Do you like the idea of making candy bouquets? You can make them for fun or you can make them for profit by starting your own candy bouquet business. You don't need a storefront to run this business. It can be a homebased business. However, like all businesses, to be successful you need to be business savvy and have a plan. It is easy to slack and be distracted when you work from home.

So, what are some things to take into consideration to make your candy bouquet business successful?

1. Develop a business plan.
It may sound complicated and a big hassle but many business owners will testify how having a written business plan was crucial to their current success. By creating a business plan, you will identify potential problems you may face and solutions to overcome them. It's a tool to keep you focused on what needs to be done to succeed your business. It will contain strategies to help you achieve your goals. Some of the areas included in a business plan are your market, customer, competition, marketing plan and financial forecasts. This plan is not set in stone. You will need to evaluate it occasionally and make improvements where necessary.

2. Start creating a portfolio of your work by photographing each of your candy bouquet creations. That way you don't have to line your shelves with tons of inventory and samples.

3. Designate an office area in your home. Decide what are your working hours and make sure family members are aware of it. This is especially important if you are trying to be a mom and an entrepreneur at the same time. Set a schedule and rules so your children do not interfere too much with your work. For example, don't permit toys in your workspace, don't allow your children to answer your business phone and no borrowing your office supplies. Put on your creative hat and think of ways how children can be close by but not disruptive.  

4. Network in the community
A home business doesn't mean you just sit at home and wait for business to come to you. You still need to do a little networking to get your name and products known. Below are some ideas on networking:

• Approach local businesses to see if they will allow you to distribute flyers to their customers. Or maybe ask for permission to leave a sample of your work along with your business cards. It's best to seek out businesses that are somewhat related to your product such as a craft supply shop, bakery, gift shops and florists. Maybe you could strike a deal where they sell your candy bouquets on consignment. You can also include places where your potential clients visit such as hospitals, restaurants and beauty salons.
• Keep a look out for local events where you can showcase your products such as local craft shows.
• Join your local chamber of commerce. It's a great way to network with local businesses. They usually hold social and business events that allow you to socialize and meet lots of people. You will also have access to resources that can help your business grow. The key to success is to be an active member.
• Target corporate businesses too. Approach them directly and talk to the person responsible for corporate gifting. Corporations will order candy bouquets to giveaway to their clients, as incentive gifts and also as get-well gifts. Even realtors and mortgage companies like the idea of using candy bouquets as closing gifts.

5. Learn from a mentor
If you can find someone who has plenty of experience in the candy bouquet business to mentor you, that would be the best. You may think that people are not willing to share their trade secrets but you never know until you ask. There are some people who are willing to help.