Free Home Business Advice

Many of us dream about working from home, or “telecommuting” as we wake up late, lounge around in our pajamas and eat bon bons all day. If your employer or home business allows you the option to work in this arrangement, there’s a few things you should know before you make the commitment to work from home.

Working from home can be more work than actually going into the office everyday. Granted, you save yourself the peril of battling rush hour traffic, there are lots of downsides to working from home.

First off, is your home well equipped to function as  home office? Make sure you have adequate phone service, internet, fax capability, etc to keep up with the expectations of an office environment. Sounds pretty obvious but quite frankly my dear, it’s not.

Too many a time has an important conference call been dropped or a crucial document been faxed a second too late due to technical difficulties. Make sure your connectivity in all electronic channels is up to par. and then think of a backup. Can you take your laptop out to the nearest coffee shop or library in case your internet goes down unexpectedly? Can you be reached by both a land line and a cell?

In addition to all the usual necessities of modern communication, think about your productivity–or elements that may inhibit this. Cozy living quarters sure make a comfy nest, but you don’t want your work space to be too cozy, or else you might just nod off during an important conference call.

It’s important to set up a clear space for your work. By doing so, you can transition into work mode and perform as such. Make sure your have work desk or area. Physically having to get up to walk to this place helps too. Talk about a short commute!

Here’s a fact that many people discover once they start telecommuting. You may actually find yourself working more! That’s because you have invited your work into your home, your personal space. Work and  your personal life are now intertwined as one. Be careful this this tango, and try to keep things balanced.