The revenue needed to stay in business for six months, one year, and beyond. What do you earn now each month? What will you need to maintain your current lifestyle? Whatever figure, it’s amount you’ll need in bank or coming in from a second full or part-time job for at least first six months in business, if not a full year. Reason? There’s always a delay between starting date of your voiceover business and when money actually starts coming in.

The amount of capital (seed money) needed to start up and keep business afloat. This is operating capital you’ll use exclusively to fund business for first six to twelve months. You’ll need enough to keep business afloat until you break even then start earning money, instead of just paying it out in expenses.

Short-term goals to get your voice-over business up and running. Typical short term goals include: getting your demo(s) done; selecting, ordering, and installing your studio equipment; deciding where in you home to put your studio; deciding how to make your studio decent acoustically and installing acoustical treatment; designing a logo and stationery, and ordering them; locating contacts to whom you can send your demo(s); setting up your bookkeeping system (QuickBooks is excellent. www.quickbooks.com); getting health coverage and property insurance to insure your equipment; deciding if you’re going to buy an ISDN unit and installing an ISDN line; ordering marketing materials, like postcards to send to clients.

Long-term goals, including future revenue goals and funding your retirement. How big is your dream? How well do you want to live in retirement? Determining your long-term goals will guide you to actions needed to attain them. Consult your accountant. If you don’t have one, be sure to get one.

That’s enough to get you started. There are plenty of books on voice-overs to help you complete your plan. Visit your local bookstore or go on-line.

As you can see, you can start your voice-over business part-time or full-time. With a little planning—and seed money—you’ll be on your way. Have fun!

©Peter Drew

Key 4: How is product delivered to customer? This is an important point as you will want to leverage or use your limited time in most effective way possible. If you physically deliver to your customers, you significantly limit your income and market potential. No business, even your own will pay you for delivery. Businesses pay on generating sales! Your time is much more valuable spent in lead generation than to allow it to be squandered in delivering product.

Look for a business where products can be delivered electronically over internet, or are delivered directly to consumers by parent company - without you having to be involved, other than placing order.

Key 5: Is there a proven business system? Is there a successful business system you can plug into? Let's face it, you want to get up and running and be making money as soon as possible, not creating a business system! Or, worse still trying to make a bad business system workable!

Look for a business opportunity with well-designed marketing tools; efficient, automated processes, simplicity and track record of creating business success for newbies. A great business is one that even Homer can master! Key 6: Is there a support system? Is there a support structure you can plug into until you grow your business and learn your business to stand independent? Once you get started, are you going to be left alone or will there be someone there to guide you?

Choose a home business where someone will teach you how to run business and if need be, show you how to develop your own leaders. Make sure there is a mentoring system in place so you have opportunity to regularly learn from successful leaders who have gone before you.

Key 7: The credibility factor. Is organization believable, stable and have a track record of delivering on their promises? Have a good look at people who are in charge and ask following questions.

How long has this organization been in business? Is company well respected? Does company make unsubstantiated claims? Have they been able to establish a loyal customer base so far? Do they meet all government standards and qualifications in countries they operate? Is there a refund policy? Can they deliver on their remuneration promises?

You should take time to get to know company you will be relying on. Don't just be dazzled by so-called income testimonies!

Now there are a number of home business opportunities out there all vying for your attention. Armed with these seven success factors you are well equipped to sort out those work at home business opportunities that have best potential of providing you with true financial freedom.

© Copyright by Kim Beardsmore