How to set up your own business working from home
At some point in our lives we are bound to dream of setting up our own business and working from home. It could be to escape the daily commute, to see our children more, or to enjoy the perks of flexible working that you may not get in a typical office job working the 9 to 5. Setting up your own business and working from home is actually easier than you think, I’ve done it and so can you. So here are my top tips for how you can do just that, to make work, work for you.
You need a business idea
This is your number one priority. You need to know what your business is and what it does. It sounds obvious, but there are millions of businesses out there. Your business should be unique to you and it should be what you feel comfortable promoting and selling. You could offer a service or you could sell a product. Whatever you’re thinking of doing and if you need money to start your business Merchant Cash Advance can help you. That could be to purchase technical equipment or to start buying initial stock and product, you will need some level of investment in the beginning.
Network with like-minded individuals
Networking is so important. It’s a way of making your presence known and to share ideas with people. You may find other people have set-up a similar business and are able to offer you advice, or join forces with you. Networking may seem daunting at first, but there are plenty of groups that you can go to. My best advice would be to attend with your elevator pitch prepared (what you’re business is in 15 seconds), to go in with a smile, and a view to sharing your own advice, rather than fishing for your own business. You’ll find that people prefer that more than someone who is constantly talking about themselves.
Build your website and social media presence
Prioritise time to getting your website set-up and yourself on social media as this is how people will find you. Your website should include information on what your business is, what it does, and how it can benefit the user. It should also include some information about you, so that people can get to know the face behind the brand.
It is also really worthwhile setting up your social channels too. This could be a little as Twitter to begin with, and then expand to Facebook and Instagram (if they are the channels for you). Having a social presence is a brilliant way for you to appeal to your target audience and to appeal to influencers who can help promote your business for you.
Dedicate space in your home for working
When working from home it is all too easy to say to yourself “I’ll just do it later” to allow you to easily see the children or watch your favourite program on TV. However just because you work from home, doesn’t mean you can’t have your own space to avoid those pressures. So create a home office, or a corner of a quiet room where you can concentrate and won’t be distracted. If you do this, your family will also know that you are working and should not disturb you.
Avoid the housework
This goes without saying, it is all too easy to spend time unloading the dishwasher, putting the washing on or hoovering. Remember that if you worked away from home you wouldn’t be doing these chores. It’s best to avoid doing these until the end of your working day, or before your working day begins.
Manage your own expectations
It can be difficult to set an official start and end of your working day when working from home, and before you know it you are working into the night. This is fine for some people, but not always the best for you as it can lead to feeling stressed and overwhelmed. To avoid this set clear timelines for yourself when you are going to work. If you need to work late into the evening make sure this is to complete only one or two tasks. Lastly allow time to switch off before going to bed to ensure that you are getting a full night’s sleep before embracing the day ahead.
So those are my top tips for how to set-up your own business when working from home.
Have you set-up your own business, what advice would you share to make it work?
Claire x
This is a collaborative post.
One Comment
Carol Cameleon
I would definitely say to set your own limits. Loke your hours. I’ve recently given myself screen free time and am more productive instead of burning the midnight oil.