The rise of e-commerce has made it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to launch their companies without having to worry about renting a storefront or sitting in traffic during their daily commutes. Today, anyone with a great idea can create a website and start selling products or services online without ever having to leave their home!
However, although working from home may be convenient, it can be difficult to keep your personal life and work duties separate. Many people who work from home find it hard to “leave work at the office” when their office might just be their kitchen counter or makeshift study. If you have been thinking about finally starting your own work-from-home venture, keep these 5 things in mind to help you stay on track in the business world without letting it overpower your personal life.
Research your industry
Before you start creating a business plan or announce your resignation to your current boss, make sure to do some serious research into the market you want to enter. Start by researching your would-be competitors to take note of things they do well, how their website is structured, and how your own idea would stack up against their products. Look through the customer reviews on their websites, social media pages, and other online resources to get some inspiration for creating your own unique niche in the industry.
Create a designated workplace
Working from home can easily save you time and money since you don’t have to commute or dress in business attire everyday, which is what’s most appealing to most telecommuter employees and entrepreneurs. That being said, anyone who works from home still needs to have an “office” of some kind in order to maintain a work/life balance. This could be a small section of the living room, the basement, or anywhere else where you can focus solely on work.
Writer and editor Henry Kanapi also says that all entrepreneurs should invest in the following equipment when setting up their home “office”:
- A reliable computer or laptop.
- High-speed internet.
- An “all-in-one” printer, scanner, fax, and copier.
- An office chair that promotes good posture.
Learn how to limit and manage distractions
Many entrepreneurs who work from home report feeling easily distracted and a bit aimless when they first start their business. Even if your home is quiet, distractions can still pop up, such as social media, Netflix, television, your pets, and other enjoyable things. You might get tempted to take too many “vacation days” and end up putting your work off until deadlines get too close for comfort. Instead of falling into bad procrastination habits, try to manage your time by using these strategies:
- Create a schedule for yourself. Setting good habits will allow you to manage your time wisely according to the times you’re most productive. For example, if you’re a morning person, you might like to work from 7 AM to 11:30 AM, break for lunch, and then finish up any remaining tasks. If you need to take frequent breaks to stay on task, plan them right into your schedule.
- Get dressed. Staying in your pajamas all day might sound like a dream, but it can also hinder your productivity and will to do actual work. By just getting dressed and ready for the day, you will feel ready to “go to work.”
- Try an app. If you find yourself frequently scrolling social media instead of working, try downloading a free app that will temporarily block you from accessing these sites. One popular app called Space will also help you set goals to spend less time on your phone and improve your overall productivity.
Get involved online
Along with creating your business website, entrepreneurs must know how to navigate and utilize various social media platforms. Creating social media pages for your company will allow you to engage with potential customers, answer questions, market your products, and find possible business partners. Several entrepreneurs have been able to rapidly expand their at-home business ideas just by promoting their skills or specialties on social media, such as Satira Diana Borhanuddin and Farah Melissa, who started their cake business Kek & Co on Instagram in 2015.
Invest in reliable communication
If you want your home business to expand into a profitable company, you must have a reliable phone system to connect with investors, clients, and potential long-distance employees. Make sure that your business can handle all modern communication needs by choosing a cloud-based business phone company system like BNESIM Enterprise. This service is specifically designed for small business owners, and it provides multiple benefits that traditional landline phones can’t offer, such as video calling, texting, and much more.
BNESIM Enterprise can save you up to 95% on your phone bill, and it provides top-notch coverage in dozens of countries around the globe. With no hidden fees, startup costs, or complex installation processes, it’s also super easy to get started! Click here to learn how you can get your business phone system up and running in no time.
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