Read & write

Many people have lost their jobs and are finding it extremely difficult to find new jobs.  The recession has affected many businesses that have had no alternative but to close their doors.  This environment of joblessness has prompted many to look for opportunities to start a home business.  The one problem that people face is what type of home business to start.  The best option if you are undecided is to make use of your qualifications, skills and experience gained during your career.  However, this is not your only option and you may well want to venture into something new. 

 
Accounting and Tax Consulting 
 
If you have experience in the accounting or bookkeeping field, you could offer prospective clients a bookkeeping service.  If you are a qualified accountant with the necessary certification to undertake audits and sign financial statements, you can open an accounting practice.  Many small and medium-sized companies look for bookkeepers to do the full bookkeeping function for them.  A good idea is to offer a package service where you do absolutely everything from books of prime entry through to financial statements and tax returns.  Arrange to do all this for a monthly fee.  For companies where they do not require a full service, you could charge on a consulting basis.   
 
To do this from home, you may have to invest in office and computer equipment, if you do not already have it. 
 
Telephone Answering Service 
 
Many sole traders have realized that because their telephone is not answered promptly, they are losing trade to more efficient businesses.  Most clients who call a business service expect the telephone to be answered by a live person, not an answering machine.  It annoys customers when they go to voice-mail and many of them simply hang up and go elsewhere.  Offering these business people an answering service is a low overhead, easy to setup home business. 
 
You will have to make a decision regarding the level of answering service you wish to offer.  The service could be offered on an ad-hoc basis, full time, 24-hours, or business hours only.  A decision must be made as to whether you will be available on public holidays and over the weekend. 
 
Playgroup 
 
If you are a parent who wishes to spend time with your small children, you could start a home playgroup scheme.  This could be set up as a half-day venture to allow other mothers time for their own home-based businesses.  You could offer the service as a full day option as this will suit parents who work full-time.  If you offer a full-day service, you will require assistance if you have several children to care for.  
 
Online Opportunities 
 
There are many online opportunities for home businesses.  There are several online job sites where there are transcription, writing and other types of jobs available.  Your online options are endless. 
 
Before you start a home business, you must check if your local council has any special regulations regarding the requirements for a home business.  You need to register as a self-employed person with the Inland Revenue Service if you do not intend to form a company.