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How to Maximize Your Professional
Potential after Incarceration with a
Home-Based Business
by Elijah Dawson
A full downloadable PDF of this article is available from here.
Abbydale Systems LLC. are not responsible for any external links.
Here is Elijah's article.
Over 600,000 people are released from incarcerations to re-enter society every year,
but many of those people are not well-equipped for daily life or career placement upon
release. This transition can be very difficult and many formerly-incarcerated individuals
struggle to find their place. If this scenario sounds familiar, be reassured that there
are options for you. One of which is to create a home-based business. If you're ready to
work on your own terms, starting a home-based business could be a great idea! Of course,
becoming an entrepreneur is easier said than done. Here, Felon Helper shares some tips to
help you start off on the right foot.
Make a Productivity Plan to Reach a Big Goal
When you run a home-based business, you're accountable for your own productivity.
You won't have to answer to anyone besides your clients or customers, and it can be
easy to procrastinate when you run into challenging or stressful tasks.
Establish a productivity plan right out of the gate so you can avoid forming bad work
habits. Use tools like these to manage your priorities, avoid multitasking, and keep your
schedule organized.
Once you have basic habits in place, give this a try: set a BHAG -
a big hairy audacious goal!
These monstrous goals can help drive you and your business forward in ways you may not have
imagined. You will have smaller, short-term goals, but they will all lead you towards this
BHAG.
So, think about the future and then set it in motion!
Get Started on an Ecommerce Platform
Forget about building a website from scratch. The easiest way to start a home business is to set
up a website on an ecommerce platform.
Ecommerce platforms offer huge time savings to home-based entrepreneurs, providing a single
dashboard where you can create site content, update pages, personalize for specific customer
segments, and more.
Look for a platform that offers rich content tools, inventory management, and
powerful data analytics so you can manage your business effectively without
spending every waking hour at your computer.
Establish an LLC.
Before registering your business, you'll need to decide on a business structure.
Consider forming
an LLC right away instead of sticking with the default structure of a sole proprietorship. An
LLC will separate you from your business, ensuring you cannot be held liable for business-related
issues. LLCs enjoy many of the same benefits as corporations without the hefty tax burden and
ongoing management requirements.
Find out what it takes to form an LLC in your state and consider filing your formation paperwork through an
online formation service to save some money.
Go Back to School for Business-Related Skills
Running a successful business involves more than knowing your products or services. You need to
understand the foundations of business practices, too. If you are inexperienced in this area,
consider going back to school to pursue a business-related skill that you currently lack. A
business bachelor degree can further your career and give you both the skills and confidence
you need to start your business.
Online courses give you the freedom to attend classes from anywhere. Plus,
if you are nervous about going to college, it can be less intimidating to log in versus
walk into a full physical classroom. Plus, you can complete courses on your own schedule and
start filling in the knowledge gaps so that you can be an even more successful entrepreneur.
Set Boundaries with Friends and Family
Setting boundaries with friends and family when you run a home-based business can be
challenging, as many people may not fully understand the time constraints and demands of
running a business from home.
To overcome this, it's important to communicate your work schedule and the importance of
uninterrupted work time to your loved ones. Let them know you cannot be interrupted during
your work hours and that you'll be available to spend time with them outside of your
schedule. Remember that setting boundaries is critical
to the success of your home-based
business and can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance!
Take Advantage of Free Online Tools
You may be surprised by how inexpensive it is to start some businesses. Of course, if you
need products or a location, you may need
some sort of business loan. But you can save a lot
of money by relying on free tools to get started. You can design all kinds of marketing
materials for free using online templates. And there are free versions of many types of
software from accounting programs to word processing and CMS tools.
If you have some technological skills and are planning to design your website yourself, you can
get free and low-cost website builders and hosting plans. Plus, you
can use free coding resources to troubleshoot
common problems when they arise.
Take Regular Breaks
Taking regular breaks is crucial for maintaining your productivity, creativity, and overall
well-being when you run a business from home. With so much to do, it's easy to become absorbed
in work for extended periods without taking a break.
Schedule short, frequent breaks
and set reminders, so you don't work through them.
These brief periods away from your computer will give your brain a chance to rest and
reset, allowing you to return to your work with renewed energy and focus. Avoid
mentally-stimulating activities during your break, like scrolling on social media or
reading the news. Grab a healthy snack or take a walk around the block instead!
Put Your Plan into Action
Starting a business from home is an exciting venture, but it also requires discipline,
planning, and a clear understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come
with home-based work. By implementing strategies like establishing a productivity plan,
using an ecommerce platform, forming an LLC, and setting boundaries with loved ones, you
can create a successful home-based business that provides you with the freedom to live life
on your own terms!
Felon Helper provides faith-based support and resources
for the formerly incarcerated.
Visit us online to join our community.
Please consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.
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