An SMP Book Review!

Homemade Money -
 Starting Smart

 by Barbara Brabec
6 x 9" format, HC,
382 pgs., $24.95
ISBN 0-87131-998-5

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"Starting Smart!" - volume one of the Homemade Money set by author Barbara Brabec

The sub-title says it all: How to Turn Your Talents, Experience, and Know-How into a Profitable Homebased Business That's Perfect for You! Barbara guides you through the process of starting a home-based business from scratch. Through her book she helps you assess your talents, abilities, and interests to assist you in determining the right business for you.

I started reading this amazing book while I was in the hospital, waiting for my daughter to have her tonsils removed. Fortunately I had the foresight to carry along a notepad and highlighter and let me tell you, both of them got a work out! I had intended to quickly skim through the book to get an idea of what was contained in it, but the more I read, the more I REALLY read! Before long, my head was full of new ideas and information. Not only did I begin to see new directions and opportunities, but I found affirmation of some ideas I had been considering and warning signs for some that could be detrimental to my business and financial health, too.

The book starts with a brief overview of the home-based business industry, which you will find valuable if you are considering entering the field. Barbara offers up a brief history of home-based business, and gives you the background on what is happening in the field today...who is working at home and why.

Chapter 2 in the first section is a must-read for those who are considering working at home, especially for the first time. You will find information on Work-at-Home misconceptions, "Get Rich Quick" schemes, scams pulled on business owners, and other home-business pitfalls to avoid.

Let me give you a list of the chapter titles in Section 1 of the book, "Starting Smart!". Just by looking over this list you will find that this book needs to be in your business library, even if you are a veteran business owner. Here they are:

1. Overview of the Work-at-Home Industry
2. Homework Myths, Scams, and Unprofitable Ideas
3. Assessing Your Personal Situation
4. Selecting the Right Type of Business for You
5. Brainstorming the Perfect Home Business Idea
6. Profiting from Your Special Expertise and Know-how
7. Positioning Yourself for Success
8. Planning Your Moves
9. Developing Necessary Printed Materials
10. Pricing Guidelines for Business Beginners
11. Learning to Use the Latest Computer Technology
12. Maintaining Control

And that's just in Section One! The second part of the book contains the "A-Z Crash Course" in Home Business Basics, along with other valuable resources. Barbara has put together a list of recommended books, websites, support networks. She has also included a list of  Home Business/Small Business Organizations that you can contact as you grow your business.

Barbara has also included a list of contributors who assisted her in developing this new, updated version of "Homemade Money". There is also a list of selected web sites that have good content to aid you in all aspects of your business, from supplies to industry research to writing and publishing help and of course, computer and web technology (you'll never guess who's site is in there, heh, heh!).

To put it succinctly, if you are serious, and I mean really serious, about owning and running a profitable home-based business, you need to invest your time, effort, and money wisely to get started properly. And "Homemade Money - Starting Smart!" should be the first investment you make...for your business and your future.

Steve Maurer, Steve Maurer Publications Fayetteville Arkansas