How to Run a Home-Based Business Like You Don’t Work From Home

At first, the idea of working from home sounds grand… doesn’t it? The reality of it, however, tells a different story. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. You might find yourself longing to work outside of the home again. “Normal people” get to leave work and go home to relax, but not you.

There are some real benefits to running a home based business. Remember why you wanted to do this in the first place, and follow these tips for running a home based business successfully.

Create space dedicated to your business.

It’s best to have a room, with a door, and privacy. Doors work two ways: keeping the distractions out when you are working, and keeping the work separate from your personal life when that door closes behind you.

One word: childcare.

Many parents have decided to start a business from home so they can spend more time with their kids. Isn’t that sweet?

Realistically, you can’t juggle the business role with giving your children the attention they want and need. It’s not good to have a toddler temper tantrum take place when you’re on an important call with a client. It’s also not good to neglect your child who doesn’t yet understand why the computer is getting more of your attention.

Finding the right balance can be tricky… it turns out that working from home doesn’t mean you won’t still need child care. What you can do is look for an arrangement that satisfies everyone’s needs and that can be easier when you work from home than it is when you work in an office for 8-10 hours a day.

Be strict about your working schedule.

It’s easy to overwork when you work from home… but don’t. Set clear hours that your family and clients can count on. Not only does it lead to burn out when you work long into the night or odd hours throughout the day, but it also prevents you from achieving the work-life balance that can often be the catch with working from home.

Take breaks.

Settling into work at home is more comfortable than in an office, and you might forget to take breaks. Don’t let yourself eat at the desk. Take at least 15 minutes every other hour for light exercise. It keeps you refreshed and productive, and surely you’ve noticed those extra pounds sneaking up on you?

Dress like you don’t work from home.

This is the biggest. Just because you can work in your pajamas doesn’t mean you should work in your pajamas. Stick to a morning routine like you would if you worked in an office out of the home. Eat a nutritious breakfast, shower, and dress for success!