If you can believe all the Internet hype, millions of people all over the world are looking to start their own home business.
Sack your boss, spend time with your family, increase your income in just a few months.
These are the carrots held out to the would be new entrepreneur.
Yes it can and does happen but not without some thought and preparation.
There are a few things to consider before embarking on what can be a very fulfilling life change.
If you have been in full time employment, however If you can believe all the Internet hype, millions of people all over the world are looking to start their own home business.
Sack your boss, spend time with your family, increase your income in just a few months.
much you disliked it you have to remember that you have been part time at home.
It will take some adjustment for all members of the family to accept and get used to this radical change.
Fortunately there are a few simple but very effective strategies you can use to help make the change more acceptable.
Look back towards your time spent at your office.
Communication is the King and time management is the Queen.
Used effectively these two keys can considerably minimize conflict and increase understanding and acceptance.
Rule number one, communication.
Starting any home business requires planning.
If you have a family, they become an integral part of the planning process.
Take time to discuss with them the details and implications of your business.
Involve them in the details, including the financial and time consuming details.
You would be surprised at how helpful and positive people become when they share your vision.
Do remember that starting a business is not all plain sailing so do not forget to discuss some of the possible hurdles.
Your family may not have the answers but they can still provide the support.
Be honest about your goals.
Having large yachts and driving expensive fast cars may not be the goals of your partner.
Discuss the goals, entrepreneurs tend to be arrogant, sometimes manipulative and often alone.
Be ready to compromise on goals but not on working towards these goals.
Rule number two, time management.
Managing your time is critical when working from home, especially in the early stages of your business.
The tendency is to bury your head into the details, especially if it is a new enterprise, and only come up occasionally for air.
This is not good for either you or your family.
Remember when you had a conventional job you probably only actually worked effectively for sixty percent of the time you were in the office.
This does not mean that you should only work for a few hours a day at home, but do have a sense of proportion.
Set yourself a realistic daily work program and stick to it.
Each evening write yourself a to do list.
The next day do it and do not procrastinate.
If necessary stick your to do list where the family can see it.
One of the real problems when deciding to start your home business is where to site your office.
You really cannot have it spread all over the kitchen work surfaces.
There is nothing more calculated to cause friction than hunting all over the house looking for that elusive piece of paper.
Do not expect your family to always respect your sanctum, especially if it is in a communal area of the house.
You can always hold a carrot in front of them that when you see some success you will convert the garage into your office.
Working from home can and should be very rewarding, but yes you do have to be just a little bit mad to do it.