Recent Census data show that almost half of the nation’s 23 million businesses are operated out of the home. “We are running at about a 10 percent annual growth rate,” said Rudy Lewis, president of the National Association of Home Based Businesses, in Maryland. “I really couldn’t do everything I am doing if I had an office,” said Bean, who likes having few overhead business costs. “But what’s scary is how fast this has grown. This was supposed to be a side job to earn some extra money; now I am working on a Web site and brochures.”

Working out of the home requires self-discipline and motivation. And experts say it isn’t for everyone. “It is so easy to take a break and do the laundry or go play with the kids,” said Karen Graff, a consultant with the Small Business Development Center in Fresno. “And that’s fine, but it is also easy to lose focus. I tell people, if you are going to work out of your home, don’t do business in your jammies.” Computer consultant Tammy Sears admitted she worked better outside her home than in it. “Not only did I outgrow my space at home, but working at home also revealed a lack of discipline,” said Sears, founder of On-Site Computer Training in Fresno. “I would tell myself that I am going to get up at 8 a.m. and start working. But then I would start the laundry. I kept waffling back and forth. It didn’t work.” Many are making it work, especially women. Census figures show that 56 percent of home-based businesses are run by women, and organizations such as the Association of Home-Based Working Moms are helping to increase those numbers.

click here for article

search for : National Association of Home Based Businesses, Home-Based Working Moms