Everyday Entrepreneur - Start a home business, work at home, teen business, microbusiness

Entrepreneur: A person who undertakes or controls a business or enterprise and bears the risk of profit or loss.
(Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, Fifth Edition, Volume 1)

What recommends commerce to me is its enterprise and bravery.
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Independent learners often become entrepreneurs -- it seems that the same character traits that lead some to pursue non-traditional education are the same traits that allow them to enjoy owning their own businesses. Independent learners enjoy a certain degree of intellectual autonomy, they value the space to follow their convictions, and they take delight in having the time to pursue personal interests. It's not surprising that these values often lead naturally into business ownership.

Entrepreneurship is a viable alternative to college. Think about it--how many times have you heard the wunderkind stories--Steve Jobs and Apple Computer, Bill Gates and Microsoft, Lillian Vernon and her catalog empire, and many, many more? The common thread I see in these stories is common sense, coupled with vision. Each of these people decided to leave college or the traditional 9-5 work world, and pursue a dream. Each started small, learning by doing, and each prospered and grew.

While you may not be aiming to be the CEO of a mega-business, you can use the 'start small and grow' principle to create the kind of business that fits your life. You may even decide to incorporate a small family business into your family's homeschool, thus providing your children with the opportunity to learn valuable business and entrepreneurial skills before they even reach college age!

Because entrepreneurship and home business are such logical outgrowths of independent learning, I have begun a series of articles, links, and resources (some have been posted, others will follow) that will introduce you to the fundamentals of selecting, starting, and operating a business. I've been through the process more than once, and I learn something new every time. Join me as I take another look at this fascinating topic!

This section is updated regularly, with new additions every month. Please visit often!

Home Business: The Everyday Entrepreneur