12 Ways to Maximize the Performance
of Your Home Business

Establishing a home-based business can give you the benefits of freedom and working for yourself, but it is also has its share of problems. Various issues such as isolation, hidden expenses, distractions, establishing respect from your peers and creating a unique work space can make your home office dreams turn into a nightmare.  By following the following 12-step program, you will be on your way to developing a successful home business:

Step 1: Set up and stick to regular office hours.  Even though you have the ability to set your own hours when you work at home, you need to establish some consistency so you can get into a productive routine. This is also important when it comes to answering phone calls and emails from customers.

Step 2:  Even though you are working at home, you still should maintain a professional appearance on the job.  When you get up in the morning, resist the urge to wear your pajamas to work.  By taking a shower and getting dressed, you will be more prepared to face the day and your productivity will increase.

Step 3: Give serious thought to the technology your business will need. To maximize your production, items like fax machines, computers, copiers and printers are a must.  If your home office is tight on space, look at purchasing a multifunction machine.  Also, it is a good idea to set up a phone line and voicemail strictly for business.  To get the most out of your computer, invest in business software that can help with your financial and invoicing matters.  Another piece of software that is a must is virus protection programs.  Finally, be sure to backup your computer regularly to avoid any disasters.

Step 4:  Establish an area in your house that is to be used only as your office.  One of the worst mistakes a home office entrepreneur can do is to turn the dining room table into an office desk.  Pick a room in the house and make it clear to your family that it is to be used only for work.  When deciding on which room to use, avoid being near distractions such as the refrigerator or the television set.  The more separate your home office is from your home, the better.

Step 5:  Before purchasing office equipment, take time to plan the physical appearance of your office. Measure furniture and equipment you are interested in buying to make sure it will fit in the office properly. Also, measure the room to make sure that existing windows, doors, shelves and outlets will not hamper your design plans.  When you do this, take advantage of the walls in your room to keep work your area clean and organized.  You can get some innovative and inexpensive storage ideas by looking at kitchen and bathroom retail displays.

Step 6: To help you stay productive, furnish your office with a chair and desk that is ergonomic and able to accommodate your business needs. If you aren?t comfortable sitting at your desk, you can get distracted very easily.

Step 7:  Keep your supplies for your office and home separate. Rather than searching in other rooms of the house for your scissors, stapler, paper, etc., stock up your home office with its own supplies.  By doing this, you will make the room feel more like an office rather than just another room in the house.

Step 8: Create professional looking marketing materials.  Items such as business cards, letterhead, brochures and your Web site can create a favorable image with customers and business contacts.

Step 9:  Consider the quality of lighting in your office.  Mix natural and artificial lighting and use several light sources (room, work area, etc.).

Step 10:  A sound mind and a sound body are important if you want to stay productive while working out of your house.  To keep physically fit, join a health club.  Because you no longer need to spend time or money for driving to work, use those resources to your advantage by getting in a good workout.

Step 11:  Be aware of insurance issues that may affect your business. Specific areas of focus should include using your car for business, health insurance, homeowner policies and liability issues.

Step 12:  Home office work tends to make entrepreneurs feel isolated. To prevent cabin fever on the job and pick up some new ideas and business tips, try joining a professional group for people working at home or people in small business.

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