An idea whose time has come: The Home-based business

by guest blogger Liz Loney , Director, Minneapolis Lakes Professionals

Victor Hugo is quoted as saying, “You can resist an invading army, you cannot resist an idea whose time has come.”  The home-based business entrepreneur is just such an idea and all indications are that this idea is here to stay. 

 Minneapolis Lakes Professionals, www.minneapolislakesprofessionals.com, is an organization which seeks to sustain, support and give voice to this growing demographic of entrepreneurs.  The organization also spotlights the neighborhood economic benefits to “shop local” home-based, just as much as community store-front businesses. 

 About a year and a half ago, The SouthWest Journal, ran an article that brought to light just how large and prosperous this demographic really is.  An analysis, done by two board members of the Nicollet-East Harriet Business Association, found that there were “approximately 203 home-businesses in their service area doing an estimated 36.5 million in annual sales.  By comparison, the same analysis determined there were approximately 137 store-front businesses in the area accounting for $53.3 million in annual sales.”  SW Journal, June 11-24, 2011. 

 I read this article with much interest.  As a Certified Life Coach wanting to improve the marketing of my home-based business, I decided to start up an organization that supported just this demographic.   Minneapolis Lakes Professionals is that organization and it supports members through cooperative marketing, networking and referrals. 

 The organization will present the Expo for Home-Based Businesses on Saturday, April 20, 2013, 10am – 6pm. There will be free ½ hour workshops throughout the day, two 1 hr. workshops by keynote speakers, one of whom is Mickey Mikeworth. Mickey works with businesses and nonprofits on projects that promote positive change in the community. Consulting, partnerships, and strategic planning are her specialties. She is the founder of several small companies such as Rich Chicks.  Mickey will speak on “How to be your own Chief Financial Officer (CFO).  The second keynote is Sheryl Hill, “The Power of Social Media” Founder of ClearCause Foundation – a Guidestar Preferred Partner, award winning author and valued member of World Speakers Association. There will also be organic dishes prepared by local chefs, desert and beverages sold, as well as a raffle.

 If you are interested in exhibiting your home-based business, just go to the web site, www.minneapolislakesprofessionals.com and fill out an application at the bottom of the Events page.   

Minneapolis Lakes Professionals meets monthly on the 1^st Thursday of the month, noon – 1pm, at The United Church of Christ, Fellowship Hall, 4200 Upton Ave. So., Minneapolis, MN  55410.  Feel free to attend a meeting and experience the energy and progressiveness of this growing organization.  Contact, Liz Loney, Director, at 612-922-9150 or LLoney77@aol.com to join or for more information.