To run a successful business, you don’t always need a busy, high-powered office. The work-from-home revolution is here. Are you in?
Anyone can run a business. It’s actually easy to set up a successful business and start trading from home, the tricky bit comes when you try to make sure that your business succeeds and manages to turn a profit. Even if you’re just setting up a side hustle to earn a bit of extra cash for your family, it makes sense to start your business the right way.
With this in mind, here are some tips to help you avoid the usual pitfalls of running a business from home. You never know where your company might take you, as long as you start on the right track.
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Paperwork and Legal Registration
Most people can categorically say that they hate paperwork. You’ll often find that legal forms are either indecipherable or just mind-numbing to work through. Unfortunately, paperwork is one of those things that you have to contend with if you have any hope of setting up a business.
You can’t just start trading and selling things on the fly. First, you need to register your company with the local government. The exact process differs depending on where you live and what kind of business you operate. Yes, you will also have to define and name your business.
The good news is that it’s usually cheap and relatively quick to register a business, especially if you’re operating as a sole trader. Unfortunately, the paperwork doesn’t end there. You will need to keep track of your business’s finances, as well as any contracts you use.
If you neglect your paperwork, this can lead to painful and expensive errors later down the road, especially when it comes to paying taxes or applying for governmental assistance. Make life easier for yourself by keeping on top of your paperwork at all times.
Setting Up Your Workspace
Working from home means that you can just work from your bed or sofa, right? Wrong! Well, while it’s technically possible to work this way, it’s not a good idea.
If you’ve had to work in an office, then you’re likely well aware of the impact your work environment can have on you. A dingy, cluttered room is unpleasant to work in, but the opposite can also cause issues. If you’re comfortable in bed, it can be difficult to focus on your work.
Even worse, you will find that your bed, sofa, or dining chairs aren’t designed to be used for work. While it’s comfortable to lounge, it’s much less comfortable to be slouched over your laptop trying to get some work done with zero back support.
You will be able to work much more efficiently and productively in an appropriate workplace. The more efficiently you work, the more profit potential you have, and the more time you can spend on other things in your life.
If possible, set up a home office in its own room. This will eliminate any distractions and allow you to design your office with work in mind. If this isn’t an option, find a quiet part of your home to put your desk.
An uplift desk is a great option if you’re concerned about sitting in a chair for too long, as it allows you to stand while working. This is better for your cardiovascular health and your back, as it encourages you to take breaks and move around. You can adjust it to suit your needs.
Creating a Schedule
Many people find that working from home allows them to be more productive than in the office. This is because you can work more flexibly and at times that are better for your life. Working in an office setting requires you to do everything between 8 am and 6 pm, often including a daily commute.
But when you work for yourself, you set your hours. If you work better in the early morning, then do your work then. The same applies if you’re a night owl. You might find, especially in the early days of your business, that you have periods of feast and famine. This means that you might work long days for a week or so, then have a while of less work.
However, there is a potential pitfall with this flexibility. While you don’t have to work during daylight hours, you still have to schedule a time to get the work done. As you pick up projects, estimate how long it will take to get them done and add them to your schedule. This will help you to organise your time and work more efficiently.
Start a Successful Business From Home
Your own home is a great place to start a successful business. Without the expensive overheads associated with an office lease, you can remain lean and work in an environment you find comfortable. There are lots of work-from-home businesses popping up from copywriters to virtual assistants.
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This is a contributed post.