Brainstorming

• Before developing a new home business, it is important to find an area that is not already being served. If the new home business deals with an area that is already being serviced by another business, the brainstorming session should include areas that the new business can address that other related businesses haven't. For example, while Amazon might be useful for people looking for different kinds of books, a new home business might specialize with only mysteries and include related materials that would allow people who like mysteries to do "one stop shopping" at the new business website.
  
  

Research

• Once the idea for the new business has been decided upon (either by an individual or a group), research should be done to determine whether or not there is enough room in the marketplace to make the business successful. When researching the competition, factors such as cost for production (if the business is creating a product) and cost for delivery need to be examined.
  
  

Planning

• Regardless of whether a business is large or small, there should be a business plan in place. The purpose of a business plan is two-fold. On the one hand, it forces the individual with a new business idea to lay things out in a concrete fashion. In doing so, any flaws that might have previously been neglected during the initial stages will be revealed and can be addressed. The other purpose of the business plan is to provide information for potential investors in the event that the new home business idea requires outside capital.
  
  

Marketing

• In order for any new business to succeed, marketing is vital. When an individual has started a new home business, marketing is imperative. When developing the idea for the home business, focus has to be placed on marketing, taking into account how the actual marketing will occur. Using social media is one way that marketing can go viral, but that usually requires something unique and different in order to get widespread attention.
  
  

Financing

• Developing a new home business idea hinges on financing. If the business requires special equipment in order to manufacture a product, outside financing might be required. When approaching potential investors, having a solid business plan will be very useful.