in the end and I am learning new things on a daily basis!

I mainly sell animal spirit/totem jewelry, and American Indian styled designs like Kokopelli, Thunderbird, Feather jewelry, etc...

I also run auctions on ebay with both my jewelry and odd things I may find to sell.
Posted By: NursePractitioner Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 09/28/04 06:51 PM
My business is writing. I just finished writing my latest nonfiction book and it's now in production at HarperCollins. It's called, LIVING WELL WITH MENOPAUSE. I'm hoping to add other titles to the series and would like some input into topics that would be of interest to you and your visitors.

Best,

Carolyn
Posted By: JanetBoyer Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 09/29/04 06:52 AM
I'm a writer/reviewer/teacher and an intuitive reader (I don't like the word psychic, really. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> ) I do both email and phone readings, and work as much as I want. Last month, I worked quite a bit as a phone reader with Keen.com, but this month, due to my Dad's open heart surgery and just scaling back my workaholic tendencies, I've not done any phone readings. (I can choose when I'm available to read or not.)

If anyone has expertise in an area, he or she could be an advisor for Keen.com. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: deluxar Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 09/29/04 05:57 PM
i have an online store, http://www.elegant-living.com , selling home decor items like jewelry keepsake boxes with swarovski crystals, candle holders, compact mirros, glass vases and etc. we try to focus as an elegant unique wedding gift or anniversary gift. it requires lots of effort to do the marketing and let people know the existence of the website. How do you guys do it? there are really lots of things can do and learn.

me and my partners did all website design, sourcing, logistics and technical works from scratch. we are seeing it picking up.
Posted By: KellyT Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 10/01/04 03:10 PM
I have a couple small businesses at home that I try to keep up with, along with a 3.5-year-old daughter.

For almost 6 years I've been digitizing designs for computerized embroidery. Embroidery shops are my customers. Since I'm not trying to grow this business, I don't actually have a web site for it.

For the last 2 years I've had a humorous greeting card line. Most of the cards have photos that illustrate common phrases, such as "Baby Boomer" and "Pot of Gold." Many of the pictures include our daughter (or her butt). They are in about 45 retail stores in 8 states. I also personalize them for party invitations.

My newest venture is making clocks from old games, as a way to remind myself and others to take time to play. It's a great creative outlet for me and we've been discovering, playing and having a blast with the games.

I spend most of my time learning, trying to market the greeting cards and thinking about what I want to do with the clocks.

Thank goodness my Mom keeps our daughter about half the day so I can get some work done!
Posted By: Michianna Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 10/02/04 12:05 AM
These all sound great!

We own an ATM business. We own ATM's in stores and service them. My husband is certified on three of the top ATM brands so we also subcontract service work. We process other people's ATM's - meaning that when you pay the fee, our company returns that fee to the ATM owner.
Posted By: Scrappinlp Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 02/06/05 01:41 AM
HI Guys!

I have a home based business, too! I teach others how to preserve their family's precious memories, so that the next generation will be able to enjoy them too.

We spend how much on cameras, film, developing, etc, yet where are the pix? How many of us have inherited the box of black and white photos that we know we are related to. . . ..

Well, I found something that was relaxing and rewarding, too! I get to work from home alongside my family, and do something that I love to do!

I am a Team Leader with Leaving Prints Scrapbooking, and have built a team, and now have the pleasure of helping them reach their family's goals too.

There was a low start up, and good commission. There is work involved, but I enjoy doing it:) I get to talk to women, scrapbook, talk on the phone, have scrapbooking parties, and teach other's to enjoy their lives, and their family's lives, too:)

I offer GREAT exclusive products at GREAT prices!

If you would like more info, please email me, and I will be happy to get it to you:) If you would like to check out my products, please feel free to do so at: http://josiepoole.leavingprints.us

I am enjoying seeing what other businesses are out there, too:) Keep them coming!

Hugs:)
Posted By: bloomngrow2 Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 02/18/05 02:31 AM
I'm a life/personal coach. I work with clients all over the world by phone. I joke that I'm the Walmart of coaches because I charge very little. But I'm in this business because I want to make a difference in people's lives and I make enough to keep me excited and loving what I do.

If you're interested in learning more about coaching and how I do it, please visit my website, www.bloomngrow.net

You can send free ecards that I've designed and also sign up for my newsletter. It arrives in your e-mail every other week and is packed with inspirational, fun tips and ideas.

If you're interested, you can contact me for a complimentary coaching call. I'd love to chat with you.

Warmly,

Lynn
Posted By: GiftHeart Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 02/21/05 02:46 AM
Hi - my name is Laura and I run a few businesses from my home.

1. is a gift basket business - www.agiftfromyourheart.com
2. I work with local schools in our area and offer discounted t-shirts for gym (our children have to have their name on the shirt it counts for part of the grade)
3. Web design, I've created 2 websites for my own businesses and then it just caught on, people liked my work and then I got referrals.

In the past I ran a business called part time jobs for full time moms.com, the only problem was I did it on donation basis due to the fact that usually people hate seeing the word "buy" on a website for consulting - so I would consult, mothers would never donate, so I looked into other things.

