| Working from home is without doubt the cheapest | | | | you are in a role such as online marketing where you |
| way to run a business, and convenient too. Not only do | | | | don't always need to talk to people |
| you save money on transport, rent and utilities, but you | | | | Overwork - Because work is now at home, it's |
| can claim a portion of your rent or mortgage as a tax | | | | tempting to carry on working all hours of the night, |
| write-off. If you are thinking of starting a business, a | | | | possibly to the detriment of your health and |
| home-based business is undoubtedly one of the | | | | relationships |
| lowest risks | | | | Distractions - If your office isn't separate from your |
| A home business can be convenient if you have | | | | living area, distractions can be overwhelming, especially |
| children, and the number of jobs you can do from | | | | during school holidays. Also, the lawnmowing guy can |
| home has grown exponentially with the availability of | | | | be the worst visitor when you're trying to be creative. |
| broadband internet, teleconferencing and other | | | | Are you serious? - Doing work from home can be |
| technologies. | | | | seen as not quite so 'serious' as a business with an |
| Whether it's data entry work or remotely running a | | | | office, though less and less these days. |
| large team of contractors, all that's required is your | | | | What You Need to Have a Business From Home |
| motivation. If you have it, working at home is an | | | | It's very simple: |
| excellent option for web-based marketers, creative | | | | - Fast internet access, preferably wireless |
| individuals (copywriters and graphic artists), and | | | | - A computer (preferably a laptop with wireless |
| independent contractors (from plumbers to lawyers). | | | | internet if you need to go out to meetings) |
| Let's Look at the Advantages: | | | | - A cellphone |
| Tax write-off - A portion of your mortgage/rent | | | | - A desk and chair in a designated area (the kitchen |
| payments, and utilities (phone, gas, power) may be | | | | table is not the best option if you can avoid it) |
| tax-deductible. | | | | - Any tools of the trade you might need |
| Less travel - You'll spend much less wasted time in | | | | - An understanding partner (if you have a partner) |
| the car or on the bus, meaning more productive time, | | | | - A post office box/mailing address that is not your |
| less pollution and a possible monthly saving that could | | | | home address - if you move, this saves on redirecting |
| be several hundred dollars | | | | everything you are subscribed to, and where your |
| Flexible hours - It's good to maintain a schedule, but | | | | checks come |
| you don't have to work 9-5 like office workers. You | | | | - Appliances that help keep your office clean, tidy and |
| can duck out to the store to buy things, and you can | | | | the right temperature such as a heater, air conditioner, |
| work around commitments to family. | | | | air purifier and dehumidifier. |
| No long leases for property - Your home business | | | | If You Need a Temporary Office |
| doesn't have to sign a long lease to get commercial | | | | Many companies are generous enough to provide free |
| property. Simply set it up in a spare room. | | | | wireless broadband. Places like Starbucks can be used |
| Save more money - You won't be buying expensive | | | | as really cheap temporary offices - set up your laptop |
| cafe lunches and coffees, and it's easier to eat more | | | | and for the price of a coffee an hour you can use |
| healthily. | | | | their facilities, and have a temporary meeting place. |
| No office politics - Wherever you work there's usually | | | | There are companies with spare office space that |
| someone who is annoying. Banish them forever when | | | | won't mind temporary visitors for a small contribution. |
| working from home. | | | | You might even end up getting work from them. |
| And the Disadvantages: | | | | Should you Work From Home? |
| Motivation and discipline - You'll need this to keep to a | | | | Ultimately the type of work that's most suited to home |
| schedule and not start late, end up watching daytime | | | | is something you enjoy (so you don't procrastinate), an |
| TV, or making endless visits to the cookie jar. | | | | online business, and one where you don't need to have |
| Loneliness - Lack of social interaction can cause | | | | customers come to your premises. Web-based |
| loneliness when you are working at home, especially if | | | | businesses are ideal. |