When the pandemic came, it radically changed the lives of countless women around the world.
by Eleanor Wyatt
Image via Pixabay
Though job loss was pervasive for every demographic, women were hit especially hard – especially mothers. Many had to step away from their jobs to care for their children who could no longer go to school or daycare. While many women are still dealing with unemployment and childcare issues, generating income from home is achievable. Check out these ideas for how you can start working from the comfort of your own home today, presented below by SmartBizOpps.
Turn Your Hobby Into a Business
If there is something you love spending your spare time doing, why not use it to build a small business? For many people, this will mean turning your hobby into saleable goods or services. Whether it’s creating decorative signs for people’s homes, making yummy-smelling candles, or working as a babysitter, having a successful business will be easier if you follow these steps:
1. Register Your Business
Whether you intend to establish your business as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, an LLC, or a corporation, it is important to know the benefits and drawbacks of each. Be sure to pay attention to the effects your legal structure can have on personal liability, tax obligations, and your growth plans.
2. Establish Your Online Presence
No business can compete in today’s market without having a strong online presence. Your website needs to be professional-looking and easy to navigate, regardless of how a potential customer accesses it (phone, computer or tablet). If you don’t have experience building websites, you may need to invest in a web designer to set up yours for you.
Online presence isn’t limited to a website, though. Your business also needs to be on social media. At a minimum, you need a Facebook page, but if you are selling attractive goods or services, you’ll do better if you use more visual platforms, such as Instagram, as well.
3. Market Effectively
Successful marketing lies almost entirely in the digital realm. A good digital marketing strategy involves understanding your market, including the needs and habits of your customers, and knowing which platforms and what messages work best with that demographic. However, don’t neglect more traditional, time-tested routes as well. For instance, you can use this free flyer maker to help spread the word in your area. Business cards are a good idea, as well!
Become a Freelancer
Freelance work can be a great way to start earning money immediately. Using skills you already have, you can set up online marketplaces, such as Fiverr and Upwork, that connect you with potential clients. You’ll be able to read client reviews and determine delivery time and cost before taking on a project. You can also work independently of sites like these, though it may take more time to establish your client base. Some ideas for freelance work include:
1. Book Editor
Book editors help authors shape and perfect their books. There are different kinds of book editing services, including copy editing, which focuses more on grammar and spelling, and developmental editing, which helps authors with bigger picture problems in their stories.
2. Social Media Manager
If you’re social media savvy, you may make a superb social media manager. Many companies and public figures need social media platforms that connect them with customers and grow their business, but they don’t have the time or understanding of how to effectively do this.
3. Virtual Assistant
With more professionals working from home, the need for virtual assistants is growing. Because you’re online and working with digital files, it’s helpful to have ready access to document management tools to, for example, convert a PDF to Word document. Virtual assistants manage the same tasks that traditional assistants do, such as scheduling appointments, sorting through emails, and managing contracts.
Women in STEM Fields
Women in STEM continue to face challenges when it comes to getting hired, getting promoted, and getting equitable salaries. Challenges can include lack of confidence, not having a mentor, negative stereotypes, lack of opportunities, lack of recruitment, and more, but when coping with these difficulties, Wealth of Geeks suggests being forthright and asking a lot of questions.
There are great women-focused websites like STEM Women that can be excellent places for sourcing STEM opportunities, too, such as events and networking opportunities. A little researching and reaching out can make a big difference in broadening your options.
Working from home is the new norm for women around the world. Do your research to figure out what is right for you and your family, and take steps to make your work-from-home dreams a reality.
SmartBizOpps.com was built and designed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, our directory features in-depth and accurate research about Business Opportunities and Franchises. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
