Home business scams

In an effort to get an even better understanding of home-based businesses as well as promote my new book, I have become active in Twitter and home-business-related LinkedIn groups, and have been reading many blogs relating to startups and home businesses.

What has surprised (although it shouldn’t) and upset me are the huge number of get-rich-quick schemes targeted to a growing population of people contemplating becoming their own bosses. Many are outright scams promising huge incomes after buying a starter kit or otherwise sending in money. Others are simply questionable schemes. With the huge number of multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes being promoted one could easily be led to believe that there is no other way to have your own business. Unfortunately, MLMs generally provide riches for a few and disappointment for many.

All of these scheme have a common theme: wealth for the promoter. They do not take into account the needs, passions, desires, and skills of the potential entrepreneurs. Anyone starting a business should first examine what they are passionate about, what their skills, experience and training qualify them to do, and then find a business model that will work for them. If the model dictates getting in league with an outside party, check the business out carefully, research, research, research, and be satisfied with reference checks before signing anything or, heaven forbid, paying up-front money.

Will Limkemann
www.doublewarepub.com