Making Your Transition to a Home Based Business Easier

So, you want to start a home based business? Most people think this is the easiest type of business to have. What most people don’t realize is, it isn’t something you do on the spur of the moment. A successful home based business requires a lot of thought and effort to make it a reality. A good way to make sure you will be successful is to have a good business plan in place.

To begin, sit down and take time to imagine your normal day. How will your children and daily responsibilities affect your home based business? We all have trouble at one time or another juggling work and family life. When you have a business from home, it may become harder to draw the line between work time and family time. Sit down with your family and discuss the pros and cons together. After all, they may need to pitch in more around the house!

One extremely important thing to do when planning your home based business is to set up your work space. Whether it’s an entire building such as a garage or guest house, or just a corner in your living room, it needs to be YOUR space! Make sure everyone in your household knows this space is for your work purposes only. It needs to be completely off limits to everyone but you.

Personalize your space. Set up your desk, computer & equipment, and don’t forget your comfortable chair. Set your favorite coffee mug on your desk. Place a scented candle next to your pencil holder. This is your office where you need to be not only comfortable but productive as well! Remember, your business is your job, and your income. You will be spending lots of time in this area!

Set up your work schedule. On a dry erase board, write down the hours for each day you plan to work. Having your schedule in writing will help you stick to it. Inform your family and friends of your schedule. Let them know that this is your job and they need to honor your work schedule the same as if you worked outside of the home. Let them know that when you are in your home office, you are off limits! If possible, turn on the answering machine to take personal calls during work hours. Check messages, bring in the mail, throw clothes in the wash and feed the dog during your “break” time. Even with a work at home business, you still need to take breaks occasionally.

Save all of your receipts! One thing a lot people who have a home based business don’t keep track of like they should is their expenses. All obvious purchases such as supplies and equipment need to be kept, but receipts for other expenses need to be turned in for tax purposes. Your electric bill, your internet bill, and in some cases your phone bill can be used for your taxes. Anything used for your business should be recorded and given to your CPA.
These are just a few ideas to help make the set up of your home based business a little easier. Good Luck!