Huff - The Self-Employed Womans Guide to Launching a Home-Based Business

W hen I first began writing about self-employed women back in the eighties, it was primarily about women who were pioneers in the burgeoning home business movement. Though they really were not aware they were at the forefront of a new entrepreneurial trend, they had begun to question our societys expectations of the new twentieth-century woman (dare I say liberated woman?) having a full-time career, a family, and at the same time, a meaningful relationship with a significant other. As one woman told me, I believe what my T-shirt says: I am woman, I am invincible, and I am tired!!

Some were becoming frustrated in their workplaces with the empty promises of advancement and angered that their opinions did not always carry the same weight as those of their male counterparts or that they did not receive the same pay rate or salary in a comparable job. Others were finding it difficult to work full time and balance the needs of their families, especially when an unexpected family crisis or illness occurred. While various employers were sympathetic, many were not, resulting in women being laid off or fired because of time lost. Still other women were less than pleased at their career choices and desired to work at something they enjoyed doing, such as an outgrowth from a hobby or a previous volunteer experience.

Having more flexibility and control in their work lives was, and continues to be, a motivating factor in starting not just a home business, but in owning any type of business. As one woman, a certified counselor specializing in counseling women and girls, states on her business card: Destiny is shaped by our choices. Basically, women (and men!) want that freedom to choose what they do in their lives.

This new twenty-first century will hopefully offer more work-life opportunities that can be customized to fit an individuals needs rather than following corporations rules of work. Thus the mission of this book is to present to women everywhere practical information to start a successful home business that best suits their lives and their future. The book will not answer all your home business questions, but I have strived to (1) comprehensively cover as many home business basics as possible for your startup; and (2) to provide you with the most helpful resources I could find. If you have questions or comments concerning home businesses or womens self-employment, I invite you to send me an e-mail at , and write in the subject line, Home-Based Business Question. I will do my best to find the answer for your question. You can also ask for the latest information about any e-zines and Web sites that I am currently publishing and operating that will provide up-to-date information for a self-employed woman.

I do not promise that by reading this book you will make a million dollars in your venture, but I sincerely hope that it will be a launching pad to your home business success. Please note that there are many other good books, publications, Web sites, and other entrepreneurs who can also assist you in your entrepreneurial quest. Gather as much information as you need, from as many resources as you can. Then, when you feel you are ready, just do it! If the tragic events on September 11, 2001, taught us anything, it is that there are no guarantees for tomorrow, so go forward today and begin to pursue and achieve your dreams!

101 best wishes for entrepreneurial success!!