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:
Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash
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 3rd 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.
