For decades, the Twin Ports' economic landscape was planted firmly in big business such as manufacturing, shipping, and mining. Although these trades are still vital to our economy, today's technological advances are sowing the seeds of a new entrepreneurism that is allowing more people to jump the corporate ship and test the waters of going into business for themselves. Home-based businesses in our region have emerged from the shadows in recent years and proven that they can have a measurable impact on a local economy. wow power leveling,We spoke with several area home-based business people about why this impact will continue to grow in coming years. In addition to offering tips on how to start a home-based business, they also explain why membership in the Chamber of Commerce is even more important to those who go it alone. Mark Anthony, president of the Home-Based Business Association of Minnesota, operates an extremely infon-native web site on the subject (www.hbba.org)." One local entrepreneur who agrees that these businesses are vital to the economy's health is Ken Nebel, of K.H. Nebel Associates, d/b/a Nebel Financial Services. "If you look at the statistics, businesses that employ one to five people represent a huge segment of the economy," he states. world of warcraft power leveling, "A lot of these businesses are home-based. We are lucky here, because we don't have the zoning restrictions and other obstacles that home-based business faces in the Cities." Nebel affirms that home-b ased business people are strongly committed to their communities and prove that with their spending habits. He says, "I've found that Samls Club has terrific deals on office equipment. Sam's Club is the home-based-business supplier for Duluth. Its manager, Jim Caesar, another Chamber memher, is very supportive of the small businessperson." John Pegg started the Entrepreneurs' Connection organization in Duluth two years ago. "My best clients came from referrals from other Chamber members." Mary Smestad adds, "The networking is so important, and so is the education about other companies. It's also a great morale boost for me - the Chamber is sort of my cheerleader." If you are considering starting your own business, heed the seasoned advice of those who have gone before you: get informed and be prepared. "You're going to be blindsided some months, no matter how good your business plan looks on paper," says Smestad who attended classes at The University of Minnesota Duluth's (UMD) Center for Business Development before starting Positive Solutions. "All of the freedom - flexible schedule, being in wow power leveling, charge of my own destiny - comes with a price; you're giving up the security of that monthly paycheck. Discipline and selfmotivation are key. For every day you take off, there's an 18-hour day to make up for it. Know there's a big learning curve at first; learning when the slow months will occur, so the next year, you can plan ways to fill those gaps." Smestad says that the classes at UMD and at Lake Superior College provided her with excellent preparation and support. Beth Travis-Betts, owner of Art Direction and Advertising agrees. "I took small-business classes at UMD and at Lake Superior College. You learn how to determine profit and loss statements, how to mark-up a product, how to register with the State as a business, and how to handle tax issues. In fact, the instructor actually comes to your house once a month for the first year to assist you with start-up." Travis-Betts explains why education is so important to a home-based business. "One gets pretty isolated working at home, and these days you have to keep up with new technology to stay competitive." She also offers a little advice on how to create a business image without spending a lot of money. "The phone company has resources such as market extension lines. They allow you to have two numbers, world of warcraft power leveling, a residential and business phone number, with only one phone line. That way, you r business can be listed in the Yellow Pages./a>, a residential and business phone number, with only one phone line. That way, you r business can be listed in the Yellow Pages.[9 Julie Munson is a freelance writer in Duluth.
Home-based businesses take root in the Northland