Running a Home Based Business – Working From Home 2

In an article “Running Your Home Based Business - Working From Home 1” we explored the advantages that can be gained when running a home based business. As with most things in life there can of course be disadvantages but don’t let this put you off. What one person may consider a reason against working from home, another will see in a more positive light. Remember, no two people are alike and therefore each business will be run in a slightly different way.

So, what could be the first serious consideration that may put someone off running his or her business from home? Depending on where you live there may be a number of legal constraints or challenges to overcome. You may need to check whether there are any planning restrictions, insurance restrictions and if the business you run will attract the interest of your local environmental or safety departments. If you do your research before you start, you will often find that officials in city or state departments will help you in overcoming any potential barriers to getting a good start. You can then use this to your advantage and include “Recognized by…” or “Approved by…” in your marketing.

Will you be attracting clients to your house? Will your business activities generate a lot of noise or, maybe even worse, strong smells! Spare a thought for your neighbors. An increase in road traffic or noise and air pollution may not be a way to improve your good standing in the locality. But you can consider ways of getting them on your side before you start. If you are providing a service to the general public, consider offering discounts to your immediate neighbors. Even better, offer them a discount for referring clients to you. Not only will this increase your client base but your neighbors are actively involved in your business whereby they benefit, thus reducing the chances of any negative feelings towards you.

Make sure you have the full support of your family. Their life is going to be disrupted in one way or another. Although you will probably be very happy that you have such a large number of clients visiting you, to your family they are all strangers. Their living space may be reduced to make way for your business; they may have to be quiet when you are attending to your clients. Separating work time from family time must be an important consideration and you may need to identify specific times for both activities.

If you are used to working in a busy office or factory and mixing with colleagues not only on a professional basis but also socially outside of the working environment, then you may find that working at home creates a sense of isolation. You may feel cut off from the outside world and miss interacting with other people on a face to face basis. If your work is mostly done via the computer and there is no real need to meet with your clients, make a special effort to visit one of them at least once a week. Get to know their business, their needs and allow them to put your face to your name and business. Clients feel special knowing that you’ve taken time out from your busy schedule to meet with them. It doesn’t have to be a sales meeting, just a “getting to know your customer”. You are provided with an opportunity to get out and about and at the same time develop that all important long-term relationship with your clients.

Everyone starting a business for the first time is faced with challenges and running a home based business is no exception. If you have clearly identified the pros and cons of working from home before you start, then that is one of the first hurdles that you have overcome. Thrive on the advantages but don’t let the disadvantages deter you. In fact, with a little creative thinking you may be able to turn them around so it becomes your unique selling point.