Avon calling! Do you remember this business? Well it is still around. You can sign-up on line with the simple form on the Avon website. I'm not sure how Avon agents operate now but not too long ago agents delivered catalogs or brochures in their territory and then went back to the homes and picked up the catalog and hopefully some orders. The process should be to Introduce the product to your customers, educate them as to why they should deal with you and the Avon product line, persist in returning to pick up your catalogs or brochures, deliver the products and take the opportunity to sell more. Also, to earn more money, share the opportunity with others and train them to do what you do. That is how such plans work and one way of starting a business from home.

Tupperware and many other companies are still around and offer opportunities to earn at home. They offer incentives. You could win a new car. Such companies are called party plan companies because products are sold in the homes of customers or friends. So that is another way of starting a business from home.

When I visit flea markets I see many vendors who make products at home and then sell them directly to the public. Many of these folks have websites where they also sell. They make all kinds of goods. One local company makes and sells dog treats. One man makes and sells flutes. Another makes toys. And the ladies make all kinds of knit and other such products. (That is where I get my hot pads.) So making products and then selling them is one way of starting a business from home. It starts with your background and desires. Many such products are created with artistic flare. They are unique.

Being a factory or manufacturer's representative is a pretty good way of starting a business from home. Many with engineering skills do this. But all kinds of companies use representatives to sell their products and one big advantage is that leads are usually supplied. You call the lead, set up a meeting, describe the product, fit it to the customers needs, and process the order. The company does most of the rest but you will need to stay in contact with your customer to make sure that things go correctly.

There are all kinds of products sold by company reps (representatives). I've dealt with clay company representatives, industrial machinery representatives, resin product representatives, you name it. But I also bought a couple of special beds from a rep. Job openings are listed by companies all the time. Usually a geological area is specified. If you place "manufacturer's rep job" in your search engine, you will find hundreds of jobs available. But search trade magazines also.

I have known many people over the years who worked as manufacturer's representatives. Some of them made a very good living. Consider this when you are starting a business from home.

I have a young friend who represents a siding, window, roofing company. During this recession he has been able to support his family which he could not do if he worked for wages. He spends lots of time on the road which is one disadvantage of such sales work. His job is like being Art Bundy, the shoe salesman on television, but it brings home the bacon.

Typing and office skills, accounting skills, telephone skills, etc., will allow a person in the process of starting a business from home. Just don't expect to make money "filling out forms" and "entering surveys," and other questionable jobs offered on the Internet but there is plenty of work for independent writers on the Internet. This is called "free lance" and a search on the Internet will help you find the best sites.

There are ways to take a home business to the Internet. You can also be an affiliate for companies selling their products. Amazon was one of the first and largest companies to use affiliates to sell their products. ClickBank has many products and it cost you nothing to sell them.

Sit back in your chair and start thinking. What do you want to do?Then take action. That is the key to success.

Fly Old Glory!