I've also had a cleaning business. Its great to get your hands into many different things if you are that type of person.

If anyone needs any advice, please let me know laura@agiftfromyourheart.com
Posted By: XLadyRogue Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 02/21/05 07:23 PM
I manage the office of my husband's martial arts school where he shares a different way of life and an art with his students.

It is a small business rather than a home based one.

My tasks typically require 30 hours a week from me. We also hold Saturday events at least twice a month which generally average 38 hours of effort towards the business on these weeks.
Posted By: YourTimeToBeFree Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 08/31/05 05:11 PM
Here is my business <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

To find out about it, just call in for our Business Presentation Overview:

Dial 617-588-6541
Press "1" for the guest line
At the next menu press "1" for the recorded presentation
At the next menu press "1" for the product and income opportunity

My business requires no personal telling, selling or explaining. If anyone is interested, call me at 909.240.9696 <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Thank you!

Choon Wang
www.YourTimeToBeFree.com
Posted By: WillowRaven Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 11/16/06 01:03 AM
[color:" purple"]I actually have 2 businesses that I do out of my home.

The first one is selling Avon. I also have a website that I sell Avon from (Avon Representative Michelle Barboza ). I am trying to figure out new & different ways to increase my customer base as I just started this about a month ago, and it's been slow starting.

My other business is tarot readings out of my home. I can do them face-to-face (provided you are in the Oklahoma City area) or online via email or instant messenger. For readings online, I take payment via paypal. I have a website (Purple Dragonfly Tarot Readings ) that explains a little about me and my background.

In the past, I used to clean homes (independently, not through a company) for extra money, and offering hand-crafted items, such as cross-stitched items and crocheted items like afghans. I am considering starting both of them up again too, to help supplement my limited income due to disability. [/color]

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Modern Woman Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 11/16/06 04:29 AM
I have some websites.
Posted By: JanZeiger Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 11/16/06 05:10 AM
I am a consultant for Natural Family Boutique and a distributor for Juice Plus.

http://www.naturalfamilyboutique.com/?jzeiger

http://www.janzeiger.com/juiceplus.html
Posted By: stephflan Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 11/16/06 06:13 AM
I love my business. I show how people how to create a safer environment for their home, and save money just by switching stores, and not spend any new money. We just refer others to do the same and get paid for referring them.
What I also love is that I don't have to sell, stock or deliver any products, and no one gets hurts, which was very important to me.
www.StayingHomeAndLovingIt.com.
Posted By: JanZeiger Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 11/16/06 06:32 AM
Hmmm..I've researched Melaleuca in the past and have found that some of the products aren't natural. What has your experience been?
Posted By: DJCNOR Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 11/16/06 09:22 AM
I do a lot of different things. The combination is changing all the time. I call my business Venerable Bead and Loomatic A'Stylin'. Venerable Bead was supposed to be my jewellery business since all my jewelry involves beads, and Loomatic A'Stylin' (doesn't anyone get the pun on lunatic asylum?) was supposed to be my weaving business, with the textile design and teaching and writing just done under my name. But I was listed in a local brochure as VB&LAS (the whole long name) and folks seemed to find it intriguing, so I decided to go with the whole thing, except for my website. It's too long for that.

Anyhow... at the moment it consists of selling my jewelry at a few galleries and shows (so far no website sales), giving some workshops, and developing my website and 3 blogs, which have so far produced a commission to set up a friend's website (a business I did not intend to go into!)

I'm also considering being an agent for myself and other local artisans since I read that indie shops love agents who come to them because it saves them time spent at trade shows and used up by the artisans coming in one by one. And, of course, I fantasize about getting together with other artisans for a line of all-handmade clothing and accessories, and for setting up a studio/teaching/performing/gallery/cafe/materials shop type venue.

I'm full of ideas and short on money, so I follow up any opportunity that lets me take forward any one of my "projects" within my budget.

DJC
I work with women who have owned small to mid-size businesses at least two years. I help them make more money, be more productive and have more free time. How? by helping them create a one-page business and marketing plan, streamline their businesses, market smarter and create products, too.

I'm a Business Strategist - part coach, part consultant, part trainer, I work with my clients to help them reach well beyond their goals and turn their goals into profitable action.
Posted By: Rosie52 Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 01/24/07 08:34 PM
My home business is with Arbonne and I love it. I use pure, safe & beneficial products and I teach others to do the same. Arbonne products are botanically based, hypoallergenic, pH correct, dermatologist tested, No animal products or by products, No animal testing, No mineral oil and are without chemical dyes or fragrances. Working my business with Arbonne is like going to a good restaurant, you love it so your going to tell others about it except at the restaurant they don't pay you and Arbonne does!!!
Posted By: lisataliga I work from home as a Virtual Assistant - 02/17/07 06:47 AM
Hi everyone

I've been working as a successful Virtual Assistant from home since 2002. I use all my admin and secretarial skills and really enjoy it.

