Mrs. Florence Odigwe, an event planner and an interior decorator, recalled that when she wanted to start her business, she did not have enough fund. So, she decided to do it from home.For her, working from home was hectic at the beginning and sometimes rough, as she could not manage the home affairs and the business effectively at the same time.She says, I had a problem doing the business from home because I was always conscious of my home environment. This made it very difficult to achieve my purpose in the business at that time.Odigwe notes that to be successful in running any business from home, there is the need to take time to make plans for every eventuality that may arise.Again, she stresses that there is the need to put a structure in place. He says, Structuring your day in a way that works for you is important, especially with all the potential home-based distractions, like ones spouse, children and house work, as well as personal issues.To this, a make up artiste based in Lagos, Ms Faith Ovwufeti agrees, saying that establishing a structure will help one to be disciplined. It helps to get ones work done as well as help the people around to know when one is available and when one is not.She explains further that it is necessary to communicate the hours meant for work. Besides, it also enables the business person to decide where the work zone will be, as this is essential in the running of a successful home-based business.According to her, even if there is limited space in the home, a designated private work area can help one to focus. She says this may be ones garage, a spare bedroom or even a desk in the corner of the kitchen. If you have a family, especially consisting of older children, you need to consider a separate computer, fax machine and phone line, among others, so there is no conflict arising on a daily basis. Also remember that you may need additional space to store your products and inventory, she explains.Ovwufeti adds, This advice applies to people living under the roof of the business owner as well. That means creating a work schedule that is relatively predictable on a day-to-day basis, as well as establishing effective communication of this to family members and friends that work time is work time.Creating your own work zone will help you stay focused. Family responsibilities, chores, TV and the warmth of your own bed can all distract you from the task at hand. Remove as many distractions as you can from your home office and stay focused.Ovwufeti explains further that it may be difficult to run a home-based business professionally, and at the same time, simultaneously taking care of the home front. She says the situation can be better managed, if the business owner prioritises his day carefully.She adds that there may be a need to get help while working at home.She says, One cannot do it all. It is hard to run a company professionally, while simultaneously taking care of children or facing the brunt of the housework. If one needs a helper to take care of your mother or father while you are working, it may be worth the investment. The best part is that the children can still be nearby, where they are accessible and be entertained without distraction.She adds that there is the need to know when to leave the office.It can be tempting for zealous entrepreneurs to do business 24 hours round the clock. And while it is an advantage to have instant access; it is also a challenge if you have other obligations or responsibilities. You will always want to stay on top of that next e-mail or return that phone call, but many entrepreneurs I know have had to establish boundaries for themselves, she emphasises.Both Odigwe and Ovwufeti believe that keeping an effective calendar of planned activities is best for home-based business.Odigwe notes, Part of the beauty of running your own business is the flexibility to dash off to your kids afternoon recitals without asking a boss. But keeping track and balancing all your many to-dos can be daunting, unless you merge your business and personal life.When I first started my business, I kept separate calendars: one for personal family events and appointments, and the other for business obligations. I soon realised that this wouldnt work. My business and home life were completely intertwined, and I was double-booking important events. Keeping one calendar for everything was the solution.A columnist on entrepreneur.com and founder of Mom Inventors Incorporated, Ms. Tamara Monosoff, stresses that keeping one calendar for everything is the solution to managing home and office.She says, As your business grows and thrive, you will inevitably need more space for inventory and employees. That is the time to leave or buy some office space to save your own sanity and keep things professionally. Of course, you can still use the home office for late night business. That is the beauty of being your own boss; you call the shots, no matter where you are working.She adds that it is important to use the home business to gain experience and attract or save funds to start and buy the business one has always wanted.
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