Running a business from home is a challenge-filled proposition: you're your own boss and employee ... and probably your own PR person, marketing director, procurement person and janitor as well.
How can you juggle all these tasks successfully, build a profitable business and still have a life? Here are some important dos and don'ts to remember:
Do ... set a work schedule and keep to it.
Don't ... be so inflexible with your schedule that you won't take an occasional afternoon break or go out to meet a friend for lunch.
Do ... put in a consistent work effort, whether you average two hours per day in the office or eight hours per day.
Don't ... go overboard by making a habit of working 12- , 14- , 16- or 18-hour days.
Do ... have a comfortable, designated space for working at home.
Don't ... make your entire house your office -- you need to be able to get away from your work when the day is done.
Do ... get up and stretch every once in a while, take a coffee break or visit your kitchen for lunch.
Don't ... flop down on the couch, turn on the TV or be drawn in by other distractions that will take you away from work for two or three hours or more.
Do ... remember that your business, even though it's based at home, is still a part of the local business community: stay in touch by getting involved in the Chamber of Commerce, attending local business mixers or participating in community, business-sponsored events.
Don't ... let other business owners' fancy storefronts or office buildings tempt you to move from your home office if it isn't necessary -- smart home-based entrepreneurs can reap the best of both worlds: a successful and profitable business ... and all the comforts of home.
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