Thursday, May 29, 2008

Teaching Sewing as a Viable Home Business

As the predictions continue about the economy of the world, and the sustainability of our planet, many people are starting to look back at how our forefathers chose to do things in their lives and are trying to learn from their experiences. One of the things than many people today cannot do well, and yet want to learn to do, is sewing.

Sewing allows you to make useful and decorative items; however, it also allows you to reuse fabrics in a new way once an original item is not longer needed or wanted. With some simple sewing skills people can take outgrown clothing and make quilts for beds. They can take unwanted skirts and make pillow cases. The sewing options are limitless once you know the basics of how to sew.

Because many young people of today were not taught sewing by their parents and grandparents, there is a real need for those who know how to sew to teach others. If you know how to sew, and can teach others, you have a very marketable skill. You can every easily set-up your own home-based business of teaching other people how to sew.

With your business teaching people to sew, you can teach small classes or individuals. You can choose to teach adults or children, or even a combination of the two.

To ensure that your business is the best it can possibly be, and has the best shot at being successful for the long-haul, you will need to follow some time-tested home business strategies. Let’s take a moment to briefly look at each of them:

The Business Plan

No matter what business you decide to start, you 100% have to have a solid business plan. There is no way possible to have a successful business venture without one. The best way to develop your business plan is to think about all of the variables which go into your unique business, and what your ultimate short-term and long-term goals are for the business. With all of this information, you can sit down and formulate a business plan without it taking you a lot of valuable time.

Licensing and Regulations

Depending on the city, county, and possibly state you live in, you may have to get a business license to have a legal home-based business. The way to determine what the local rules and regulations are is to call up your local city and county government offices and ask them what you need to do. If you live in a state with sales tax, you should call up your state Controller’s Office and ask about obtaining a seller’s permit. You will most likely find that most government offices are supportive and helpful in getting you situated in a place where your business is legal.

Insurance

If you are conducting business out of your home, then you need to have a business liability insurance policy. Your regular homeowner’s policy will not cover any aspects of your business in the case of disaster. Home business liability insurance is fairly inexpensive and an absolute must have especially if people are coming to your home to learn how to sew.

Financial Records

The best thing you can do for yourself is to keep good business records from day one of your business. Start with the fees to get a business license, and start recording every single business expense that you have. By doing this as you go you will save both yourself and your tax preparer a ton of headaches come tax time.

Congratulations on your decision to start your own business teaching other people how to sew. This will be a very rewarding venture for both yourself and your students!

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