--------------------
I worked as a manager for a major retail engraving store for 13 years. In 1997, I got an opportunity to move from Atlanta, GA to Nashville, TN. When I moved, I also decided that a home-based business was the way I wanted to go instead of "working" for someone else. I looked around at HUNDREDS (honestly) of businesses that could be started from home, would appeal to a wide range of people, offered a great product AND service, and one that I could be proud to say I owned.
In February of 1998, I contacted Best Personalized Books, Inc. (located in Dallas Texas.) I received some literature, samples, and very informative information. It took me about a day to realize that this was the business for me. Not only had I had the experience of the personalization side of the business, I LOVE KIDS!! It took me approximately a month to get a merchant's account, which I felt was crucial for any business I wanted to start, especially on the Net. I can remember the day I received my first order. I went to the PO box, opened up the envelope, and danced around the lobby. I was so proud that I went home, made the customer's book, (the little girls name was Sarah) and showed several of my friends before I shipped it that very same day. I followed-up with the little girl's mother, and she said her daughter absolutely LOVED the book, and she then proceeded to order 2 more. Needless to say, not only was this a self-selling business, I actually looked forward to creating fully customized books for all the kids in my whole family, and everyone else I came into contact with.
The true test came when I set up at a local Convention Center. Within the first hour I had received orders for 15 books. I was so nervous, as this was the first experience I had face-to-face with customers in more than a year. I had the best weekend you could ever imagine, and continue to set up every month. I was even able to add gifts for any occasion to my line-up, and hope to get a fully computerized engraving machine within a year.
This is definitely the best business I have ever been in.