How to Examine Your Skills

As you look for ideas to start a business from home, it can be helpful to take inventory of the skills and talents you have. Maybe you’re a whiz with numbers and have always been good at keeping track of finances. Perhaps you have a knack for organizing and enjoy being in charge. Maybe you’re a gifted writer or creative thinker.

These are just a few examples, but the point is that your existing skills can be a great starting point for finding a business idea that suits you. This blog post will show you how to examine your skills and turn them into a WAHM business.

Know Your Skills & Interest

Start by brainstorming a list of all the skills and talents you have. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

What are my natural strengths and abilities?
What do I enjoy doing?
What do people always come to me for help with?

What have I always been good at?

Once you have that list, ask yourself the following questions about each skill:

What tasks or activities do I enjoy doing that use this skill?

What problems could I solve with this skill?
Who would be my ideal customer or client?
What needs do they have that I could address?

How could I turn this skill into a business?

If you find it challenging to come up with ideas on your own, there are plenty of resources to help you. Take a look at this list of 150+ business ideas for inspiration. You can also search for business ideas by industry or skill set on sites like The Balance Careers or The Balance Small Business.

Examine All the Options and Alternatives

Let’s say you’re good with numbers and enjoy keeping track of finances. You might start by brainstorming a list of activities that use this skill, such as bookkeeping, budgeting, and financial planning. Then you can ask yourself what problems these activities could help solve for your ideal customer.

Maybe you could help them save money, get out of debt, or invest for the future. You can start to think about how you could turn this skill into a business. Many WAHMs start as freelance bookkeepers, budget coaches, or financial planners. Others go on to launch their own businesses in these areas.

If you’re not sure which business idea is right for you, it can be helpful to create a list of pros and cons for each option. Consider things like your long-term goals, income needs, lifestyle preferences, and the amount of time and effort you’re willing to put in.

You can also talk to other WAHMs in your field to get their insights and perspectives. Ask them what they wish they had known before starting their businesses, what challenges they’ve faced, and what advice they would give to someone in your situation.

The most important thing is choosing an idea that you’re passionate about and believe in. If you’re not excited about it, it will be hard to stay motivated when the going gets tough.

Pick a Niche

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to start thinking about your niche. This is the group of people you’ll be targeting with your business. When choosing a niche, it’s important to consider both who your ideal customer is and what needs they have that you can address.

For example, if you’re a financial planner, your niche might be “women in their 30s who are newly divorced and need help getting their finances in order.” This is a specific group of people with a specific need that you can address with your business.

The more specific you can be about your niche, the easier it will be to target your marketing efforts and connect with your ideal customers.

Find Your Place in the Market

Now that you know your target market and what needs they have, it’s time to start thinking about how you fit into the market.

First, take a look at your competition. What businesses are already out there serving your target market? How are they doing it? What could you do differently or better?

Understanding the competition is important, but don’t let it discourage you. There’s always room for another business in the market, especially if you have a unique angle or approach.

Another important consideration is your pricing. How much will your products or services cost? Will you be able to charge enough to make a profit?

Don’t be afraid to do some market research to understand better what people are willing to pay. You can survey your target market or look at similar businesses to see what they’re charging for similar products or services.

Create a Business Plan

Once you understand the market and your place in it, it’s time to start putting together a business plan. This doesn’t have to be anything formal, but it should include an overview of your business, goals, and strategies for reaching those goals.

Your business plan will be a valuable roadmap as you start your business and begin to make decisions about where to allocate your time and resources.

It can also be helpful to have a plan in place when you’re ready to start seeking out investors or partners.

Now that you know how to turn your skills into a WAHM business, it’s time to get started! Remember to choose an idea you’re passionate about, do your research, and create a business plan. With hard work and dedication, you can turn your dream into a reality.