Photo (CC) by LPHR Group, on Flickr
More people have a home-based business than you might think.
On average, one of every 10 households is operating one or more home-based businesses. In rural areas, that number is often higher. And these numbers typically do not take into account farm and ranch operations which, by most definitions, would be considered a home-based business.
Home-based businesses are nothing new.
If you think about it, our country’s economic system was based nearly entirely on home-based businesses in its early years and in the frontier areas of our country.
Today the home-based business owner has a significant number of tools to help him or her operate the business. Many of these tools are based on technology, including the Internet. With such tools, the home-based business owner cannot be distinguished from any other business owner.
This is important to note because a common misconception is that people operating a business from their home are not as serious about business success.
In reality, we find that home-based business owners are as serious about business success and interested in growth as any other business owner. Even those owners who also have additional goals, such as maintaining a lifestyle or more family time, know that they must remain competitive in terms of price, product, packaging and service.
Home-based business owners not only struggle with outside perceptions; they also have internal factors that may hinder business development.
It is not surprising that many home-based business owners struggle with loneliness. They feel that they have few or even no professional colleagues who can identify with their struggles. In some communities, these business owners find ways to meet on a regular basis. They form a network to discuss ideas and trends, and simply to share time with people in similar situations.
Some other tips for the home-base business owner are:
- Take your laptop and spend time at the local coffee shop, library or even park bench where you can get free wireless Internet. This gives you a change of scenery, it may spark some new ideas and you have the chance to meet new people. It provides for that necessary social interaction all of us need.
- Get dressed in business casual clothing as opposed to clothing for a more relaxed situation. Working in your PJs sounds great but may not put you in the right frame of mind.
- Make plans to attend regular conferences. Don’t forget to attend that monthly meeting of your Chamber of Commerce. If the Chamber is welcoming a new business, make sure you attend. It is a great chance to make new connections. Also, do not forget to ask the Chamber to do a welcome as you start your new business. It will be free publicity and is a way to start building awareness that you are open.
- Make contacts with local news media. Become the local expert in your subject area. Be the person the media turn to with questions. This helps you form important relationships and becomes a great marketing tool.
- Find a work buddy. You have others you know who are in the same situation you are. You perhaps can do some team work or just enjoy some office camaraderie. With the virtual world, you often can work from anywhere.
Communities can also help the home-based business owner by recognizing their existence, making it easy for them to get started, and encouraging them to become a part of the business community.
Home-based businesses support owners, their family, and their community. Encourage their development and success in your community.
- About the Author
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Glenn Muske is an independent expert on rural small business, working as GM Consulting – Your partner in achieving small business success. He provides consulting, and writes articles for county extension agents and newspapers across North Dakota. Previously, he was the Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist at the North Dakota State University Extension Service – Center for Community Vitality.
Hi Glenn – great post! You brought up important items that many of us “home-based” businesses face.
Two, in particular, struck a cord with me: people not taking your business seriously (everyone thinks we work in pajamas all day), and the loneliness factor.
My partner and I have been running our business out of our home office for over two years now. Most of our clients are out-of-state, so it’s not as if we need separate space to meet with them. It made sense to convert a large room in our home into an office. And we’re very serious about our business: if we aren’t successful, we don’t eat!
Loneliness finally caught up with us by the end of 2014. My partner has been networking more, and I’ve made getting out with friends a priority. Even though I would describe myself as an introvert – that everyone believes is an extrovert – it’s difficult for me to “join in” sometimes. But, if you are working from home, and if you don’t see many people as a result, your health and well-being depends on it. I understand that now.
Have a great Friday and weekend!