Where to Find Work at Home Jobs

Working from home can be a great option if you have the motivation to get started and stick with it.  If you have the will to make yourself sit down and work, even when it’s the last thing in the world you want to be doing, then the first challenge to overcome is where to find a job.  You know where you’ll be working, but what will you be doing? 

What Type of Work Suits You?

Before you delve into the process of finding a job, you must first decide what you’ll be doing from home.  Will you be working online or offline?  Are you going to be selling products or services?  You have to decide what your market will be before you decide where to find the demand for your supply.

If you're still uncomfortable with this decision, check out our post on Making Work from Home Work for You:  The Basics. Don't be in a rush to get started. Time spent preparing can save you a lot of heartache down the road.

Finally -- If you’re not sure what direction you’d like to go, or you would like to be your own boss but are afraid to fly solo without some direction, take a look around. Find other people in your town or online who are working from home in jobs you think you might like. Take time to interview them about how they got started -- it might lead to an internship or apprenticeship, or maybe even a partnership!

Where To Look

First of all, remember that when finding a work from home job, you will most likely need to be proactive in your search.  Put yourself out there; don’t just wait for someone to snatch you up.  For instance, use your current classifieds to place an advertisement instead of just looking to see if anyone has already posted a want add for your service or product. 

If your local grocery store or library has a bulletin board, print up some professional looking fliers and post your advertisement there, as well.  If you can afford it, call your local radio station and see if you can get an ad block.

Never overlook word-of-mouth, either.  (However, a word of caution with that statement: Do not start a business thinking that your family should be your jumping off point.  This will only cause guilt and frustration, which are probably not two goals in your work from home fantasy.)   Always remember that your first clients are extremely important.  You’ll want them to mention you to their inner circle in a very positive light.  Never let one of your first customers walk away with a bad impression of you.  The negative will spread faster than the positive.

Some sites that can help you get started on your search include:

• WAHM.com
• Freelance Mom
• Hire My Parents
• Money Making Mommy
• Craigslist
• Link Up

Making Contact

As long as you have a professional looking resume, cover letter, and maybe even a business card or three, don’t be afraid to approach a prospective lead. Network, network, network. Working from home is like any other job -- making contacts and meeting people is what will give you the inside track into great opportunities.

If you want to work online as a writer, for instance, contact a website or blog and ask if they would like a contributor.  If you want to open a daycare, go to a local children’s clothing store and tell them about your business.  They may be able to help spread the word and advise you of anyone who may be interested.  If you’re going to be a gunsmith, inform your local sporting goods store that you’re available for customers.

With this, though, comes another word of caution: be discreet and respectful.  Some places do not allow solicitors.  So if, for instance, you want to post a flier up in the window of that clothing store, be sure to get the manager’s permission.  Also, do not hand out your business cards to shoppers like candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween.  You could be made to leave the store, and you’ll probably lose more credibility than you will ever be able to get back.  Only approach the manager with the information, not their customers.

You are a business, so act professional, and don’t take it personally if someone declines your services or products.   Unless you are acting unprofessional, if they decline, it is not a reflection of you as a person.   Those refusals in the beginning can be of great value to you.  Always ask your potential customers why they declined your offer.  This will help your business grow and evolve in a positive manner.

Getting Out There

These are just a few of the many steps you can take toward building a work at home endeavor. Each job search is really dependent upon what services or products you'll be offering.  Just as with anything in business, you really need to create a plan that fits you, your clients, and your business.  Hopefully, after reading this post, it should get your mind flowing, and you can tweak the advice to fit your specific needs.

Be sure to check out our other posts in this Making Work From Home Work For You series!

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