Olympic Home Based Business Association
A World Wide Community Supporting Independence and Success

Types of home business

Almost a quarter of our businesses simply didn't exist 20 years ago. The technology is rapidly changing what some of us are doing, while at the same time many of us are doing quite traditional things. The range of businesses is staggering. There are two ways of choosing a business:

  • Choosing one based on what you enjoy - means more pleasure in your business, doesn't seem like work, more uncertain income
  • Choosing one based on what is needed - more certain profits, perhaps like buying yourself a job you won't necessarily like.

Of course, best of all is to combine the two!

Some types of business:

  • Information handling - these include desktop publishing, word processing, data analysis, writing, graphics and more.
  • Advisory - consultants, teachers, tutors and such
  • Service - errand runners, bed & breakfasts, cleaners, organizers, and the like
  • Fixers - repair of all kinds, including home contractors, auto mechanics, handyman services, and so on.
  • Makers - Inventors, artists, manufacturing and similar.
  • Multilevel - A particular kind of selling. Requires a "missionary" attitude to constantly sell to and convert (recruit) others. If you can do that, can be very successful. Lots of sharks in this swimming hole!
  • Selling - Marketing, advertising, independent sales

There are lots of others, but those categories comprise the majority of viable options.