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Make the most of your property by not only living in your home, but also using it as an office or even the headquarters for your own business
Given the horrendous traffic in the Philippines’ major cities (especially in Metro Manila), an increasing number of Filipinos are considering making a living from the comfort of their own homes. With technology and communications at the most advanced they have ever been, stay-at-home parents, aspiring entrepreneurs, and freelancers and consultants have since been using their residences as an office or even a sort of headquarters for their own business.
Whether to earn extra income or to make a full-time living, if you envision yourself becoming one of the aforementioned individuals, there are a number of ways you can establish your own home-based business or office. While some take a significant amount of time and resources to set up, the following are options that you can embark on almost immediately. These are particularly viable if you already have the necessary skills and have the right type of home or size of space to accommodate the work you will need to do.
Food Delivery
Living in the midst of the city can provide advantages, particularly if you are located near offices where employees are constantly in search of healthy and affordable lunch options. A home-cooked is unbeatable, and if you have the skills and patience, food delivery may be the business for you.
Making arrangements with offices or building administrations may be a little tedious, but once agreements are set, you can readily have orders sent via a rider daily, or with your spouse or housemate who may be working in the same office or building. Third-party delivery services may also be a viable option, but they can be expensive especially if you are accepting only few orders.
Apart from the ingredients and delivery, other costs you would likely incur are for the purchase of eco-friendly/reusable containers, and for gas and electricity. It is also recommended to have a separate kitchen for your business, but if this is not possible, best to only entertain orders that you and your space can accommodate.
Selling and Delivery of Baked Goods
Should you feel that you have the skill to make baked goods that will sell well constantly, making baked goodies is another potentially lucrative culinary business. In this business you be will needing an industrial grade oven that can cook large batches at a time. A large refrigerator and extra space for storage would also help, and maybe accounts on major social platform to better market your business online. Like with food deliveries, constant expenses would include ingredients, packaging, and gas and electricity, as well as delivery.
If you happen to live in a condominium development or a gated subdivision, you may also get word out regarding your baked goods through your homeowners’ association and community billboards and forums. Just keep in mind to also ask if there are any rules and regulations that apply regarding running your business within the community.
Short-term Rentals, Lodging, or Home Sharing
If you can spare a bedroom or two or even your entire second floor, offering short-term rental or lodging is a logical choice as a home-based business. There are a myriad of online marketplaces and related home-sharing apps that you can register your property on that tourists and visitors can then view and book electronically.
Depending on how extensive your lodging services are, your business may entail as little as maintaining beds and furniture and providing essentials such as shower and air-conditioning, to as much as offering Wi-Fi and serving breakfast daily. It is recommended to have a system in place to handle regular cleanings, laundry, meeting guests, and doing maintenance, as well as unexpected events like keys getting lost or the toilet getting clogged.
It is best to keep in mind that your home may not always be booked, as there are seasons when there may not be as many tourists or business travelers visiting your area. Your property’s location is also important, as a home that is too out of the way from commercial areas and business districts may not receive many bookings.
Babysitting or Daycare Services
As you embark on a home-based business or job, your spouse or at least one other person in your household is likely still earning a living outside of it. A dual-income household is a reality for most in the Philippines, so most parents have to figure out whom to leave their toddlers with when they go to work.
If you are a stay-at-home parent, you could make a business out of having to remain home with your own children by running a daycare. Granted, you would have to check with the homeowners’ association of your neighborhood if daycares are allowed in your area, as well complete the government’s legal and safety requirements in order for their business to become fully operational.
Also keep in mind that running a daycare is best recommended for those who have training or even a degree in teaching, childcare, or both. In addition, there are redecorating or remodeling needs to be done to make sure your home is a safe place for young children. But despite all these requirements, babysitting or daycare services can be lucrative, especially if yours is the only one in your community.
Freelance Writer or Editor, Virtual Assistant, and Other Online-based Work
This is probably the easiest job or business to do especially if you have a fast Internet connection and a working computer. The size of your home also will not matter greatly in this case so long as you have the aforementioned requirements, although experienced work-from-home employees recommend at least having a separate space specifically designated to be your home office.
There are many websites that help freelancers find part-time or consultancy jobs; there are even platforms that offer paid certified online training that would help freelancers hone their skills and raise their work profile. Internet-based work is not limited to freelance writing or editing or working as a virtual assistant, as opportunities are also available in search engine optimization (SEO), online or digital marketing, customer service, and more.
Aside from computer and Internet, you may also need to set up an online payment account to receive your fees, and a webcam and a headset to connect with clients during meetings. An ergonomic chair for your home office is also recommended to help preserve your back and provide complete comfort and support as you tackle your online tasks.
Main image via Deposit Photos
