How do you run your small business from home?

[Lynette]

Yes I totally agree with you about discipline. Applies to anything and everything, with business especially.

Discipline is essential, you have to be so committed and dedicated to your work and your clients so you're able to avoid getting distracted. Having said that when you rely on the income it's very easy to become disciplined! If the work doesn't get done you won't keep the roof over your head, that's enough to drive anyone to get off the sofa and get to work.

I have worked from home for the last 3 years and I love it. I can work my own hours but I always ensure deadlines are met, no matter what. It helps to have an office away from the rest of the family, an excellent internet connection and a decent desk and chair. I cannot find a decent one still and my neck and shoulders really suffer for it!

I have toyed with the idea of moving to a dedicated office space but I have decided against it for now.

 

[Maestro11]

Here is my little tip for you - my fellow home-biz guys. I run a small business from home taking a great advantage of a network of virtual personal assistants.

I think the problem of many home based entrepreneurs is that they are too isolated at home and do not have anyone to cooperate and work with.

They then spend too much time trying to do all the work by themselves and not enough creative thinking about their business ideas. You are the brain of your businesses - THINK! Get some muscles to do the repetitive, mind-dumbing and time consuming tasks. They can also work much cheaper then what is your time worth.

That is my little advice. Good luck guys.

P.s.: If you want a tip, I use services like yourczechmate.com, mikassistance.com and various freelancers from ad servers.

 

[Conglomer Group]

The purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act), 29 U.S.C.A. §§ 651 et seq, is to "assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions." (Section 2(b)). The OSH Act applies to a private employer who has any employees doing work in a workplace in the United States. It requires these employers to provide employment and a place of employment that are free from recognized, serious hazards, and to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standards and regulations (Sections 4 and 5 of the OSH Act). By regulation, OSHA does not cover individuals who, in their own residences, employ persons for the purpose of performing domestic household tasks.

 

[StevensOnln1]

The purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act), 29 U.S.C.A. §§ 651 et seq, is to "assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions." (Section 2(b)). The OSH Act applies to a private employer who has any employees doing work in a workplace in the United States. It requires these employers to provide employment and a place of employment that are free from recognized, serious hazards, and to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standards and regulations (Sections 4 and 5 of the OSH Act). By regulation, OSHA does not cover individuals who, in their own residences, employ persons for the purpose of performing domestic household tasks.

How is a US law relevant to business in the UK?

 

[Jet Virtual]

Working form home isn't for everyone.

Make sure you are the type of person who isn't going to get distracted easily by being at home.

Here are some 4 tips for those that do choose to work from home:

1) Try and dedicate an area/room for work
2) Set a time that you plan on working and stick to it!
3) Go to networking events to break away and socialise
4) Tell your spouse you are NOT AVAILABLE

 

[jack_sparrow]

Good advice! Having a separate room just for work seemsany vital. I was working at home some time ago and I could never get any work done in my own living room. I'd always get distracted and start watching tv or something. An office space is a sacred place of work!

 

[TJEntrepreneur]

Discipline is essential, you have to be so committed and dedicated to your work and your clients so you're able to avoid getting distracted. Having said that when you rely on the income it's very easy to become disciplined! If the work doesn't get done you won't keep the roof over your head, that's enough to drive anyone to get off the sofa and get to work.

I have worked from home for the last 3 years and I love it. I can work my own hours but I always ensure deadlines are met, no matter what. It helps to have an office away from the rest of the family, an excellent internet connection and a decent desk and chair. I cannot find a decent one still and my neck and shoulders really suffer for it!

I have toyed with the idea of moving to a dedicated office space but I have decided against it for now.

Couldn't of put it better myself! As long as you're committed and treat your home office like a working environment.... Distractions will be minimal.

Sent from my HTC One using UK Business Forums

 

[NuDesignUK]

I can say that Social Media and link building is a good source of running a small online business.Just like what i am doing at this site "nudesign dot co dot uk". We market the traffic to gain a prospect customer trhought social media and link building.Social media ob course your customer can directly ask about your product,You can also directly communicate as well.While link building carry the traffic of the website to gain a a position in search engine.

