|
Back To Home-Based Business Index
Back To Main Index
Setting Up A Work Processing Business In Your Home
Prepare final documents from typed, hand-written or taped drafts, such as student term
papers, business letters, legal briefs, manuscripts, résumé’s and institution
reports.
Much of the work in the pure business of finalizing documents can be accomplished on a
typewriter, especially a good one (with changeable type, error removal and/or a memory.
A typewriter, however, really limits the amount and variety of jobs that can be performed,
so it is STRONGLY recommended that anyone contemplating this type of business skip the
typewriter stage and go directly to a word processor.
A word processing system can be purchased for little more than a modem, self typewriter
with a memory -- but it does a thousand times more! If you want to start with a
typewriter, we suggest you use the one you have or get a used one ( an old IBM for
example) - and not invest any more than absolutely necessary in it.
Because if your business is to grow, you will sooner or later change to a word processor.
Although the rest of this material is directed to word processing, the same principles
apply to typing - only it's a lot more work on a typewriter.
The basic requirements for a word processing business are a computer with a word
processing program, a letter quality printer and a dedicated working area.
The computer should be IBM compatible -- the particular brand is not important, so long as
it is 100% IBM compatible and you can get a decent service and assistance locally.
The word processing program can be very simple one, but we recommend an up-to-date version
or a well known, industry compatible program such as WordPerfect or WordStar.
Your printer can be a daisy wheel if you do not need graphics (illustrations) or much type
or style variety. It can be a 24 pin dot matrix for high quality printing AND graphics. An
inexpensive 9 pin dot matrix will suffice for minor jobs, but not for major contract work,
where "letter quality" is desired.
The top of the line printer, a laser jet would be nice -- but they are quite expensive.
Your working area is very important, especially if there are any type of interruptions
(children head this list). You need a place that is dedicated to your business -- where
nothing else takes place except business.
Ideally, it should be a separate room (soundproof?), with a locking door and an outside
entrance, which will allow clients to enter your office without going through the house on
the way to your office.
Word processors normally earn from $1 to $3 per double spaced standard sized page or $10
to $20 per hour, depending on the location (part of the country, city size), job
complexity, typing speed and local demand.
Note that this business was conducted with typewriters a few years ago, but the most
expensive typewriters cannot compare with even low priced word processors of today. With a
word processor, you type the data, check it on the screen, then file (save) it on a disk
(forget about cassettes!).
Whenever you want to see (or edit) the text, you simply recall (load) it back onto the
screen, review or revise it, and re-save the revised version back on the same disk.
Or, press a couple of buttons and print it -- in a choice of print styles, margin settings
and spacing.
At any time, a printed version (draft or final) can be obtained without affecting the
stored version. If your margins are set at 1" and you suddenly realize they should be
1/2", you pull your hair out if you are typing.. But on a word processor, you simply
press a button, re-set the margins ( a second or two) and the entire document can be
repositioned in a flash and reprinted with the new settings by pressing another button.
Major word processors include many features that would make a typist's head
"swim": automatic word separation (hyphenation) at the ends of lines, spelling
correctors (correct a word a second), the ability to inset illustrations and print in
columns (from "normal" input).
For those who might be "petrified" of the word "computer," let us just
say that it should take an ordinary high school graduate no more than one week to learn to
prepare this report on an IBM compatible computer with WordPerfect or WordStar.
A good typist should be able to produce a professional looking business letter in a few
hours. There are a lot of new terms, buttons, etc., but you only need to learn a few of
them to get by -- and learn more steps and techniques as you need to!
Many professionals never use more than just some of the average word processing program
can do. It is like learning to ride a motorcycle or cook a gourmet meal -- how
"impossible" these seem to those who don't know how (yet).
But, of course, you don't start with a powerful motorcycle or pheasant under glass -- you
start on a two-wheeler bike with training wheels or Kraft dinner, both of which may take a
little practice. And, you can learn them both, one step at a time!
the reason your computer must be IBM compatible is twofold:
first, your program should be standard so you can produce the standard products, and
second because the things you prepare and "save" on disk can be processed by
other computers.
If you use a (cheaper and) smaller, lesser known program, it won't do some things that
"standard" programs do.
For example, the major programs have 100,000 word spell correctors, while some of the
smaller ones have 40,000 or so.
When your prospective client asks what computer you use, he/she will recognize IBM
compatible as the current word standard; when you tell them you use WordStar or
WordPerfect, they will know you have the "very latest" and can do their work
professionally.
