You may dream of the day when you can quit working for an employer to start a home business. If you cannot start full-time, don't be disappointed. Most home businesses have begun on a part-time basis. Here's why:

• A part-time venture, especially a home-based one, generally costs less to launch because of lower overhead. There is less operational debt because profits are invested back into the business.
• An entrepreneurial idea can be safely tested for its market potential to determine whether it's worthwhile.
• An entrepreneur can keep her "regular" job, continuing to support herself or her family while simultaneously operating a sideline business.
• Business expenses can be deducted from other earned income until the home business becomes profitable (see financial advisors about business taxes).
• A business can operate part time until: children are in (or out of) school; retirement; the entrepreneur has mastered business management skills and become familiar with the industry; or the venture produces enough profit to go full time.
• A loan may be more attainable because of the business's track record of sales and operations.
• A part-time business's flexibility enables it to expand its offering of services or products if a new customer market unexpectedly opens up.
• Depending on the entrepreneur's time and resources, several part-time businesses can be operated simultaneously.
• If the business is a partnership, the owners can determine whether their working relationship will succeed before too much time or money is invested.
• The business may not be taken seriously because of limited time or hours.
• Even though it's only part time, frustration can develop from insufficient support or time to put into the venture.
• Slow business growth may be discouraging; or conversely, sudden, rapid growth can be overwhelming, especially if owners cannot handle unexpected customer demands or think their skills are inadequate.

How to Start a Part-Time Business

Startup basics are the same as going full-time:

• Pick a business.
• Write a business plan.
• Prepare and research the operation and startup needs.
• Persist. Even a part-time business demands a daily commitment of hard work and marketing efforts.
• Be professional. Whether you are part- or full-time, home-based or not, customers will expect no less than your best.

Some prefer a sideline business. One book publisher's sales rep says: "I like having my music business part-time because I have the option of doing business with people whom I enjoy. I tried it full-time, but it was no longer fun. I'd rather have the steady income of a job I like and the enjoyment of running a business at my pace."

Whatever the individual entrepreneur's decision, having a part-time business can decrease the pressure to make a fast profit and provide more opportunities for personal growth and business success.