Home Secretary Business

Work From Home As a Secretary

Contracting your services in a home secretarial business is a potential venture to explore as you consider options for working from home.  If you don't already have them, following are a few items you will need to make a serious go at this opportunity:

1.  Business License - Business licenses are inexpensive and easy to obtain.  You should be able to do an internet search for your respective state's rules.  

2.  Computer - The choice between a MAC and PC are completely up to you, but you will need a word processor such as Microsoft Word on the system you choose.  You can also download a free word processors at the Open Office.

3.  Other software that will be needed:

    a.  Printer - this is a must have.  If you are just starting out and don't have one, invest in an inexpensive model.   I personally prefer printers that do a variety of tasks such as copying, faxing, and scanning.  You can find an inexpensive model at your local store, order on line from a company like Tiger Direct, or find a cheap model on EBay.  I personally recommend, getting a new printer; that way you have a limited warranty associated with it.     

    b.  Software for creating flyers, business cards, brochures, newsletters, reports, banners, signs & posters, stationary etc.  Print Shop is a good option, but there are many more available.  If you don't know where to start, go to a local Staples or Best Buy and ask the sales representative for recommendations.  Caution - a sales rep may be inclined to steer you toward the more expensive versions.

    c.  Separate Telephone Line - If you are on a limited budget, you can use your cell phone to start, but you will eventually need a second line and a professional sounding voicemail. 

    d.  Business Name - use your imagination, but ensure the name you choose implies what you offer.  I recommend asking friends or family for advice before settling on a name. 

You are ready to start your business, but wait just one minute.  Do you have these basic skills:

    - Organizational skills

    - Good English and Grammar

If you are not organized, this could present a challenge to your aspirations.  If you are unsure of your English and grammar proficiency, there are plenty of programs available that can improve your skills quickly.   You can easily find resources online that help improve your typing skills, and best of all they are free.  One such resource for improving your typing skills is found here.  I found this free resource in the one program I have invested in so far.  If you are interested in more free programs click here to view the program.  Note, the program cost is $49, with a 60 day money back guarantee.  Just about everything in the guide can be had for free, but the time you will invest trying to find the resources is time you could be using to start your business.   I say this, because you are either getting starting or researching how to get started.  The guide will help you get started as soon as possible.   If you don't want to or can't afford investing in the guide, you can find the same information by doing Google and Bing searches. 

Here are some services you could provide to potential clients:  

    - Notary Public 

    - Proofreading and Editing 

    - Resume' Writer

    - Desktop Publishing

4.  Your Potential Clients

    - Business  (Focus on smaller companies in the beginning such as beauty salons, ad agencies, banks, insurance agencies, conventions, fraternities, sororities, etc)

    - Academic Agencies (Type essays, resumes, research, etc)

    - Organizations (Professional, Charitable)

    - General Public

5.  Promoting Your Business

    - Word of mouth 

    - Offer free trial 

    - Flyers

    - Brochures

    - Seek jobs from Temp Agencies

    - Blog or Website

This is just the tip of the iceberg, but it should be enough to get you started.  Good luck!!  Let me know how it works out for you.