It's exciting to think about being your own boss. Some people really thrive on working independently, setting their own hours, and working only as hard as you want to. Before you "hang your shingle" and start your business, there are some very important questions you need to ask yourself.

~ Do I want to do this part-time or full-time?
~ Are there any supplies or equipment I need to buy?
~ Will I need financial assistance to get my scrapbooking home based business going?
~ What type of scrapbooks do I want to provide?
~ Are my skills and talents suitable for this business?
~ Should I have a partner?
~ How much should I charge for my services?
~ Is there a market for my scrapbooking home based business in my area?
~ Are there any zoning regulations for my neighborhood that could prevent my having a home business?
~ Should I get a business license?
~ Would it be a good idea for me to take a scrapbooking course before I begin the process of starting a scrapbooking home business?
~ What sort of accounting system will I need?
~ How do I charge and plan for taxes?
~ What's the competition doing in my area?
~ How will I market and advertise my scrapbooking home business?
~ Should I think about incorporating my business?
~ Where do I want my scrapbooking home business to be in six months?
~ What is the goal I want to achieve through my scrapbooking business?

Once you've answered these questions, you need to devise a business plan that will lay out the steps you will take toward making your business succeed. Use your answers to these questions to formulate this plan and put it into writing - for yourself and to keep the focus on your goal.

Write down what you want to accomplish by opening up this type of business. It's important to identify your goals so you don't lose track of why you wanted to have this business in the first place.

These are some of the many questions anyone thinking of starting a scrap booking home business should ask themselves and plan for. Getting the "business" details nailed down and in place before you actually begin your scrap booking home business will be invaluable to you as you proceed. It will give you much less to worry about and allow you to thoroughly enjoy making scrapbooks for your clients. And, after all, that's what your scrap booking home business is all about!

No matter what area you choose, however, marketing skills are a must. After all, you can have the greatest business/service/product there is - but if no one knows about it, it won't matter.