Creative Work Options

Many parents decide to go out on their own and start a new business in order to create a family friendly work arrangement. Often a simple idea can allow you to create an opportunity to earn money, but on your own schedule. One area that offers a lot of opportunities is to start a business offering services to others.

For example, the host of a local talk show told me about a friend of hers that started a business selling bagels and muffins at local office buildings. In the mornings she would pick them up from the bakery and leave them in baskets at certain office buildings. She relied on the honor system, allowing patrons to drop money into a jar. She would later pick up the leftovers and collect her earnings.

Another mom I heard about started a concierge service, targeting other working moms. She ran errands, picking up dry cleaning or dropping of a car for service. Often, she organized her own personal errands around her clients' so she was essentially paid for running errands she needed to run anyway. Another mom started a home organizing service. She goes into your home and organizes closets, work spaces, pantries, and storage areas.

These are some examples of some fairly simple ideas that can turn into very successful businesses. One of the key advantages of starting a business that offers a service is that there are little start-up costs. The biggest challenge and expense is marketing your services. However, with some planning and creativity, you can market your services cost-effectively and get your business off to a solid start. Here are some ideas:

- Write a press release about your business to send to the local media.
- Donate a service to a local fundraiser to use as a prize.
- Send an e-mail message announcing your service to your friends and family, ask them to share it with their friends and family.
- Look for local bulletin boards to post a flyer (coffee shops, libraries).
- Offer a workshop related to your service at a local venue such as your library or community center.

If you have a unique idea, and you are willing to put in the time and effort to market your idea, you can start your own service business and be on your way to family friendly work.