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Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Work In My Pajamas
Running a home-based business can seem very exciting, liberating and simple at first. The reality is that it is just as difficult as running any other type of new startup business. You will most likely encounter some type of trouble at some point. Here are six things that often go wrong when running a business from home.
Distractions Lower Productivity
One thing that can go wrong is you become distracted and stop getting a good amount of work done each day. This can happen if you do not treat your home business like a formal job. You could end up getting distracted by social media, television or even calls from friends. Find a space in your home that you can dedicate to work only so you can focus better.
Family Members Cause Problems
Another common problem can be caused by family members. Children or a spouse might damage your business equipment, lose things in your office or take up space that you needed for work. This can hurt your business almost immediately. Instituting privacy rules and boundaries will prevent these problems. Locks on your home office can help as well. You may need a sitter if you have young kids to tackle tasks that need your undivided attention.
Computer or Technology Issues
A very common issue is when your computers, technology or network connections break down at home. These types of technical problems are incredibly difficult and risky to solve on your own. They can bring your business to a standstill. The best and fastest solution for computer or information technology problems is to call in an expert for help and repairs. Taking care of such issues is vital to a young company that relies on email and the internet to do work.
No Room for Expansion
Your home business might need to grow over time. A problem many people encounter is running out of space. You might not have room left for new equipment or products. This usually means it is time to lease a commercial space instead.
Legal and Zoning Problems
Some common problems few home-based business owners think about are legal. Your home or neighborhood might not be zoned for business leading to fines. You could be sued by trademark or patent holders. These problems require research to avoid and possibly even an attorney to fix.
Poor Client Perceptions
A final problem has to do with poor client perceptions. A client might be hesitant to trust you or your business because it is run out of your home. This can lead to reduced revenue. The answer is to create a professional home office that shows clients you are serious. If you run an online business, be sure that your website is easy to navigate, and make it easy for customers to connect with you and ask questions when needed.
Starting and running a successful home-based business is incredibly rewarding. It can lead to bigger things over time. You just have to be careful along the way. Watch for these six common problems in order to keep your business at home running as smoothly as possible.
