Research finds that of the over 30 million small businesses in the United States, about 15 million are home-based. Home businesses have a number of benefits: low startup costs, no commute, control over your working hours, and added tax benefits. Starting an at-home business is also a reasonable option during this COVID-19 pandemic, as it can allow you to earn a living while practicing social distancing.
Running an at-home business may not be for everyone. This is because the hours can be tedious with little to no opportunity for a home and work-life balance. Additionally, business expansion may be difficult due to a lack of adequate office space. Your business has a higher likelihood of becoming successful if the business itself is one that you feel passionate about. Keep reading as we explore four things you can do to ensure that your at-home business has a successful start.
1. Figure out the business you want to start.
Deciding what business you want to venture into is the best place to start. Take a long, hard look at the things that interest you, and the skills that come to you, naturally. For instance, consider the following: are you a quick learner? Creative? Detail-oriented? These reflect your personality and can act as a guide.
Also, consider the skills that you already have. For instance, are you fluent in more than one language? Can you make crafts? Can you write well? These can act as a guide because bilingual individuals can explore online translation services. Artsy individuals can explore freelance website design, handmade crafts, animation, and graphic design. Additionally, gifted writers can explore online content writing.
Once you have an idea of what business you want to start or the service(s) you want to offer, you can now move on to the planning process.
2. Create a home office.
Having a designated work area is a great way to build morale and motivation. An assigned workspace makes it easier for you to get into “work” mode, which is why you need to design a workspace. A workspace can be an entire room or even a corner in your house that serves as a workstation. The point is to make sure that you’re not to be disturbed when in this space/room.
One of the best practices for creating a home office is ensuring that your office furniture is ergonomically viable so as to avoid strain injuries. Additionally, give your space an aesthetic facelift by adding artwork to the walls or hanging up pictures or quotes that inspire you. Adding light fixtures or indoor plants is also a great way to make sure your home office looks great.
Most offices have beverage options, such as bottled water service or vending machines. While these may be a bit steep, financially, for an at-home business, there are ways to ensure that you stay hydrated throughout your workday. For instance, consider having a 4 liter water bottle close by to help you stay hydrated. Additionally, saving up for a water dispenser can is also a great option.
3. Find an affordable storage solution.
As your business continues to grow, so will your need for a larger workspace with more equipment. If your home office space is still small in size, here is what you can to maximize the space that you already have. To begin with, try using a self-storage unit. Self-storage units come in handy when you’re trying to declutter, or even reduce, the amount of mess in your space.
Additionally, if your new at-home business requires you to keep a lot of stock, a self-storage unit can come in handy. Modern self-storage units are temperature and climate-controlled, with additional lighting, and CCTV cameras for added security. Knowing this, storage units are a great way to declutter your home while making sure that your stock is safe and in great condition.
Starting an at-home business is always challenging, like any business, but following these steps will help you immensely in the beginning.