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If you have decided to take the big leap towards starting a home-based business, you are not alone. Up to 69 percent of start-up businesses still running in the USA are home-based. Another 50 percent of entrepreneurs run their businesses from home.

Contrary to popular opinion, home-based businesses could end up being successful multinational corporations. Examples of such businesses include Amazon, Google, Walt Disney, Mattel, etc. This should boost your confidence when starting your business.

Among many other benefits, a home-based business will grant you the autonomy of scaling up or down as you see fit. You will also save on resources and you can invest the money back into your business.

To be successful at your new endeavor, follow the following five tips when starting your home-based business.

 

Organize Your Space

Starting a home business can give you many benefits. Besides being your own boss, you will from now on save on office rent. As a result, you will also save time you used to spend on commuting.

For most businesses, rent is an unavoidable overhead cost. A home-based business will not incur this cost. However, working from home means you have to separate your living space and working space. You may have to sacrifice an entire room to use as your office.

The area you decide to use as your working environment should mimic a real office. You should ensure sufficient workspace and adequate lighting. Most importantly, make sure you can isolate yourself from distractions and work efficiently.

 

Stick to a Schedule

Working from home could be challenging. Since you will be spending most of your time at home, you might have a challenge balancing time between work and family.

Work out a daily routine, which enables you to balance work, family time, house chores and other obligations. A schedule ensures that your productivity is at maximum and that you stay on top of all of your tasks. However, make sure your schedule is flexible and don’t forget to set apart time for breaks.

Communicate your schedule to your friends and family. They might unintentionally disturb you while you are working at home. When they have your schedule, they will know when you are free and when you are not available.

 

Outsource

In the initial stages of the business, you will, most likely, solely handle all the aspects of your business. Functions such as marketing, supply chain management, and accounting will take up most of your time. Your business may experience a shortage of resources and you may need to outsource some of the labor-intensive functions.

Outsourcing might incur some excess costs, but you will save a lot in terms of time and energy. Outsourcing will also give you access to qualified personnel and fill the expertise deficiencies you may face.

 

Network

Starting a business is not easy. At initial stages, you may face certain challenges. For example: adjusting to your new schedule, acquiring clients, managing finances, etc. These challenges could take a toll on you.

A support structure is essential to help you cope. Networking will not only give you a social outlet but will also link you up with people who are on the same journey as you are.

Whether you network socially or professionally, you will be tapping into a potential source of professionals in your field. Not to mention the potential clients you could meet.

 

Don’t Forget About Marketing

Customers are more willing to get into business with brands they know and trust. This gives them a sense of security. This is why you need them to know your business and what it is all about.

After all, your customers are your greatest assets. Without people knowing about your business, you can’t expect to make sales.

There are numerous techniques you could use to market your business. Attend social events and never give away an opportunity to talk to a stranger. Hand out your professionally designed business card, ask for referrals, and don’t forget to give out samples of your products or services.

Don’t forget about online marketing. The internet offers a cheap way for you to reach a large audience very quickly. Create a website and focus on posting relevant content. Then use social media to connect with your audience and distribute your content.

 

Final Thoughts

In summary, organize your space and organize yourself. Outsource to acquire the skills you lack, reach out to acquire new clients and potential partnerships. Lastly, make yourself and your home-based business known far and wide. These tips will help you run a successful home business.

Helen Eagleton
Helen Eagleton, a freelance blogger from Boston, follows topics in the realm of education, technology, digital marketing, and business in general. When she’s not researching for her next article, she enjoys watching documentaries and exploring the nature. Reach her @eagleton_helen