For many small businesses, the owner's home also doubles as his or her office or work space. Whether living alone, with your partner or family, you need to strike a balance between home and work life. If you focus solely on work, the household suffers, alternatively if you're constantly distracted by family and household chores, your business won't grow.
The most important step is to designate which days are for work and which are personal. As a small home-based business, you have the flexibility to work around other commitments. So stagger your working days and hours to create a balance. After you've established this timetable, stick to it and make sure your household and clients know when you're working. Don't work through your personal days -- they're just as important as the working ones.
Set up a specific space or office designed for work. Physically moving yourself from the more entertaining parts of your house will help you concentrate on the tasks at hand. When the rest of the household see you in the office, they'll know to let you work. If you have young children, consider a toy-filled area for them in the office, as they'll want to be near you.
To work efficiently you do need undisturbed time to concentrate. If it's affordable, consider hiring help. For those with children, a day of childcare can give you an extra day of work while the rest of your personal time can be spent with the kids. A cleaner too can help with the regular household chores. They won't distract you while you're working and they won't take up your personal days.
When you're enjoying your personal days, try to switch off from work mode. It may be tempting, with the office so close, to check up on things. But, in reality, these things can wait. If family and friends are respecting your work days, be there for them on your designated personal days. If great business ideas do hit you out of the blue, have a pad and pen or use a note application on your mobile.
Depending on how much work you need to do to financially survive, referring certain jobs to others is an option. You won't find a work-home balance if you're swamped with jobs, so learn to say no to some requests.
Just not answering the phone during work days will reduce distractions. All cell phones have caller ID, so you won't miss business-related calls. Working from home is a lifestyle choice but takes some planning to make it work.
Working from home - Hotfrog small business how-tos
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