By Danielle Rice and Jennifer Shepard

What if you could find a business that allowed you to create your own path to success, determine your own hours and time commitment and set your own personal and financial goals? It sounds like a dream job, doesn't it? Home-based party businesses are appealing because they have such flexibility built into them, as well as they potential for personal and financial success.

Effort for Results
Still, as with any business, they do require effort and probably some sacrifices, and success is not guaranteed. So, what makes a consultant successful in this business?

"What you get out of these businesses is very much related to how much effort you put in," says Bev Porter, an Usborne Books at Home representative. "You set your own goals, your own hours, and determine how much time you'll put into reaching your goals."

Porter, who has been a consultant for 5 years, knows well the benefits of running this type of business and how family-friendly it can be. A mom of three, Porter has taken the business with her through several family relocations, including one overseas and another across country. "This business has helped me acclimate to my new homes, make new friends, and also continue to earn an income - all while caring for my family and helping them transition to our new home."

As flexible as the business is, the pay is commission-based and not from a steady paycheck, so time and effort are required if you want to sustain your business. You need to work the business regularly and routinely say many consultants. You may not have a boss to answer to, but if you're not putting time into setting goals and taking action toward those goals, you're not likely to make much progress.

And even with regular effort toward the business, the financial rewards may not be enough for your needs or the sacrifices your family has to make might be too big. One former home party consultant notes that she let her business lapse when the income wasn't what she expected and when she found that she didn't like being away from her family in the evenings (when most of her shows were scheduled).

There are other things to consider as well if you're contemplating making a go of a home-based retail business. For example: Who will watch the kids for evening or weekend shows? When will you find the time to work on "the business" side such as accounting and order entry? Do you feel comfortable asking friends and acquaintances to hold parties or join the business?

Growing by Recruiting
You'll have your own goals for your business. Maybe you just want to do one or two shows a month for a little extra spending money. Or maybe you're just in it for the discounted products. Whatever your goal, you should be aware that the home-based retail businesses often grow from signing up other consultants.

"Recruiting is a key part of my success as a consultant and what has fueled my success," says Stacy Maier, a Silpada representative of 2 years living in Warrenton who has signed up more than 30 consultants to join her team. "I enjoy doing the shows and have earned a lot of free jewelry and commission, but growing my team has really helped my business take off," she adds.

While recruiting isn't mandatory, you should consider this aspect of the business if you want to reach some of the higher goals you may hear other consultants talking about. Although challenging, recruiting and mentoring new consultants can also be a rewarding part of this type of business. Southern Living at Home's Betsey Bishop says that mentoring her team has been an unexpected pleasure. "I knew I would love having my own business," she says. "The part I didn't count on was equally enjoying helping the consultants on my team to grow personally and professionally."

Pampered Chef consultant Christina Heath shares similar sentiments about working with her team of consultants. "Other consultants are so helpful and willing to share information and ideas with each other. I truly feel like I work for myself, but not by myself," says Heath.

Which Business is Right for You?
So you've considered the pros and cons and think you're ready to give this type of business a try. How do you decide which business will be right for you? Talk to your family about the amount of time involved and how you will handle the additional workload. Talk to other consultants to find out how they book shows, recruit candidates, and reach their goals. Think about which products you would be comfortable selling. If you enjoy what you do, you're more likely to devote the time needed to make this a long-term success.

"Everyone can be successful in a home-based business because you define your own level of success," says Maier. "Whether your goal is financial freedom, extra spending money, personal satisfaction, free products, or whatever…if you're committed and work at it, you can reach your goals."

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