In many ways, a business is a lot like an home. Like an actual house, a home business needs a solid foundation, a good plan and the materials necessary to start building. This article will help you put together a solid business plan and get started with your home business.
As soon as you can, become a member of the Better Business Bureau. Not only will you be listed in all of the bureau's online material and directories, but it also has immediate impact on your credibility with customers. For a new home business, this simple step can help build quick trust.
Write off your workspace. If you can create a dedicated room for your home office, you can write it off as a business expense. This covers a percentage of all costs, including mortgage or rent payments, utilities and insurance. Calculate the square footage of the area you use compared to the total square footage of your house, and divide the bills accordingly. Be careful though - the IRS will look closely at this type of expense.
If you operate a home business, make sure that you have set aside time for family and recreation as well. It is easy to let your home business take over your entire day because your workplace is your home, and there are no physical boundaries. Setting work hours at home, is a good way set boundaries.
Involve your family as a team and play for home business success. Your extroverted spouse might be eager to do cold calls and handle clients. Your daughter may be great for articles and ad copy, while your son could create cool logos, web sites and brochures. Above all, they must have fun.
Keep a mileage log for your business driving. With a home business, you might find yourself driving to meet clients or suppliers, delivering orders or traveling to boutiques and trade shows. The IRS allows a write-off for business mileage, at about 34 cents per mile. That adds up! Check IRS.gov for the current year mileage allowance.
Make sure your computer is protected. Since it is your main way to do business and make money, you will want to make sure you don't lose it. Keep your data backed up on a separate hard drive and install virus scans and firewalls. This way, you can be fully protected.
It is not that hard to promote your business once you know what you are doing. A great idea is to create a site online for your business. It won't take more than a day to get in place. It costs a bit to register a domain name, but it is worth it. Don't worry about the fee, because your profits can take care of it.
Hopefully after reading this article you feel more knowledgeable about running a successful home business. Your success in your home business will always require hard work, and using the tips above can help you direct your efforts towards actions that will likely produce positive results for your home business.
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