 

[Nuno]

What has this got to do with running a small business from home?
A link for a furniture website which seems part of a Manchester B&M shop and some horribly written drivel about social media?

First post Fail.

 

[NuDesignUK]

If you dont know the world about Social media marketing for small business marketing,you should know about it.You can ask some SEO expert to enlighten your mind.

 

[RichardDave]

If you are planning to start a new business and you don't have any previous experience , then I would suggest you to go for a certified training, as they will guide you in dealing with all the business prospects and they help in managing the different units.
From my personal experience I can suggest you an organization called Association of accredited small business consultants , they can actually help you in all regards, as they provide certified training to train people owning a small business.

 

[GelatoChef]

Worked at home for many years, key for me to was to have people around me in the home I was working at otherwise it's no fun and isolating.

 

[jameslu678]

When I get my own customers, I will start this kind of job.

 

[ShamusRichard]

It isn't always necessary to rent or lease commercial space to have a successful business. You can start and run your business from the comfort of your own home. Running a home-based business allows you to profit without dealing with the high overhead typical of traditional business settings. You also avoid long commutes. Running a successful small business from home isn't always easy, however. Home businesses require investments of planning, time and effort.


Step 1 : Brainstorm businesses you can run from home that suit your talents and experience. For example, if you are a crafty person, consider starting a gift basket company or a floral arrangement service. If you have a technical background, start a computer repair or technical support business.

Step 2 : Determine how you will fund your business. You may, for example, use your savings to start a business or ask friends and family members for funds to help you get started. You may also consider credit cards and traditional loans as you plan your business.

Step 3 : Comply with the business licensing requirements in your state and city or town. You will most likely need a business license to run a business from your home. You may need additional licensing and permits to run certain types of businesses. If you run an in-home daycare, for example, you will need a daycare license. If you will prepare and sell food, you may need a food preparation license. Contact your state or town office of business registration to learn the requirements in your area.

Step 4 : Prepare a business plan for your home-based business. Having a business plan helps you to stay on track as you start and run your business.

Step 5 : Open a business bank account to avoid mixing your household funds with those of your business.

Step 6 : Create space for running your business. The amount of space you need to run a business from home depends on the type of business you choose. If you need an office, clear out a spare bedroom or clean up a basement for this purpose. Some businesses can be run from a kitchen table. If you stock products, consider shelves in a garage or an unused walk-in closet for storage.

Step 7 : Set business hours. One of the keys to success in business is developing a routine. If you fail to set business hours, your business may encroach on your personal or family time. Likewise, you may put off important business tasks in favor of doing things around the house.

Step 8 : Develop a system of accounting. Purchase a filing cabinet for storing receipts, invoices and statements, and use a ledger or computer program for recording input and expenses.

Step 9 : Insure your business. Many homeowner or rental policies don't cover damages or injuries related to the business use of your home. Your insurance agent may recommend adding business liability coverage to your current policy or purchasing a new policy altogether.

Step 10 : Take tax deductions for business use of your home. If you have a designated space from which to run your home business, you may qualify for deductions on your federal tax return.

If you run a home-based business, you may feel tempted to work extended hours to ensure its success. It is important to schedule downtime for things you enjoy or socializing with friends and family members. Scheduled downtime helps you to avoid burnout.

 

[theBagShoppe]

I have started my work from home in 2008, but when I started it worked very well for first 6 months because my son was very small and only 3 month old. But when he start growing, I start getting trouble to balance between my personal life and biz life then I started my office just after 6 months.

And now I feel more comfortable to work at office, I work sometime at home but it makes difficult situations for me to handle like to handle sudden guests which are often in my house!! To be come isolate at home is a too much difficult job in my opinion.

 

[harper101]

Working at home sounds easy, but it really takes a lot of patience and persevering spirit to sustain the business. Character and discipline really makes a difference. Planning, organizing and putting into action are basic essentials for business success.

But whether you are working at home, at the office, in a retail store, or somewhere,
the important is that you worked joyfully and you love not only your work but the people whom you worked with.

