Okay-you've decided to operate your business from a home office. The second rule of thumb to success is to treat your business like a real business. If you want to make the type of money that will allow you to invest in your future, it's essential you gain the right attitude about it.
Designate a place in your home as your office. Whether it's in the basement or utilizing an extra bedroom, you have to claim your space.

Invest in your business. Purchase a real office desk, file cabinet, desktop phone, fax machine, printer, scanner, web cam, external backup drive, software and whatever else you may need to be operational.

Develop a business plan. Take the time to write a business plan that includes your marketing strategies. You'll never know when you will need to approach a bank for a business loan.
Publicize you company products and services. Build a mini-website with web-based templates. After you establish your site, add your URL to web directories to drive traffic to your site.
Plan for future business growth. Don't be afraid to dream big!

Of course, treating your business like a real business doesn't mean you have to be a slave to your job. After all, having to punch the clock might be part of the reason why you're no longer working for someone else. You can have fun with it and not feel guilty. Just set your hours accordingly.

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Copyright (c) 2005 Revised 2009
Author Diane Hess