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Advances in technology have had profound impacts on virtually every aspect of our lives. The advent of the internet, e-commerce, cloud computing and numerous other developments has opened doors for enterprising people from all walks of life to explore new opportunities that would have been unthinkable even a generation ago. For modern women, the changes have been revolutionary. Traditionally faced with the options of family, career or struggling to juggle both, technology is facilitating a new breed of female entrepreneurs building successful businesses from their own homes. The benefits in terms of work-life balance can be extreme. However, operating a home business has its own set of challenges. Here are a few secrets to making it work:

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The Right Impression

As convenient as it may be, working out of your garage or basement may not instill great confidence in potential clients or partners. It’s crucial to use the resources available to create an impression of stability and professionalism. Simple strategies like building an impressive website, utilizing a virtual office to present a prominent address, hold meetings and other business support services, developing stunning, eye-catching branding a logo are all strategies that can give you instant credibility.

Right on Time

One of the most lethal threats to any home business is the presence of distractions that eke away at your productivity. The TV is within easy reach; the laundry isn’t going to do itself, and dinner still needs to be cooked. There might be any number of potential excuses to stray from your desk and attend to that one task that you need to do. Make no mistake, your ability to resist these temptations can be the difference between success and failure. Block out designated work times and stick to them like glue while blocking all those other things out so you can maintain productivity.

Space Invaders

In addition to protecting your time, it’s crucial to create a space that is comfortable, positive and conducive to working efficiently. Choose a quiet, relatively out of the way part of the house to establish your base and ensure that the furniture, equipment and décor are appropriate to for your needs. A well-designed workspace can help you bring a professional approach and attitude with you every time you start to work.

Out and About

Notwithstanding all the above, being in the same place all day every day for both work and family commitments can drive any girl a little stir crazy. Sometimes a change of scenery is the perfect way to rediscover your focus. Most coffee shops have wireless internet these days, so grab your computer and head down there to work while sipping a latte. Wherever possible arrange business meetings to be held face to face at a 3^rd location. Getting out of the house now and then can help refresh your mind, stay focused and contribute to better output over the long-term.

Digital Dreaming

A great idea or product will not be enough if people don’t know about it. Fortunately, online marketing techniques can be incredibly effective in presenting your business to a wide, yet targeted audience. A well thought out social media presence that communicates your core values, SEO and search marketing campaigns can all drive traffic to your website and potential clients to your door without the exorbitant costs of traditional marketing techniques.

Few things can be as satisfying as building a successful business. With all the resources at your disposal, you too can join the legion of moms doing amazing things in the business world from the comfort of their homes.

Be Smart About Outlet Use

No matter whether you’re at home or in the office, there never seems to be enough places to plug in all the electronics we use every day. For this reason, it’s common for people to overload the outlets they have. Unfortunately, this dangerous practice can result in a fire. Rather than endangering yourself and others, consider hiring a commercial electrician in Melbourne to install the additional electrical outlets you need to ensure that all your appliances and devices can operate safely.

Learn How to Use Extension Cords and Power Strips

It’s tempting to plug two extension cords into each other to reach an outlet, or to plug one power strip into another to give yourself more options, but both these practices can have devastating consequences.

While it is completely possible to plug two extension cords into each other, you must first look at the tag on each to determine if they can handle the load set forth by the device(s) you intend to plug into them. Using cords rated less than ideal for the devices you plug into them can cause them to overheat. The same holds true for plugging multiple power strips into each other. If you are unable to determine the proper load for the cords you are using, err on the side of caution and don’t plug them into each other.

Don’t Cover Cords With Mats or Rugs

Another fire hazard is the practice of covering exposed wires and cords with rugs or mats to reduce tripping hazards. While this achieves the intended purpose in most cases, it creates another more dangerous situation. Take the time to eliminate this fire and tripping hazard by running all cords along the wall instead of through a walkway.

Unplug Electrical Devices and Equipment Before Maintenance or Repair

While this sounds like common sense, you’d be surprised by the number of people who wind up spending their day in the emergency room each year with shocks and burns resulting from failure to disconnect electrical equipment before servicing. A reliable rule of thumb here is to unplug the appliance, then double check that you have in fact done so before beginning any repair or maintenance work.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

If you notice a hot cord or plug, or you hear a strange noise (a hum, or buzz) coming from a piece of electrical equipment, or it sparks or smokes when you plug or unplug it, immediately remove it from operation and don’t use it again. In some cases, you might be able to have it fixed. However, your safest bet is to replace it. It’s tempting to try to continue using a faulty piece of equipment, especially if it’s expensive to repair or replace. However, doing so could result in even more expense and heartache if the device catches fire.

Using electricity is no joke. Most of us take it for granted, but the reality is, it’s dangerous if not used correctly and respectfully. Following the five tips above will help keep you safe at home and in the office.