Family Businesses You Can Start From Home

In today’s gig economy, pursuing a successful career can be very different from what your grandparents had in mind. No one expected the massive shift to remote working caused by the global coronavirus pandemic. However, most people quickly got used to working from their homes and the changes it caused to their routine. You might have some extra time on your hands, or perhaps you want a change of pace. Picking up some more work means additional income, which is always good. Luckily, there are numerous jobs you can do from your house that require little to no investment. Before we dive into family businesses you can start from home, here is how to make it work. (edited)

Being productive when working from home

One of the main tricks you need to master is how to constantly be productive. If you start your own business and you're working from home, you'll need to be super strict on yourself. There's no one else who will push you to work harder, and you're the only one setting deadlines and goals. This is a slippery slope that can lead to constant delays and low output or overworking and burnout. You'll need a productive work environment that will get you in the mood.

A healthy approach is to treat your home business just like any other job. Get dressed for work and have regular 'office' hours. Develop a routine and stick to it – productivity will follow.

How to set up a home office

First, you need to select the right spot for your workstation. Your home office doesn't need to be anything special. It should give you a bit of privacy and calm surroundings in which you can work. If you want to have an inspiring workspace in your home, you should have very few distractions and keep the office space clean. Of course, you can decorate it, but keep things professional and tidy.

Natural light and good airflow are great for keeping up productivity. If you can, try to place your desk near a window. You might want to invest in a comfortable chair since you will probably spend a lot of time at your desk.

Will you be manufacturing something?

Manufacturing can be a small family business that you can start from home, but you will need to be mindful of other people living there. Besides a desk or a station that you can work from, you will also need to have some storage space. Tools and supplies need to be kept someplace, as well as products that are waiting for shipping. Talk to your family or housemates and figure out which areas you can use for storage.

Structuring a family business

Will you be working alone, or is your idea more of a team effort? There are many family businesses you can start from home that require multiple people to chip in. For things to work in the long run, you will need to have a rigid structure. Talk about how you will divide tasks and who gets to make decisions. Setting things up properly is a great way to avoid future misunderstandings and confrontations.

Here are some ideas for family businesses you can start from home:

1. Start a craft store

Are you good with your hands or an artsy person? Handmade goods can fetch very nice prices. There are multiple websites where you can sell your DIY items online. If you choose to start crafting for something you already have experience with, the cost of entry might be low. You might already have all the needed tools and materials just lying around the house.

1. Become a blogger

Perhaps there is a particular subject you are especially passionate about. Start a blog and share your knowledge with the world. Regularly outputting quality content is excellent for drawing an audience, but you'll also need some marketing to grow your blog.

2. Start a video channel

Video content is in constant demand. Online vlogs can earn a lot of money through AdSense and sponsorships. You’ll need to invest a bit in a home studio with some lighting and a good camera. However, after the initial investment there are virtually no additional costs.

Here are some topics for which you can record and upload videos:

●  Tutorials – people are always searching for ‘how-tos’ and search engines offer tutorials among their top results.

●  Cooking – recipes and tips are things people constantly look up online. A step-by-step video guide on how to prepare your favorite meals will surely draw a crowd.

●   Reviews and unboxings – if you order a lot of specialty items, you can record unboxing videos. You can later upload an in-depth review for the same item, doubling your number of videos. Unboxing videos get a lot of views for everything ranging from kids' toys to beauty products.

3. Teach online classes

You can become an online tutor for anything you are skilled at. If you are a native speaker, there are online schools where you can enroll as an English teacher. You won’t even need to go out of your way to find students; the school can do it for you.

4. Stream yourself

Online streams have gained a lot of popularity. People need to connect, especially since the lockdowns. Communities where viewers can chat with the streamer in real time always draw a crowd. Streamers often record themselves playing video games or even just talking. There is an important difference between streaming and uploading videos. Streams are live while videos are pre-recorded. That means it's crucial to have a streaming schedule people can follow.

5. Pet sitting and dog walking

If you have many neighbors with pets in your area, you might consider starting a pet sitting business. Taking care of animals can be a great way to fill your time and earn a few bucks on the side. You could even offer additional services like taking pets to the vet or overnight boarding.

We've given you some ideas for family businesses you can start from home; the rest is up to you. Most of these suggestions allow you to start small and just dip your toes in the water. If you end up liking the work, you can devote more time and turn it into a full-time career.

Meta description: Do you have free time and could use some extra cash. Here are some ideas for family businesses you can start from home right now.

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