5 Tips to Running an Organized Business at Home

The following contribution is from another author.

Home is where you can achieve so much! We’ve all had to stay home for so long, and now we’ve hit the point where we can harness the powers of the home, for better or worse. This very difficult time in the world, where recessions are hitting and costs are increasing is when many people are now chomping at the bit to earn extra money but also just need something so they can keep afloat. Many people are now starting businesses for this very reason. But while there are many success stories of businesses that have thrived during recessions, such as General Motors, the foundation to all this is about being organized. If you are starting a business at home, you’re not alone! But running a small business from home involves some of the following, especially in the modern home environment. 

Keeping the Business Scalable

You may be looking just to keep yourself as a solopreneur for the short term, but what happens if your business exceeds your expectations? The fact is that so many employers are seldom prepared to have employees because there is so much involved on a legal level. Payroll is one of those frustrating aspects, but while there are many tips for calculating payroll hours, if you can prepare for scaling up as part of your business plan, this will help you to navigate those speed bumps when they inevitably arise. 

Creating a Positive Working Environment

Naturally at home, you’re going to want to feel like you are operating productively. You’ve got to invest time in finding the equipment that will make you feel like you are working at your best. These could include some of the following: 

• An ergonomic workstation. Productivity is not just about how much work we do, but it’s about how we can optimize our workspace. There is a fantastic podcast about optimizing your workspace right here, but the solutions involve having the right chair, desk, and computer to fit your body. 
• Lighting. The office lighting needs to be at the right level to minimize eye strain, so you can remain productive. 
• Tools for increasing productivity. You have got to ensure that your business can deliver what it promises, and this means you’ve got to maintain a high level of productivity. It all depends on what you need, but one of the best solutions out there is to have a speech-to-text recognition program. If you are writing lots of emails, you can benefit from templates, but you may also find yourself having to write many personalized emails or correspondence. In which case, a program like this means you are not running the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome due to typing so much, but it also gives you that sense of freedom to dictate when you are out and about, meaning you can go for walks if you know you’ve got a bunch of emails to write. 

Acquiring the Right Insurance

Wherever your business is located, you will need home-based business insurance. Home-based businesses will typically need professional liability or general liability insurance, and depending on the industry you operate, you could benefit from additional coverage, such as a business owner’s policy. Additionally, you will have to get a business license. This will mean your revenue can be tracked for taxation, especially if you plan on selling products. It will depend on your local government, so you need to check your local city or town to see what is required. 

Understanding the Legalities

There are areas where it can be illegal to run a business from home, which is all dependent on the zoning regulations or your lease. For example, many residential zones don’t allow business operations but there are a few things you could try here. These include: 

• Checking your lease. Leases will outline what can be allowed in your home, so it’s worth checking to see how it affects your business. 
• Getting a variance. A business variance is where the local government makes a special exception for your organization. If you are running a business that doesn’t have customers visiting your premises, you are more likely to receive one. 

Understanding Your Best Working Patterns

Running a business means that typically you are going to be in a reactive state, so you may be checking emails at all hours. The fact is that if you really want to have an effective business, you’ve got to have a good understanding of how you work. Working at home is a blessing and a curse. You can find yourself distracted by a lot of the homely pleasures, whether it’s the television or the refrigerator. But you’ve got to ensure that you have a very disciplined approach. 

You have to discover when you work at your best. Some people don’t work effectively when the afternoon hits, in which case, would you be better off starting your day at 7 a.m.? If you are struggling with certain tasks, such as boring admin, is there a way to make it more fun? You could easily complete basic admin tasks without needing to focus properly, in which case, you could benefit from doing it in front of the television. The fact is that when you are working at home and there’s an abundance of distractions at your disposal, you could forgo certain administrative tasks or not necessarily give them the focus they need. 

Now, when it comes to a home-based business, you could mistakenly attach all the devices to the house, and one of the biggest risks with smart home technology is a vulnerability to cyber attacks. Ensuring that you are keeping your home-based business protected is crucial. And even when there are smaller tasks that don’t feel like they are necessarily worth your while, you’ve got to give them the attention they deserve. The fact is running a business at home is the dream for so many but when you are trying to keep yourself motivated, there are so many distractions at home. Ensuring that you are working effectively but also doing everything in your power to stay motivated is crucial.