In a recent survey carried out by Direct Line for Business, 65% of mothers said they were considering launching their own home business. This huge figure highlights just how appealing it is for individuals to work from their own property and just how many reasons there might be for starting your very own entrepreneurial venture with nothing more than a dream, a spare room and a great deal of commitment.
At the very same time, businesses from all across the globe are doing away with dedicated premises and moving their operations into the realms of remote working, proving just how lucrative and effective it can be when workers stay at home. For those looking to set up a business base in their own residential property, this shift in the working paradigm means that it will be easier than ever to get a business venture off the ground, with a huge number of companies now offering dedicated services and products to facilitate the process.
Why work from home?
There are many great reasons to look at setting up a company from your own kitchen table, and not only will overheads be dramatically reduced for anyone looking to take such a leap, but there will also be many other savings to be made, both in terms of money and time. For some, it will be about getting to be around the family more, whilst for others it will be about creating the most flexible working schedule possible – especially for those who may be raising children.
Whatever your own reasons for starting a home business, knowing the best way to go about it will make the process far more rewarding, ensuring you have the best chance of success from the very start.
Finding the right business
Whether you have had a Eureka! moment or have just a vague idea of how your strengths could be used to turn a profit, it will be important not to rush in to starting a business until all bases have been covered. Research the types of business that appeal to you, considering whether or not you have a USP and whether your business is likely to be sustainable or whether it will merely be another deluge in an already flooded market.
Once you can be sure that the business you plan to build is one that is economically viable and one that you have the knowledge and skills to nurture, it will then be time to take the plunge.
Setting up your home office
A dedicated business space is vital to the success of any company, even if you do not have dedicated business premises. Not only will you need to create an office that is comfortable and conducive to quality work, but you will also need to ensure that you can draw a firm line between your working life and your home life.
The right furniture will be extremely important. Working from your bed or on the sofa will lead to both a reduction in efficiency and the appearance, over time, of work-related physiological issues. Purchasing the correct desks and chairs from specialist companies such as Furniture@Work will ensure you are able to stay focussed, comfortable and healthy, improving productivity, morale and your chances of success all at the same time.
The importance of branding
Never underestimate the importance of a strong brand. When setting up a business, focus on logos, corporate colours and brand persona right from the outset to ensure your business is as appealing as possible and that you are able to create loyalty amongst your customers.
Once you have a well-appointed office, a thorough knowledge of the industry you have placed yourself within and a focussed brand, you should find it easy to promote your goods or services and see real growth.
Surviving
Once your business has begun to flourish, you will need to think about steps to take to ensure that running a home business remains a positive experience. Make sure you get a change of scenery on a regular basis, even if this just involves a trip to the coffee shop to work once a week. It is also wise to take regular breaks and to be strict about leaving your work behind at the end of the day.
After all, working from home is all about creating freedom for you and your family, not losing it completely to the business you create.
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