Gone are the days when home-based business was limited to Tupperware parties and the sole operating seamstress. With the advent of new technology, the thirst for a lifestyle greater than 9-5 and the changing dynamics of the modern-day family, more and more people are turning towards professional home-based businesses.
There are 5 key motivations fuelling the growing popularity of professional home-based business: time, lifestyle, profit, team and technology. Obviously, time is a key factor when working from home. Home-based professionals’ are not disadvantaged by the downtime normally spent travelling to and from work and they enjoy flexible
hours. Clients also benefit from flexible working hours and can schedule appointments to occur before or after work.
The lifestyle of a professional working from home allows for increased interaction with family members, a tailored work environment and the freedom to set the self-paced completion of tasks. A win-win relationship also exists between home-based business and their client base due to increased profit potential – due to low overheads.
After years spent working in separate careers, many home-based professionals can involve their partners in the business. Partners can be involved in developing the business in a support role, allowing you to create a great team and benefit from the synergy in the home environment.
Not surprisingly, the rapidly expanding portfolio of business technology makes the home-based option a very attractive one. Utilising e-mail and the Internet as well as teleconferencing can make for a very professional approach to business from their own home office.
However, the home office environment is not immune to the challenges faced in the conventional work environment and a day in the life of a home-based professional is anything but average. There is no such
thing as a typical day. The home-based business owner must manage time very effectively. You can’t just sit and watch TV after lunch and say that you’ll catch up later…it invariably never happens. By necessity, business owners should reserve time each day for different kinds of activities eg. starting Mondays with a meeting and ending Fridays with writing reports.
There should also be time reserved for training and attendance at workshops. Home-based professionals must be proactive and consistent in furthering their own personal and professional development. Networking opportunities are also important in keeping up with the latest changes in the industry and provide a catalyst for new ideas and strategies.
Do you need help in improving your Performance and Productivity? Our Business Growth Specialist could help you on your journey with a 1-2-1 session. Book a complimentary coaching session now.
