| When it comes to your home business, it is crucial to | | | | safety since your address goes on your business |
| create the right work environment. An unorganized | | | | cards and possibly your website. |
| home office can lead to loss of production so here are | | | | 6) Get the right equipment. |
| a few tips to help assure that you and your home | | | | Invest in the best equipment your budget can afford. |
| office are well organized and as productive as | | | | Buy a quality office chair (your back will thank you), |
| possible. | | | | Upgrade your computer, get a good quality printer |
| 1) Use separate phone line. | | | | copier, get a DSL line, and make sure your software is |
| Whether it is a cell phone or an additional land line, | | | | up to date. There is nothing more frustrating than |
| make sure that it is always answered professionally | | | | dealing with slow, outdated, and under performing |
| and that it has voice mail. There is nothing worse than | | | | office equipment - so just don't. |
| calling a number listed for a business and having it | | | | 7) Move away from the computer. |
| answered with just a "hello" or "yeah" or worse yet, | | | | Take regular breaks to get up and stretch, get a drink, |
| never answered at all. Remember that you are the | | | | or step outside for moment. Eat lunch away from your |
| voice of your business. | | | | office. A change of scenery will do wonders for your |
| 2) Work in your office only. | | | | mental and physical well-being |
| You don't allow the kids to keep their projects on the | | | | 8) Stay up to date. |
| kitchen table or your husband to keep his sports | | | | Subscribe to your industry journals and make a day |
| magazines in the Den. Don't allow your work to take | | | | for professional development. Don't get stale or |
| over your family's space. | | | | become out of touch with what's new and exciting in |
| 3) Set reasonable work hours. | | | | your field. If you like to write - contribute to your |
| Nothing drains a home business owner faster than not | | | | journals or online forums and become a thought leader |
| knowing when to leave work. It is a common problem | | | | for your industry, that way you can make the trends |
| because the work is so easily accessible, but be | | | | instead of trying to keep up with them. |
| diligent and realistic about the number of hours you can | | | | 9) Don't Isolate. |
| and should work each day. | | | | All work and no play really does make for a dull |
| 4) Once you set your hours - stick to them. | | | | person. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and |
| Treat your work at home just as you did your work | | | | professional groups and get yourself out of the office |
| outside the home. Get up, get dressed, and arrive at | | | | once in a while. |
| your office on time and then also remember to leave | | | | 10) Make your office a space that you enjoy working |
| on time. Staying on a schedule is the best way to | | | | in. |
| ensure that you won't burn out. | | | | Paint, buy new furniture, put up pictures, bring in plants, |
| 5) Consider getting a PO Box for your business | | | | or do whatever will make your space one you enjoy. |
| address. | | | | A word of caution, moving the play station and TV to |
| Having a separate address for your business mail will | | | | your office probably isn't a good idea - remember that |
| help you keep it apart from your home mail as well as | | | | this is your work space and really should be the only |
| give you a reason to take a break and get out of the | | | | thing you do in it. |
| house. It is also a very good idea to maintain your | | | | |