It's not to be confused with data entry or envelope stuffing scams!

I basically freelance as an assistant to any company who needs an extra pair of hands, but doesn't need me to be on-site. The kind of work I do involves: customer support, dealing with email, handling orders, updating websites, typing, formatting documents, designing brochures, flyers, research, editing and proofreading and any number of other tasks.

Most of my clients hadn't even heard of or worked with a Virtual Assistant before. Once they did hear about the benefits of outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant, they jumped on board pretty much straight away. That means that the number of potential clients out there is huge, once business owners learn about the concept and how much time it saves them.

If anyone's interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant, I've written a free ebook 'The 7 Things You MUST Know Before Starting Your Successful Virtual Assistant Business' which anyone can download at:

http://www.virtualpabusiness.com

All the best

Lisa
Posted By: Doctor_Maria Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 03/01/07 01:22 AM
Hi,

I am a physician by training, so naturally I have a deep passion for helping people get and stay healthy. I have 2 businesses. One is as an independent associate for Isagenix, an incredible natural nutritional supplement company. I have tried many natural supplements in the past 10+ years and none come close to these products. Jack Canfield (co-author, Chicken Soup for the Soul) and Dr. John Gray (author, Women Are from Venus, Men Are from Mars) both use and endorse the products, as do many physicians. There are weight loss/cleansing products, skin products, and nutritional products. The company started in 2002 and has already made 10 millionaires! It just costs $49 to sign up as an associate and you immediately get your own Isagenix web site which can start taking orders the instant it goes up. My site isBellaOnline ALERT: Raw URLs are not allowed in these forums for security reasons. Please use UBB code. If you don't know how to do UBB code just post here for help - we will help out!
Posted By: sallyann2007 Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 03/26/07 11:39 PM
I am a freelance Java Programmer. Also do database work as well.
I have several businesses that I run from my home and that enable me to be self supporting.
I started them whilst caring for my mom during her illness ~ I was the sole caregiver 24/7/365 for 3 years. After mom passed away I decided to stay with it and devote more hours to it than I care to divulge. However, anything good is worth the work, IMHO. It's paid off because this year I finally came out in the black with a profit, not the red. WooHoo!

My businesses are:

  • fashion jewelry designer
  • wedding and prom jewelry designer
  • textile and fiber product and pattern designer ~ LOL translate = crochet and cross stitched baby clothes and accessories, women's fashion accessories, and cross stitch patterns
  • website and ebay store designer
  • marketing and SEO service provider
  • nature photographer
  • local antiques dealer


I've had more than my share of 20 hour days, however after a long time things settled down and now I work a more or less "normal" week but it's intense. However, I like the diversification in what I do and that's what helps me keep not only my interest in it but also the money coming in........ when one thing slows down another always picks up. I don't like boxing myself in a corner with just one or two things.

I'm very happy working for myself, essentially I'm working for my clients, of course! I would never trade this for going back to work for someone in an office or wherever unless the bottom had fallen hopelessly out of everything.

It's a nice life, hard work but I'm ok with that.
Posted By: JanZeiger Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 05/02/07 05:07 PM
Just wanted to update and say that I'm selling children's books now and doing really well with that.

Here my Squidoo site with links to everything I'm involved in:

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Posted By: MegM_BusinessCoach A Career of Projects - 06/20/07 06:19 PM
Oooh, Michianna, what an interesting topic!

A Career of Projects is how I describe what I do. (The link is to my blog post on the subject.)

I write. A lot. Nonfiction articles, website content, and the occasional business writing.

I take on a few Business Coach clients, that I feel are truly motivated. I'm super selective about who I take on, though. I want the clients that are truly ready to design their life to be what they really want. A lot of folks will say they're ready, but they don't want to do the work.

I do graphic design. You wouldn't know it from the lack of graphics on my blog, but I do that too.

I produce events. Like Disaster Training for emergency personnel. (Although, that may not count as from home, as I tend to travel for those.)

I fix up my house. In fact, I often have to take my laptop to a coffee shop to get writing done, to not sidetrack myself with refinishing cabinets and the like.

I perform. (Acting, Comedy, Dance, Juggling. Fire juggling comes next!) The business of which is done from home.

I lead workshops & events. The business of which is also done from home.

I know this sounds like way too much for one person, but I'm not doing everything on one day. I just wanted to illustrate the variety of projects that make up my business. The business of being Me is certainly a fun one!

Oh, and last but not least, I recently joined BellaOnline as the Business Coach Editor. I'm super excited about that. I like the idea of being able to help so many people at one time to create a life's work that really fits who they are and their own passions.
Posted By: SandraF Re: Tell Us About Your Business - 06/24/07 04:29 AM
Hi I'm Sandra and I'm a virtual assistant working from home in Australia. I've been a VA for almost four years and have 19 prior secretarial years of experience behind me. I work about 35+ hours a week, but spread out all over the place, seven days a week really, around my children, family, social commitments, etc. I also developed an info site for prospective and existing VAs.

Kindest regards
Sandra
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