In today’s economic climate, there is often a need for a backup financial income. Many individuals are adding to income, or turning to a home-based business to supply their financial needs. While marketing campaigns might talk about starting on a shoestring, you need to be prepared before walking away from a regular job. Here are 5 useful tips to help you work at home.
Do what you know. When you are looking for a type of work that can be done at home, don’t venture into a field that you know nothing about. Start with the familiar and you can always branch out if the original work concept is inadequate or ill-advised. It is possible to start on a shoestring, but not if you know nothing about the work product.
Learn to say no to interruptions. There can be many time-wasters when you are not making a clean break between home activities and work activities. If you have a physical home office, let your family members know that when the door is closed, you are working and not available to watch the latest reality show or find a missing sock. You can work in short bursts of one to two hours, then get up and take a short break.
Another of the 5 useful tips to help you work at home is to find a mentor. If you have never operated a business before, there can be a lot of questions that come up about the best way to do something. You can find people who are knowledgeable and willing to help in many places. It might be from a community college education course, or from a retired executive who volunteers his time. A mentor can save you from costly mistakes.
Prepare a business plan. Even if it is just a page or two, a formal business plan forces you to think about what you are doing, what your goals are, and how you plan to reach them. Business plans are not restrictive, they are forward thinking. They help you to monitor your progress toward your interim and long-term goals.
Have some fun. Take time to enjoy what you are doing. Many of the expenses that are associated with a daily commute to a 9-5 job are gone. You can enjoy a walk in the park, or a visit to your son’s soccer game without having to arrange time off a month in advance.
These 5 useful tips to help you work at home are just a starting point. Each entrepreneur must find their own pattern for a productive home-based business. Have a plan that includes good use of your time and time off for fun.
