| Starting a new business can be a harried experience. | | | | investment in preserving your sanity. |
| There are a myriad of decisions to be made, the | | | | Running a business from your home has a few perks, |
| budget needs stretched, the new secretary quits | | | | especially at tax time. Consulting with a tax expert or |
| before the end of the first week: the struggles are | | | | accountant early on will arm you with the knowledge |
| endless. When starting a business from your home, | | | | necessary to save you time and money when filing |
| you can add a slew of unique challenges to the list. | | | | your first year's business taxes. |
| Being aware of the potential pitfalls, and preparing for | | | | Finding service providers that are both competent and |
| them can provide a way of preserving your sanity. | | | | trustworthy is a lesson in perseverance. The business |
| Friends and family members frequently assume that if | | | | directories, internet advertisements and even |
| you are home, you are available. Nothing can set your | | | | newspaper ads are clogged with scams and incapable |
| work back hours, faster than an unplanned visit from | | | | providers. Seeking the advice of a seasoned home |
| your mother. Setting clear boundaries regarding your | | | | business veteran can be your salvation. Word of |
| schedule and availability for phone calls and visits can | | | | mouth will reveal strengths and problems with service |
| prevent misunderstandings early on in the life of your | | | | providers. |
| business. | | | | If you find that you have chosen poorly and end up |
| If you are choosing to keep your small children home | | | | with a full sized, ten year old copier in your den instead |
| with you while you work, that carefully planned | | | | of that sleek, all-in-one model with all the bells and |
| schedule can quickly become fodder for your three | | | | whistles that you paid for, don't despair. Don't back |
| year old. Getting up early is often the best way to | | | | down either. You can explain your dissatisfaction firmly |
| increase your productivity while those little angels are | | | | and politely while explaining that the services were not |
| still slumbering away. | | | | acceptable. If after bringing the blunder to the business' |
| Having a contingency plan for days when the work | | | | attention, you are still left feeling cold, you can report |
| load requires more attention than usual is an excellent | | | | the offender to the Better Business Bureau: and call |
| way to head off disasters before they happen. Find | | | | for legal advice. |
| local babysitters who are willing to come to your home | | | | Using good old common sense, a little street smarts |
| to help out when needed. Recruit friends and family to | | | | and a lot of charm and honesty will help your achieve |
| provide occasional entertainment for short periods of | | | | your business goals, while allowing you to keep your |
| time to allow you to work without interruptions. | | | | sanity and your home life intact. |
| Anything that helps you keep focused is a good | | | | |