PrintEmail

ans Serif">Many of us have underestimated the power of a home based business and its place in the big scheme of things. I was re-reading some of my training notes and discovered some little quips of wisdom that relate to a wide variety of businesses run from home.

ans Serif">One of the joys of working from home is you can avoid long periods of travel to and from the "office". It is a situation with many benefits, but with these privileges come some responsibilities. You must have "stick ability" or persistence if you like. Having made the decision to develop a business, don't expect instant results - you may be disappointed. Experience has shown it may take up to a year or more to get your business fully rolling.

ans Serif">One of the first things to consider is a business plan. We have seen many great examples and advice on this subject but from my experience the most important thing is to keep it simple. ("There are plenty of short-cuts in business if you have the time to waste.")

ans Serif" color="#FF8000">Here are some things you should consider:
ans Serif">Time
It is essential to commit to the time that you will put into the business though you must plan some time for a refreshing break that may or not be at the weekend. Start the day early. Use a planner diary and keep to your commitments. Do things only once - don't shuffle paper or tasks. Have a good day.

ans Serif">Finances
You must establish a budget. It is critical to the success of your business. You need to know what expenses you are likely to incur. Remember, though, a major part of your budget is your sales and income targets.

ans Serif">Targets
Henry Ford once said - "Business is never as healthy as when, like a chicken, it must do a certain amount of scratching for what it gets." No matter what business you are in, your targets should include the number of people you plan to approach in person, by phone, by email and by post.

ans Serif">Monitor Results
Set out all your targets in a planner and monitor the progress daily. Most of us do not use our time as productively as we could. If you are behind in your daily targets, react immediately to make up the lost activity.

ans Serif">Products or Service
Know your chosen field inside and out. No business-person can be successful without thoroughly understanding the customer benefits of their products. Study your competition so that you know your product/customer benefits compared to other products.

ans Serif">Management
First you must manage yourself. If things are not going right, remember the advice - "Frustration is not having anyone to blame but yourself." Always be professional at all times.

ans Serif">You need to think through your management style and your business plan should also contain notes on how you will handle the following:

ans Serif">Communication
90% of communication is the dissemination of mis-information. Have you tried "Chinese Whispers?" your message can be misunderstood and lost forever.

ans Serif">Training
Always continue to learn. You will be surprised to know you do not know it all!

ans Serif">Interpersonal relationships
Always give people encouragement, support, recognition and praise. I bet you would like some yourself.