Posted by
Standard Bank Namibia
on 18 Jun 18
Categories:
Life at Home
More people are working home than ever before. This means that many of your remote-working colleagues are shuffling around in their slippers whilst speaking to you on the phone, or Skyping into meetings wearing pyjama bottoms. If this sounds like your kind of life, then maybe it's time to consider setting up a home-based business.
As fun and free as this might sound, for your home-business to succeed you need to keep a few important questions in mind.
Is it allowed?
Not every home can be transformed into a business. If it's just you, your laptop and your brain, you'll be fine. But if you're putting up signage and hosting clients and storing stock, you need to check with your municipality if a permit is required.
Is it safe?
If you're sitting in your lounge surrounded by boxes of the expensive computer components you're selling, there's the distinct possibility of you becoming a target of theft. Consider setting up a PO Box as your mailing address, and also ensure that deliveries arrive from only trusted sources at expected times.
Are you covered
Find out if your home insurance covers business equipment in the event of theft, fire and all the other horrible hazards we don't like to consider. If you need help with this task, give Standard Bank Insurance Brokers a call.
Are you disciplined?
You're going to be in a position where you have no colleagues or bosses watching over your shoulder. The potential for procrastination is huge. So keep it professional. Dress like you're working in a 'normal' office. Get to your desk at a decent time, take only an hour's lunch and stay focussed on your tasks throughout the day.
Setting up a dedicated, business-like environment certainly helps. Don't let your office double as a kids' play area, for example. You need to separate work from home and keep your business area sacred.
Conversely, however, it's vitally important to not let your business encroach on your home life. Log off at 5 or 6 and stay logged off. When your family come home, make sure to give them quality time. Switch your business brain off during weekends.
Are you in for the long-haul?
Let's not kid ourselves, starting a business is tough, no matter where you base your office. The initial period is especially hard as you slowly build up your client base. Start-up costs and lack of regular income are just two of the concerns that'll keep you awake at night. You'll need bucket-loads of grit and determination to keep pushing through and attaining the success you know you deserve.
Home work is the way forward
If you currently work in an office, you'll know this feeling: walking into your home after a long day and relaxing with the family, watching a bit of TV, having a spontaneous evening braai...
If you work from home, it's imperative that you don't lose that feeling. To do this, and to truly enjoy the freedom and benefits of your new home-based office, do yourself a favour and set parameters for taking both your work and your family seriously.