Thinking of Starting a Home-based Business

Sounds like a good idea, but I would definitely try to target moms with newborns and traveling moms for this one.

Probably I would not use this service, but I bet there are people who would. Start now while people are going on vacation. Put the word out to EVERYONE you know and in your email address book. I would suggest adding in a school pick-up service so Mom doesn't have to leave work.

Actually, if you market to the right people, you could be successful. Virtual Assistants are really taking off. I know some college, and former college, students that have marketed themselves as virtual assistants. They run anything from making appointments, calling for info for something like an estimate, to running errands when the person is local, to typing word docs for meetings etc. I read an article about it a few weeks ago and it mentioned something about matching the task to the market and fee charged--such as a discounted price for seniors that may be on a limited income for grocery shopping and other errand. I would definitely look further into it and decide what exactly you want to offer and to whom. Do you want to mainly do small tasks for people around you, are you willing to travel a bit (40 mile radius maybe) to get to other people that may need your service, are you willing to do virtual tasks, pick up documents to type up, etc? I know many people that rush to the dry cleaner before going to the store and then home to hurry up and cook a meal for their family--guess what, already bed time. Having someone else to call to run to the dry cleaner and store for milk or whatever would be something they would consider.

I have a friend that did something similar for a busy professional, he was also wheel chair bound so small errands were a lot more work for him to do. but it worked out well for her for a little extra cash, she did not pursue it as a long term income but it did help when she needed it, good luck!

I think this could be a great business, and agree with others here that it's worth a shot! It's not like you'd have to invest a lot of money in equipment, signage, etc., so what do you have to lose? I especially like the suggestion about including school pick-up service (I'd use that!) but you can only be in one place at one time, so really you could only have one client for that.

I have had my own businesses before, and one book that sounds especially appropriate for what you're considering is "Attracting Perfect Customers" by Stacey Hall and Jan Brogniez. I think if you target a very specific niche and spend your energy marketing to that niche you have to potential to be very successful!

And, I just have to say, your quote about "home-based businesses that are supposedly not MLM, but they are" made me laugh out loud. So true!!!

I am a working mom, but I would not use a personal concierge service. There are probably many moms who would, but I prefer to take care of those kinds of things on my own because of how particular I am.

Then again, I didn't want help from Mom or MIL when I had newborns because I keep my house a certain way and thought I'd be more frustrated and spend more time "fixing" what they'd done to help.

But, there are likely people who would take advantage of this. I'd check to see if there are similar national services through which you could create a business model.

If you do your research appropriately and come-up with a good marketing plan, you may have a nice business, but it may also be very time consuming unless you specify a radius in which you're willing to accept clients.

GOOD LUCK!

Probably not very likely unless you were employed by a particular person, but hey, who knows. Give it a shot. I admire anyone willing to try things.

I have used something similar to this in the past myself. I am a home-based, part time, work when I want event planner. I only work during the summer and only a few events per summer. I took on too many weddings a few summers ago and needed a temporary occassional 'assistant' to help with tasks and details. I think it could work well if you just make sure to market yourself to the right cliental.

Good for you! I would target this service to working moms. They often have the income and need for this service. The economy is improving, so I wouldn't let that be a deciding factor. Definitely come up with a solid marketing strategy before you begin. Evaluate the market, too, to make sure there aren't already others doing the same service (if so, how will you stand out?). Also talk to a tax accountant to make sure you get set up properly and file quarterly taxes properly.

Good luck!

You will need a commercial insurance policy for liability. Call a local insurance agent and get a quote. That will help you decide if you want to pursue it or not.

Also, in this economy, I just can't see people paying extra for these things. But that's just me. Good luck.