INTRODUCTION

Not everyone wants to own their own business, and not everyone who wants to is capable of being a success. But for those of you who currently own, or are thinking of buying a personal computer, you can just about guarantee yourself that for just a few hours of your spare time, you could easily produce an income that exceeds your current monthly earnings. Thousands of success stories have been documented, and you could easily earn up to $5,000 a month, and more, in your spare time. And if you enjoy computers, you can have fun while you earn your extra income.

Home based computer entrepreneurs were once predicted to be "the wave of the future." The U.S. Labor Department believes that up to half of all Americans could be working at home by the year 2000. If that prediction is true, a large number of these workers will be home based employees of various major corporations. Millions of others however will be home based entrepreneurs engaged in a business of their own.

The computer revolution of the 1980’s has created the computer explosion of the 1990’s. It has also paved the way for a new, very lucrative cottage industry that should continue to be highly profitable for home business entrepreneurs in the 1990’s and beyond.

Successful computer entrepreneurs have shown that it doesn't matter if your computer is a simplified Apple, or a loaded IBM PC, you can use it to make more money in your spare time than you ever dreamed was possible.

In his book, The Third Wave, author Alvin Tofler predicted that the electronic cottage would be the mom and pop business of the future. The "future" has arrived! Increasing numbers of home based businesses have made Tofler's predication a reality.

To become a successful part of this reality, you must first of all have a plan. An important part of that plan is to not only decide what type of work you would most like to do with your computer, hut what type of business you are best suited for. For example, do you like working with children? If so, as a computer consultant you could help children find a computer and program that is compatible to various age groups. You could also program games, become a home tutor, and even have local schools refer students to you.

Maybe you are interested in creative writing. With programs that are now available you can create original verse for any occasion, design crosswords, puzzles, develop and sell your own computer programming courses, start a computer newsletter, or publish your own How To books.

There is by no means a solid criterion for becoming a successful computer entrepreneur. Many people go into business with the singular goal of making money. Still, you may want to consider doing something that you are happiest doing. Your own interests and experience will help you make that decision, and consequent business success.

Another part of any business plan should of course include knowing exactly what is required. What will it cost? What can you charge for your services? How will you market your service? How many hours can you dedicate to your business? What are local, state, and federal responsibilities, licenses, taxes? Do you know how to keep good accounting records?

Before a person can say they are qualified to run a business, they must determine those qualifications through planning. There is of course nothing you cannot accomplish if you set your mind to it. However, you must have a clear concept of what it is that you enjoy doing, and what you want from your business venture.

This book is designed to show you how to create a plan, especially for you, and then help you set your goals. It has been written in easy to understand language for the average person, who would like to begin making money full time or part time with their personal computer, the easy, enjoyable, and successful way.