Most computer programs also have version numbers, which indicate how new or old that
particular program is. Once you have a word processing program, however, updates are
fairly inexpensive.
With a standard, professional word processing program, you can not only prepare final
documents, you can prepare manuscripts for publication.
If you give your client a disk with his final draft, he can forward that to a publisher
who will run THE SAME DISK on his computer to typeset the entire manuscript. Or, the disk
can be run by a "Desktop printer" to produce a magazine, complete with
photographs.
And, that's not all: with an added device (called a MODEM) costing $100 or so, you can
send the contents of that disk over the telephone to the publisher in just a few seconds!
Needless to say, if you used a non-standard system or program , your options would be
severely limited. The effort to learn a standard or non-standard program is about the
same, so don't waste your time learning something that is not considered industry
standard!
The best advice you will get about your first computer is to JOIN A USER'S CLUB! Some
people join before they get a computer -- so they can take advantage of advice they might
receive from other members.
In most user clubs you will find "experts galore" who will be happy to advise
and assist you in every way.
You will learn which programs are considered best-- and why: the pro's and con's of
different kinds and brands of equipment, as well as where many of the members buy their
supplies.
Most user clubs have instruction classes or meetings for beginners, for specialist, and
for groups with certain interests -- word processing being one of the major interests.
Accuracy and neatness are critical in a typing/word processing service. There should be no
discernible strikeovers or erasures, and every page must adhere to the prescribed format.
Accuracy can be a serious problem with a typewriter because you can see only a few (if
any) words before they are printed on paper.
If you miss something, the whole page may have to be re-typed. Even a simple word
processing program will allow you to correct mistakes at any time. There are also client
changes and "revisions" -- those things they never think of until they see your
"finished" version!
With your word processor, you simply enter the changes on the screen, re-save the new
version over the old, and PRESTO, the document is revised. You can print it then, or
whenever you choose.
The entire document is stored on a disk that costs from 20 cents to about a dollar and a
standard (360K) disk will hold some 100 pages! When that job is finished, the disk can be
erased and used again -- just like a tape.
Used personal computers (PC's) start at about $300 -- or about the same as a good standard
typewriter. Or, you can rent one for about $50 per month until you decide, what you want.
You pay a good deal more this way, but you can get by for low, monthly payments until you
can buy one.
Another way is to shop around for a Master Charge or Visa card that doesn't charge 20%
interest. Banks in Arkansas charge about 12%, and there are bound to be banks or other
lending institutions that charge under 15%.
Find one of these, get your card, and you can "pay cash" for a complete set up.
There is a lot of competition in the computer sales business, so shop around.
You will need at least an XT (8088) compatible system, but an AT (80286) with a hard disk
is recommended. The hard disk will allow you to store several major programs in your
computer and not have to "load" your word processing system each time you turn
on the computer.
Also, try to get a 1.2 MB floppy disk drive -- these cost only about $20 more than the
360K, but they will allow you to use 1.2MB (1200)K or 360 disks interchangeably.
Most major newspapers have advertisement sections for COMPUTERS AND SOFTWARE. The reason
computers are being sold usually because they are outdated, not because they are worn out.
Companies and individuals that operate a computer for a year or so frequently discover how
much more they could accomplish with a new model, so they sell the "old one" --
which may be just what you need!
Once you have acquired and learned to operate your PC, the services you offer will be
bound only by the equipment limitations and programs you have.
For example, if your word processor includes mailing lists (most do), you can easily
compile and print mailing lists or gummed labels at your leisure.
If not, there are plenty of good mail list programs available,many at no cost (public
domain) or low cost (shareware).
When you join a user's club, you will get catalogs for these types of programs
automatically, or you can get copies at the club meetings.
One thing that scares many of us about computers is "all that programming." A
computer operator is NOT a programmer -- or an engineer. You don't have to speak Chinese
(or even use chopsticks) to enjoy Chinese food, and you don't have to know programming to
use a computer!
if you typing needs help, get a typing program and brush up -- you will learn 3 or 4 times
as fast as the "old fashioned" way.
It is not unusual to learn to type on a computer -- skills can be mastered amazingly fast
because they are taught by more than one method (practice, on-the-spot tests and games).
There are programs for almost everything:taxes, forms, games, bookkeeping, wills -- even
crossword puzzle generation.
