What SME Owners Want You To Know About Starting a Work From Home Business – Part 1 

So you want to take the plunge and start a work from home business? Whether you’re looking for a new challenge, a career change  or pursuing a life long dream, there is plenty to consider to make it a successful decision. 

And we’re here to help.

We had a chat to some home-based SME operators and picked their brains on a variety of topics about the home-based business adventure. In part one of this series, we share advice on the things you need to know before making the change. 

Sonia, Little Miss Purple

Sonia recommends seeking expert advice on vital business decisions  to those looking to start their own home-based business. Before launching her business, Sonia sought the guidance of a coach to assist with marketing and advertising ideas to set her on the right path. 

“Get all the facts. I spoke to everyone I knew could help me, starting with my accountant. I started my business only a few months ago and I had a dream, a note pad full of ideas, and… wait that’s it.”

Mitchell, Pathfinder Alliance

Creating distinct boundaries is what helps Mitchel stay focused when running his home-based business.

“Separate your workspace from the rest of your home. When there’s no clear divide between work and home, everywhere will feel like work, and you’ll never be able to escape it.”

Nicole, Soka Australia

“Know what problem you are solving. If there is a hole in the market, then that is a sign for you to fill that hole with your idea or business. Many great ideas go to the grave.”

David Mannix, Arcadia Expeditions

“Make your office feel like an office. Equip your home office to make it comfortable and practical. Invest in a good chair, make sure you have a strong internet connection, a printer set up, and all the stationery you ever need.”

David also suggests investing in a whiteboard to visually share and remind yourself of points that need work and sketch out long-term plans.

Maini Homer, Business Coach

For the past 18 years Maini has mastered the art of running her business from home. She believes the holy grail of being successful is having a healthy mindset focused on:

• A strong belief in yourself
• Confidence and certainty 
• Knowing your own self-worth 

Katrina Bart, Katrina-Jane

Katrina stresses the importance of educating yourself before taking the plunge and starting your own business.

“Do a small business course first so you know all the ins and outs. Just because you know your product or were a good employee, doesn’t mean you actually know how to run a small business. There’s a lot more to it, which is why so many people go bust.”

If you run a home-based small business we’d love to hear from you!