If someone was going to really pressure me to recommend a hot home-based
business for now and the future, there's one I'd have to list. That's web
design! It seems everyone wants/needs to get a website up. For those who
have
started creating sites for yourself, family, and friends and become
intrigued
with the idea of actually making money doing something you really enjoy, web
design might be the perfect home business for you.
Jennifer Czawlytko, author of the eBook, "A Bizy's Guide To Creating Success
In Web Design" took time out of her busy schedule to talk about her business
of web designing.
Jennifer has been my web designer for several years. I first met her in an
online chat that I used to host on AOL several years ago. A couple of years
into designing my site myself, I was in desperate need of finding a
designer.
Because Jennifer wasn't shy about the business she ran, I knew exactly who I
was going to ask to take this job.
I know you'll learn so much from Jennifer's past experience and the tips she
has to offer.
Liz: Jen, what makes web design the right business for you?
Jen: I have always had a creative side that I primarily saved for my off
time
(doing crafts, helping the PTA, etc.). I never really knew how to use my
creativity to succeed in my work life until I started working on the
computers at my children's schools. As I explain in my eBook, I started with
desktop publishing and eventually discovered web design. Here was a
business
where I could be creative on a daily basis and make money. It is important
to note though, while I can make a good income with this business, the
benefits of running this business go far beyond financial. I am a naturally
shy person, but web designing has allowed me to do something that I love,
something that can make a difference for so many people, and most
importantly, something that has allowed me to believe in myself. As a Mom I
have always told my children that they have to believe in themselves. Now I
can teach them by example. For me, that makes this the right business.
Liz: For the Moms thinking about starting a web design business, would this
be a good business for them to start from home? And why?
Jen: Definitely, if they have creative talents and can project a solid
business image, this is an ideal business to run from home. In my eBook I
cover not only the skills you need for this business, but also talk about
personalities. It is important for the budding entrepreneur to know that
this type of business is not for everyone. For example, you won't make money
overnight and you won't have the benefit of someone else's product to sell.
Web design is a business where you are selling your skills, your only
"product samples" are things that YOU create. That may sound scary, but
remember the benefits... YOU create your own success, YOU manage your own
schedule and workload, and YOU reap all the benefits. I love being able to
attend all my boys' school events, being able to work at 1 AM if one of my
boys isn't feeling well during the day, deciding when I want to take a
vacation, etc.
Liz: Has this business always been easy? Did you ever think about giving up?
Jen: Has anyone ever actually answered yes to that first question and no to
the second one? LOL I truly believe any business you start is going to
have
its tough times and there will be times you feel like giving up. So no, it
hasn't always been easy, and yes, I have considered giving up, many times.
But it isn't important if you have times like that; what is important is how
you handle them and grow from them. The first "problem" that arises will
always be the toughest one because you are more vulnerable in the beginning.
But if you learn from each bad experience, you will prevent future mistakes
and you will be stronger for it. In my eBook, I present some of the
problems
I have faced so that others can learn from my experiences as well as their
own.
Liz: Do you have to know everything there is to know just to get started?
Jen: No, that is one of the wonderful things about web design, there is
always something new to learn. You can start out offering the most basic
services and work your way up as you learn new techniques and strategies. In
my eBook, while I do not explain or teach the reader web design skills, I do
explain what the different skills are and new ones to keep an eye on in the
future. The Internet is a constantly growing and changing environment for
those who design it and those who surf it, so you can really dig out your
own
little niche tailored to what you know and what you are willing to learn.
Liz: Is a web design business expensive to start and manage?
Jen: If you already have a computer then you have the biggest expense out of
the way. I started with the basics: a computer, printer, HTML editing
software, graphics editing software, and lots of free learning resources. I
did not take any college courses or pay for any online courses, most of my
learning came from a few books I picked up (like Laura LeMay's "Teach
Yourself Web Design in 21 Days"), free online tutorials, and viewing the
HTML
coding from other web sites. As your business grows you can add other
equipment and upgrade your current
equipment. In the beginning I made a rule that I would not purchase
anything
new for my business unless I had the money in my business account. My
account started out with $100 of my personal money, which I have since
repaid
myself, and I have never had to violate my rule. I had to make some
sacrifices, like not buying the "best" programs when I started, not using
the
more expensive forms of advertising, or borrowing my friend's scanner until
I
could buy my own, but I wanted my business to pay for itself and it has.
Liz: What has been your biggest struggle with marketing your business and
how did you overcome it?
Jen: My shyness. Online I can talk to anyone and can project a great image.
But offline I am incredibly shy and introverted. A lot of that stems from
low self-esteem and a general belief that everyone is better than me. I
have
made great strides in this area as my business has grown, but in the
beginning it was very difficult to overcome. I was able to get around it by
focusing my marketing on techniques which did not involve me being placed
face-to-face with potential clients. My marketing was primarily accomplished
online. As I mention in the marketing sections of my eBook, this might not
work for everyone, but it was what I had to do to feel confident enough to
speak with my potential clients.
Liz: Any last words of advice?
Jen: Know your strengths and weaknesses as a business owner and have a good
support network around you. Many times you will find that your strengths
can be utilized in unusual ways to compensate for your weakness in other
areas. Your family, friends, and business colleagues can help you determine
if you are overly concerned about weaknesses you may have. We are always
our
own worst critics anyway. If you aren't finding enough support in your
current circles then go out and find new ones, because starting a business
is
hard and you need truly supportive people around you. In my eBook, I have
tried to lay out both the pros and cons of starting a web design business,
but only you can make the decision on if it is the right type of business
for
you. Weigh the pros and cons, then balance them with your own strengths,
weaknesses, and the advice of your friends to make the right decision for
you. Regardless of your decision I wish you well and hope you achieve all
you hope to in life. Good Luck!
To order Bizy Guide To Creating Success In Web Design
By Jennifer Czawlytko visit: http://www.bizymoms.com/main/?10000!0201
About the Author
Liz Folger is Work-at-Home Mom Expert and author of, "The Stay-at-Home Mom's
Guide To Making Money". Her book is available at your favorite bookstore
like www.amazon.com at
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN0761521496/bizymomsA/ or by calling,
800-632-8676. Liz has also created a resource site for work-at-home moms at:
http://www.bizymoms.com. When you visit don't forget to sign-up for the free
Bizy Mom e-newsletter.