forrja: What is home scrapbooking and how is it done?

 What is home scrapbooking and how is it done

Running a business from the comfort and security of your own home has become a nationwide epidemic.With the surge of layoffs, downsizing, and plain old job insecurity, becoming our own boss never looked so tempting.The phrase “cottage industry” is taking on a whole new meaning.

Unstable corporate tendencies are not the only reason people are turning their garages and basements in profit-producing square footage.Thereis a growing need to return to simpler times and the home—the very reasons scrapbooking has found a resurgence in popularity. Instead of seeking the biggest paycheck,Americans are asking themselves,“Does this make me happy? Is this stress worth the bucks?”

1- When a home business is based 

on a craft, hobby, or skill and it produces enough revenue to pay the bills, it is a fabulous feeling. You aremaking a living at something you create, and that’s a hard feeling to beat.For twenty-five years, I banked respectable deposits painting murals and rendering faux finishes.You not only collect monies, but you get the added

pleasure of being complimented on your work and having your talent appreciated.There were many times my ego-inflated head did not fit into the van at the end of a day. Compare that to working for someone else, where sadly, the only time you receive attention is when you’ve done something wrong. Before you quit your day job, however, first find out if you qualify for a home-based business.

2- ZONING LAWS

You’ve been using your home to create elaborate scrapbooks, possibly even had friends over to work on theirs, or taught a class or two for fun.The idea of turning your love into a business has been percolating on your brain’s back burner for a while now. How much harder could it be . . . right?

3- Scrapbooking for Profit

Not all home-based businesses are welcome in neighborhoods by either your neighbors or the zoning commission. Before you order a simple, yet elegant, sign for your front door, you will need to get permission to operate out of your home.You may also require a business license.

Call your city or town hall and find out the regulations for your subdivision or address. If your home sits in an area that is toward the outskirts of town or newly constructed in a part of town that was originally portioned for diverse usage, you may be within a commercially slated area and be allowed to operate a business.

4- Many people have blown off going 

before the zoning commissioner and decided to open their business anyway, thinking no one will know since the number of cars is no different from someone having an occasional party. Please don’t go there. You can get shut down after all your hard work and expense. Make it legal to start with, and you’ll sleep at night.

5- Variances

If you are declined, don’t give up right away.You can apply for a variance, which basically means they will take a close look at your type of business and decide if it is a low-impact home business (no noise, few customers, no hazardous materials, etc.). Variances can be costly, so look into them ahead of time. Some require

legal help. 

The city may instruct you on how many parking spaces you may have and whether your home requires certain improvements, such as a widened driveway or specially inspected work areas.You may need to petition your neighbors to receive their blessing on your new home venture.

6- STAYING FRIENDS WITH THE NEIGHBORS

I was raised in a home-based business and have carried on in that timehonored tradition. I have yet to run into a neighbor who did anything but send me business. I have heard some pretty bad horror stories from others, however, regarding unsupportive neighbors.

7- THE HOME-BASED SCRAPBOOKING BUSINES

A friend of mine sells candles and has in-home parties on a routine basis. The woman across the street invariably comes stalking over during one of the candle parties and points out to my friend that “someone’s car” is almost blocking her driveway. FedEx trucks, UPS, mail packages, etc. are all duly griped about.

8- When my mother opened a modeling agency 

in her home many years ago and applied for a zoning permit, she was told to get the signatures of each neighbor in her neighborhood who would be affected by the parked cars during class time.Whether your city requires that or not, it’s not a bad idea to talk to your surrounding neighbors and inform them of your business intentions and get their goodwill ahead of time.

9- Crop parties, meetings, and workshops 

could create a great deal of traffic and parking problems, so think ahead and call your city hall for regulations. Go the extra mile now to approach your neighbors and describe in detail what business you are hoping to open in your home and what impact, if any, it will have on the neighborhood. 

10- If they are told about the

number of cars parking in the cul-de-sac and how often, you can learn now how they feel about it.You might ask if any would be willing to accept a delivery should you not be available. Reassure them about the noise level and hours of operation.

Conclusão

Taking a plate of cookies to the neighbors bordering your home, who will receive the brunt of the parking, may not be a bad idea. By obtaining their good will, you might be innocently soliciting business from them and from the friends they tell about you