As your business grows, you can increase your capability by adding another terminal
(monitor and keyboard), that can be connected to your computer's "brain" and/or
the same printer.
Be sure to get compatible equipment, so programs you have will work on both, and the
machines don't " argue."
When you have the equipment and have learned to operate it, you are ready to advertise and
contact prospective clients.
A good starting place is to send a letter (your service!) or a brochure to each member of
the Chamber of Commerce and other businesses in the phone book.
Use quality business cards and letterhead (your image is theirs) to help convey the
impression of your quality work.
If you are near a college, place ads where students will see theme (for theme papers).
Don't forget to send brochures to lawyers and local stationery stores (they might
recommend you). It would be especially helpful to become a member of the Chamber of
Commerce and to be "visible" in community activities.
Take part in local charity auctions, for example, by offering a free (or discounted) word
processing service.
Your place of business should be well planned and professional looking. Clients who are
surrounded by children in your living room sometimes feel they can get cheaper rates from
a "housewife" situation.
You do not get paid for long conservation’s with clients, so keep them as
straightforward and free from distractions as possible. As mentioned above, the best
solution is to have a dedicated room with an outside entrance for clients.
Professional writers who work from their homes not only have separate working areas, but
do not allow interruptions during certain hours, when they are "at work."
It is best to have someone look after little children during normal business hours, so you
can concentrate on the business. Computer forms, letterhead and business cards are
available from NEBS (see Sources); Sam's Club (Wal-Mart affiliate) has boxes of 3500
sheets of computer paper for just under $20.
Note that WRITER'S DIGEST has over 100 advertisements form manuscript preparation
nationwide -- many states have only one service advertised.
BUSINESS SOURCES
COMPUTER DIRECT 22292 N. Pepper Rd.,Barrington, IL 60010. 800/289-9473. Discount computers
and computer equipment; 360K floppy disks from 19 each.
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, 1441 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20416. Pays for some
small business courses in computer usage. Write for details.
C.I.L.E., Box 60369, San Diego, CA 91206-8369. Offers (sells) information on computer
services that can be sold.
ACS, 5311 Derry Ave.,Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Closeouts on IBM compatible equipment.
PERSONAL PUBLISHING, Box 390, Itasca, IL 60143. Magazine for desktop publishers (Macintosh
oriented).
ALDUS CORP..., 411 1st Ave.,Ste 200, Seattle, WA 91804. Sells Pagemaker programs for
Macintosh systems.
THE WRITER'S DIGEST, 205 W Center St.,Marion, OH 43305. 614/383-3141. Trade magazine for
professional writers (all types); offers courses, books, useful lists of information, etc.
HALIX INSTITUTE CENTER FOR COMPUTER EDUCATION, 1543 W Olympic Blvd.,Suite 226, Los
Angeles, CA 90015. Offers home training for several different types of computers. Note
that this type of training is for programming and servicing.
A.I.M.H.P. Box 60369, San Diego, CA 92106-8369. Free list of 100 services that can be
offered by computer owners (instructional books in the $20-$25 range).
DOVER PUBLICATIONS, INC. 31 East 2nd St.,Mineola, NY 11051. Discount books, clip art,
stencils, etc.
QUILL CORPORATION, 100 Schelter Rd.,Lincolnshire, IL 60917-4700, 312/634-4800. Office
supplies.
NEBS, 500 Main St.,Groton, MA 04171, 800/225-6380. Office supplies.
IVEY PRINTING, Box 761, Meridan, TX 76665. Letterhead: 400 sheets plus 200 envelopes -
$18.
SWEDCO, Box 29, Mooresville, NC 28115. 3 line rubber stamps - $3; business cards - $13 per
thousand.
ZPS, Box 581, Libertyville, IL 600448-2556. Business cards (raised print - $11.50 per K)
and letterhead stationery. Will print your copy ready logo or design, even whole card.
WALTER DRAKE, 4119 Drake Bldg.,Colorado Springs, CO 80940. Short run business cards,
stationery, etc. Good quality, but no choice of style or color.
MEI/MICRO CENTER, 1100 Steelwood Rd.,Columbus, OH 43212-9972. 800/634-3478. Discount
typewriter and printer ribbons, gummed labels and disks (floppies from 21, 1.2. MB from 49
and 5,000 gummed labels from $9.95.
Back
To Home-Based Business Index
Back To Main Index |
|