Respecting the Divide in a Home Based Business

A Home Business Article Contributed by Barbara Gibson

Special Considerations for Home Based Business

Launching a home based business is a commitment. You must respect your business enough to work diligently for its success. You must also respect your business enough not to engage in unwitting sabotage. As hard as it may be to imagine, this happens all the time and contributes significantly to business failure. In this article, we will take a look at some of the ways home based business owners undermine their success. If you are an unwitting saboteur, don't despair, its not to late to correct your mistake.

Respecting the Divide in a Home Based Business

Although housed in your home, your home based business is an entirely separate entity. As such, it is important to maintain a strict divide. This is particularly true as it relates to money. It is not a good idea to use money generated from or for your business for personal reasons. The opposite is also true.If you are considering using funds earmarked for mortgage or rent payments, or utility bills, don't. Consider separate bank accounts if at all possible. If this is not possible, a very strict use of a chart of accounts will suffice until you are able to make better arrangements.

Work/Life Balance for Home Based Business Owners

Has it happened, as a home based business owner, that you are asked to complete tasks or run errands, "since you will be home all day? " While it is true that you are at home, it is also true that you are there to work just as you would at an office job. Do not allow yourself to be drawn away from your work by even small tasks. Inevitably, the five minute job will become the 50 minute job and you will have only yourself to blame. Make your home based business a priority.

Set a firm schedule and keep to it, at least most of the time. If you are having trouble staying focused, take some time to review your commitment to your home based business, or set daily goals and rewards. If you continue to have trouble, consider if you have chosen the right home based business, and such for the meaning behind your behavior.

Enlisting Family Support of Your Home Based Business

Talk with your family about respecting your home based business. Let them know that when you are working you should not be disturbed, except for emergencies. If your family is having a difficult time supporting your business, or allowing you the time you need to work, call a family meeting. Explain in advance that everyone should listen for the feelings behind the words with a goal toward greater understanding and communication. Make sure that everyone involved has an opportunity to be heard

Talk with your family about how important your home based business is to you. Without shaming the culprits, talk about how it feels to know you do not have the support that you need Clearly state what you do need. Do you need help with car pooling, dinner, or access to the telephone or computer? Can you make schedules or family contracts? Sit down together again after a week or so. Remember to recognize any improvements you have noticed with a special thank you.

If there are ongoing problems address them in a respectful manner keeping your emphasis on improvements. Be patient and good luck!