I started from a spare bedroom. Here are my top tips
so you can too.
Thinking of starting a business from home? If so, you’re in the right place.
Like many founders starting out, I couldn’t afford premises.
With zero budget, my spare room became my boardroom and office all at once.
On the upside, working from home saved me serious time and cash.
I kept my overheads low and could ditch soul crushing commutes.
I’m not going to lie, though, it took more drive to stay focused.
But the freedom to work how and when I wanted made it worth it.
Luckily, the world has caught up and today working from anywhere is normal and accepted.
Coupled with improvements in technology, it’s made starting a business accessible to everybody.
It may explain why I get questions on this all the time.
And it’s why I wanted to share my tips on show to start a business at home.
So, let’s get started.
TIP 1: Focus on What You Enjoy
First things first, you want to choose a business you’re passionate about.
But here’s the thing – you’ve got to make sure there’s demand for your idea.
Put your idea to the test.
Does it fill a gap in the market? Solve a problem? Or, offer a better experience than currently available?
I always tell founders to try and find an idea that you can completely fall in love with.
That way, it won’t feel like work, which naturally makes you want to put in the hours.
In this case, it helps to focus on work that unlocks your creativity and imagination.
Who knows perhaps you could turn a passion, hobby or skill into a way to make a living.
TIP 2: Find Your Niche
Many home businesses make it big by focusing on a niche community.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of niche businesses.
Going niche makes it easier to identify your target audience.
And, once you know who your target customer is, you can work out where to find them.
In turn, you can pinpoint the exact pain points of your audience.
Then design super specific solutions.
Best of all, narrowing your focus allows you to become an expert in your field.
From there, you can build a loyal following.
TIP 3: Have a Routine
There can be distractions when working from home.
So you want to set up a routine and stick to it.
Begin by defining blocks of time to dedicate to your business.
Next, find a schedule that works for you.
That goes for whether you devote one hour a day or your entire afternoon.
From there, commit to nailing one goal a day.
Tick off any goals as you achieve them.
TIP 4: Create a Dedicated Workspace
It’s important to identify a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
Random distractions steal focus.
For this reason, you’ve got to keep unexpected interruptions to a minimum.
Once you’ve found your spot, design a functional, efficient workspace that inspires productivity.
To achieve this, invest in the essentials.
Ensure you have a great desk, comfortable chair and reliable technology.
TIP 5: Keep it Legal
No matter if you own or rent, don’t go violating any zoning laws or your lease agreement.
Ask yourself – is my home suitable for this purpose?
Look around. Are the premises cut out for the business you’re proposing?
Keep in mind that different businesses must adhere to different regulations.
For example, running a food operation comes with stricter rules than working from a laptop in a bedroom.
TIP 6: Stay Professional
Even if you work from home, professionalism is vital.
That means carefully considering how you handle calls and where to meet your clients.
Not keen on using your home address for work? If so, don’t worry.
There are plenty of options available to small businesses for their registered office.
You can easily set up a virtual office or use the address of your accountant.
TIP 7: Make Sure You're Online
The Internet is still the best way to reach potential customers.
You can build an online presence through a website, blog, digital products or store.
And here’s the coolest part.
Selling online opens the door to a world of global shoppers.
TIP 8: Embrace Social Media
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X are great for connecting with contacts and customers.
Use social media to drive traffic, generate leads and engage with your community.
You can grow your business by tapping into video content.
Simply try sharing on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
TIP 9: Build a Support Network
Running a business from home can be incredibly lonely.
That’s why I lean on a tight network of peers, colleagues, friends and family.
In my case, they keep me grounded, listen to my concerns, and help me think through tough decisions.
But I don’t stop there, as growing a network means stepping outside of my usual circles.
Because of this, it sometimes helps to join startup groups and associations.
Other times, I’ll catch up with fellow founders for a coffee.
TIP 10: Get Out of the House
Like everyone, I get mental blocks and need a change of scenery.
Whenever I hit a wall, I take a screen break, practice self-care or engage in a mood-lifting activity.
The truth is there’s nothing wrong with taking a breather from time to time.
If anything, I find stepping back clears my head and puts things back into perspective.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, I welcome you to head over to our Born to be the Boss campaign.
There are loads of handy resources on how to start a business.
Otherwise, you might like to check out our Born to be the Boss Book or Startup Guide.
Best of luck to you and enjoy!
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It’s explains why people are quitting their
jobs to pursue something meaningful.
