Whether you are attempting to venture into a location beyond your home or contain your business in the comforts of your home, starting a home based business is an excellent choice. Many companies, varying in size and capacity, have been introduced as home based businesses. Statistics show that two out of three businesses begin as a small venture from home. With the era of internet based businesses, the idea of working from home has popularized immensely. It has become a concept of many new businesses, as they are able to reach consumers out of their local region. There are a few aspects of a home based business that need attention before embarking on a new venture. They are (1) zoning laws, (2) the ability to separate your workspace and home space, and (3) maintaining your professionalism.

Zoning Laws and ordinances: A home business must follow the laws regarding location, as any other business. Many cities have zoning ordinances established as a means of determining the areas for commercial and residential purposes. Although, almost every city is equipped with zoned areas, the new wave of home based businesses have allowed for changes within these ordinances. Most activities that restrict a home based business are:

Extreme car traffic
Large and overbearing signs
Amount of clients walking in and out of your “business”

Taking these examples into account, will not only help you determine whether your business can be homebased, but it will allow for a more detailed overview of your current business capital, in hopes of determining if you have the capabilities to venture out of the borders of your home and find a commercial location, if needed. Contact your local city zoning office for details pertaining to your specific city and home.

Workspace and Home Space: It is critical to separate your workspace from your home space, especially if your business requires face-to-face meetings with your clients. Organization is not only essential to your business operations, but also to its survival.

1. DO NOT share your personal telephone with your business. Eliminate the amount of noise in the area in which you will keep and use your telephone. Having a separate line will help with your business traffic and will instill a good sense of professionalism to your clients.

2. Keep it professional. Answer your phone as if you are in the office of a fortune 500 company. Do not allow for family members or friends to handle your business line. When away from your home office, create and maintain a current and professional voice mail message. Always reiterate your company’s information, such as other methods of contact and website information, in a warm manner. Clients hate to leave messages and so eliminate that fear with a warm and caring voice and message.

3. Paper image. Although you may not have the creativity of a graphic designer, have your business stationary lined with a company logo, name and contact information. If needed hire a professional to give your company a boost in both appearance and credibility. Do try to incorporate the style and image presented on your website, if applicable. Also, maintain your paper work in an orderly fashion, with labels, titles, folders and even filing cabinets. Maintain your home office as you would an office in a glamorous office building on 5th avenue.

Professionalism: Professionalism takes into account all the elements of the above aspects, therefore present your business and office with extreme pride, cleanliness, and sophistication. The way your business is perceived will make or break your venture. Therefore, take into consideration your personal appearance when you are deliberating for your business. The way you dress will determine your mood and the image you project to your customers. Although, this is a home based business, your attitude and mood can generate an more traffic or completely annihilate your professional image. Dress to impress, as they say and dress in a manner that will illuminate your home office with confidence and a sense of success.

This is a guest post from our featured writer. Giselle Rivera.