 

[helmuc]

...
1) Try and dedicate an area/room for work
2) Set a time that you plan on working and stick to it!
4) Tell your spouse you are NOT AVAILABLE

none of that is possible if you have a wife, kids and pets (at least it is my case >> beautiful wife, 4 awesome daughters, over-energetic dog, cat and few fish on the way for the smallest one)
----
Some time ago I was re-organizing my paperwork and the paper shredder died .. wife was out, 3 sick kids home and big smile all over the face (not really)

The main problem is - it is very, very difficult (near to impossible) to be productive and meat tight deadlines if you are married guy, with kids and working from home.. as for the women, I will never understand how the manage to do everything (seams just impossible)

-- and yes, one more thing: facebook, skype and twitter can be your worst enemies if you are working from home (or pretending to)

have a productive day boys and girls,
Helmuts

 

[TurboIT]

Also, as a general point, a home address isn't an issue in many sectors, but a virtual address can create an issue of mistrust when people research you and discover you are hiding your real address - as it raises the question 'what else are you hiding?'

I agree

 

[zenobialewis87]

To those who have to go to work and sit through traffic and listen to the same old rubbish from a miserable boss, working from home is a very attractive option. However, it can be incredibly difficult to sit, eat, live and work in the same room and the same place after a while and you will want to get out a bit more.

Although working from home is great as you wanna spend more time with your partner or your children, even they might get a little irritating as you start to pick up on their small habits.
It's like this story that I'll never forget which was about 2 men living in an isolated location in the forest. police discovered a body of a man in the cabin slumped over the chess board. when they caught the killer, the victims roommate, he said his reasons for lashing out was because the victim was tapping on the chessboard and he didn't like the way he burnt his toast in the mornings. This is why ill never forget it.

im not saying people working from home will hurt those living in close proximity but you'll certainly pick up on their little habits.

meditation is the best tool you can rely on to keep your mind healthy and keep yourself at ease

Yaa! very well said! Especially I think whether it is a office job or an opportunity to work from home... work pressures aren't going to be lowered. so meditation should be practiced on serious notes.

 

[Ranthael]

I have been working from home for the last 6 months. My workplace is setup in my living room, in a small corner next to the window. I don't mind being at home with work, my will is still strong enough to not watch tv, walk around, take a nap or anything that will stop me from working. When I do it, I'm efficient. I am however planning on renting a place to do my work. Ok, the cost isn't that little, but it's worth it. I feel a sense of something being wrong here. Putting my finger on it, the issue is, it's harder to manage your hours working from home. Especially when you don't just do "office" type of work, but manage your business in any way possible. I did a lot of days working 12 hours without end, taking only short brakes and I forget to go outside. I am young, so yeah, I can bare it. The issue I'm seeing is a few years from now. Work has to be separate from your personal life, even when you're the owner. And having a healthy enviroment is one step towards it.

 

[Calx]

I work from home out the box bedroom, keeps the overheads nice and low.. I tend to go out to my customers but occasionally they want to come to me and that can get awkward especially as my husband likes to walk round in his pants, and the kids always seem to want me when I am on the phone.
Generally though it is ace as I can be here if one of the kids is off school, and when I am pushed I just get up at 5 am and get a couple hours in before everyone else gets up.

 

[RichardDave]

Home is one of the best place to work from. With the luxury of a cozy couch on one side and kitchen on the other, home office is a great workplace. A few must have things you need at your home office are-
1. High speed unlimited broadband connection
2. Registered PO Box address
3. A separate room for work, which is quite and free from any interference
4. A good quality business website
5. Specially assigned phone number
6. A payment method(whatever suits you)
7. And last but no the least, coffee

 

[Calx]

7. And last but no the least, coffee

What's with all this coffee love... TEA, endless supply of TEA!

 

[mimilovell]

woooww...steanshops thats really good to hear. Although Ive just tried to go into your website on fairfox and it says "The page isn't redirecting properly". Then I went on chrome and it said "Sorry, the website steanshop.com cannot be found."

 

[mary2222]

What I like about work from home is you are your own boss. Of course there are also disadvantages like you have no control over your time and that work and discipline ethics should be very important to consider. However, if you properly set your everyday goals, a work from home is very rewarding.

 

[Red Wood]

I like working in my underwear, which was frowned upon in my last position as an employee...

 

[jonrod]

I don't have anything to add but I am getting more ideas out from this thread.
Thanks!