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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are around 10.4 million people in the country who are self-employed, and 5.4 million people who work from home. In the current downward economy, where 10.3 million people are unemployed, starting a home business may be their best option for finding suitable work to keep an income flowing into the house.

Home-based businesses are so ideal because starting one is very cost effective. It keeps the overhead low, which helps increase the business’s chances for success. However, you can’t just jump in without doing some planning first. All businesses need to follow some basic footsteps for success.

Here are a few helpful tips to follow when starting a home business:

Tapping into your talent. The first thing that you need to do is decide what type of business to start. Most people have talents and work experience that they can easily convert to a work-at-home revenue stream. Make a list of all the experiences and talents you have, to see which one provides the best work-at-home opportunity. For example, if you are an unemployed secretary, you may want to consider starting a virtual-assistant secretarial service, or a typing or phone-answering service.

Alternatively, you could become a representative for another company, but you have to exercise caution in choosing which company to go with, in order to avoid scams.

Create a plan. Even if it’s hand-written, you should have a business plan that describes your goals and mission. This can be re-visited as needed, but setting goals will help you reach them.

Keep it legal. After narrowing down a business name, be sure to check with your state to see what you legally need to operate. You may need a “doing business as” (DBA) or a business license, depending on what type of service you are offering.

Keep costs down. In your business plan, include a list of all expected expenses. Try to avoid any that aren’t absolutely necessary right then.

Avoid scams. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, that it probably is. Advertisements making huge promises for easy ways to make thousands from home are most likely not legitimate. The Federal Trade Commission (http://www.ftc.gov) offers information on avoiding scams, as well as how to report them if you find them.

Get the word out. In order to get the news out about your new business, you will have to be proactive. Don’t assume that, if you build it, they will come. You should have a professional-looking Web site and work with a public relations specialist to narrow down and tap into your customer base.

Be realistic. When you set your goals, be sure to have realistic ideas about what you can make from home and what, logistically, you can do. Also, expect the first year to be slow as you work past the bumps in the road and build your customer list.

Home-based businesses are great because they provide people with the opportunity to make a real living, from the comfort of their own home. All it takes to get one started and on the road to success is a plan, and putting that plan into motion. For many, this is the right time to turn their dreams of having their own business into action.

About Cher Murphy PR

Cher Murphy PR is a full-service public relations agency, with offices in Miami and Virginia, which focuses on small-business public relations management. The firm was started by public relations veteran Cher Murphy, who has had experience working in large agencies as a vice president, writer, editor, client account specialist, and media relations professional. She has extensive experience at gaining exposure for small businesses in consumer, business-to-business, Web-based companies, financial services, travel/entertainment, governmental, technology, food, and hospitality industries. To learn more, visit www.CherMurphyPR.com.