Running a business from home is not only very efficient but also very convenient. However, it requires discipline and the following tips, and those in subsequent parts, will help you get started.
Is the Home Business Legitimate
When someone is looking for a home business, one of the things that they worry about is whether or not it is legitimate. After all, there are a lot of scams out there on the Internet that promise a lot but deliver very little. So how do you know whether or not a home business is something that is real, or just a way to get your money?
Research – One of the best ways to know whether or not a home business is legitimate is by doing research. Go on the Better Business Bureau’s website and see if it’s listed there, and how long it has been a member of the Better Business Bureau. You also want to see if there are any complaints about it. This is one of the most reliable ways to see if the business is legitimate.
Talk – Another way to find out if the business venture you are considering is a good one is to talk to others who have done it. But only do this after you have checked the BBB website for the business, because the Better Business Bureau has nothing to gain or lose.
It’s very important to check out anything that looks too good to be true, because it probably is.
Unfortunately there are a lot of people who enjoy taking advantage of those who are too trusting. So stay one step ahead of them and make sure that you find out everything you can about a business before signing up.
Setting Up Your Home Office
Before you can start your own home business, the one thing that you should do is to designate a place for you to work. The area that you work in should be free of distractions and have a computer, a desk, a phone, a connection to the Internet, and, if possible, a bathroom. This way you will have everything you need until you take your lunch break.
Something to remember is that you are ‘at work’ in this area. An ideal solution is to have every distraction taken care of. This means that you have someone looking after your child, if possible. If your child is younger than school age, hire someone to look after them during the day.
This may seem strange since you are working at home, but would you take a baby into your office with you? Probably not – your boss wouldn’t allow it. Having someone look after them while you are working ensures that you will get everything done during business hours.
If your children are school age and old enough to understand, let them know that you are working, and that you should only be disturbed if it’s an emergency. If they are still young, have someone watch them after school.
This may seem like an unnecessary expense, but if you are talking to someone on the phone they won’t take you seriously if they hear a crying baby in the background, or children fighting. You want to make yourself seem as professional as you can so that people know they can trust you.[ad#in-post]
