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Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Work In My Pajamas
Being one’s own boss is the dream of many, and the 21st century has finally made this a viable option. Owing to all the relatively recent advancements made in the field of mainstream internet use, the perfect solution of working from your own home has not only become attainable, but also convenient. The benefits are clear here – being there for your children, no commuting, comfort, plus many others; however, there are more than a couple of dos and don’ts to keep in mind here.
Don’t do it alone
One of the biggest misconceptions about being your own boss is thinking that you don’t need any help. Unfortunately, taking on things on your own is much more difficult than you might think – the more hats you try to wear at once, the riskier and more difficult things tend to get. The vast majority of successful businesses aren’t handled by a single person for a reason!
First of all, you can still be your own boss while outsourcing; this is a valid investment that will help you save a ton of time and patience on trivial issues. Instead of spending hours on something that a professional can do in a matter of minutes, don’t refrain from hiring outside help.
This applies to any particular type of assistance that can help relieve you of a ton of pressure – everything from hiring an accountant to paying for occasional child care.
Don’t quit your day job just yet
Running a home-based business is very different from working for a regular company – as a typical employee, your clock starts running on your first day – your payment is determined by your contract. On the other hand, as a self-employed professional, your pay is just as unpredictable as your work hours, which is why you might want to stay a bit longer at your day job, at least until your home-based business becomes sustainable. You shouldn’t expect that you’ll make a living from your new home business instantaneously; in fact, years may pass until things start to pick up.
For those who don’t have a day job to begin with and are experiencing difficulties finding the perfect one, there is no shame in applying for small loans with reasonable fees just to get you going.
Don’t be a spammer
Sure, the benefits of using the power of social media are countless, but proper etiquette does exist here. When it comes to reaching out, doing market research and advertising, social media pages such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and even Instagram can be hugely beneficial. However, you shouldn’t jump on every opportunity to advertise – you don’t want to be perceived as a spammer. Instead of looking at your leads as mere numbers, start thinking from their point of view – how much do you appreciate a cluttered inbox/news feed? That’s right, you probably unsubscribe at the sheer thought of spam.
The true art of promotion and advertising lies in being considerate, paying attention to your customers’ actual needs and finding perfect opportunities to get your business’s name out there.
Do make sure that your business is properly protected
Due to exposure, every large company opts for hiring security personnel and installing various protective systems. A typical home, on the other hand, receives much less exposure; well, unless you turn it into an office. Every tech-savvy individual can find your home address through your IP address, and there are many other ways for the bad guys to obtain your personal information. Make sure that you install a proper alarm system in order to protect your home from outside physical threats. Of course, proper antivirus software goes without saying.
Do follow a routine
One of the biggest risks regarding working from home is the risk of procrastination – nobody is there to dictate the office hours. Nonetheless, being disciplined is still the pillar of success, so following a certain routine is paramount. This is actually one of the biggest benefits that come with being your own boss – selecting a routine that fits you perfectly, while learning a bit more about yourself as a professional.
We hope that these dos and don’ts will help you properly prepare for your home business endeavor. Find help when necessary, don’t quit your day job immediately, don’t spam, apply proper security measures and stick to a routine that suits you!
