Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Running a home business is a great way to start as an entrepreneur as it helps keep costs down significantly. There is no reason why it cannot lead to great success if you work hard at it. That said, there are a few home business musts if you want to succeed in the short and long term. Here are some of them to get you moving faster toward business success.
A Legit Workspace (a.k.a. Not Your Couch)
The couch might be cozy, but it’s not doing your productivity (or posture) any favors. Set up a proper desk, get an ergonomic chair, and add some plants or motivational wall art to make it feel like a real office. Bonus: this gives you a semi-professional background for all those Zoom calls. No one needs to see your unmade bed or last night’s pizza box.
Virtual Online Numbers
If you’re still giving out your personal cell number for business calls, stop right there! Serious businesses use tools like virtual online numbers to separate work from personal life. These numbers let you manage calls and texts professionally without sharing your personal number. Plus, they’re perfect for keeping work-life boundaries intact (because we all know clients will call at 10 p.m. if you let them).
A Killer Website
In today’s digital age, if you don’t have a business website, does it even exist? A sleek, user-friendly site gives your business instant credibility. You don’t need to hire a pricey designer to get great results. Consider using platforms like Squarespace or Wix to easily create something simple and fabulous for the beginning of your home business journey. Just make sure your site has the essentials: clear branding, easy navigation, and a way for people to contact you (hint: link that virtual number!).
Business Software
Spreadsheets are fine, but serious businesses need tools that can handle heavy lifting. Invest in accounting software like QuickBooks, project management tools like Trello, or a CRM to keep track of your customers. Automation is your new best friend that saves time and keeps invoices out of your email abyss.
Reliable Internet (Seriously, No Buffering)
Nothing screams “unprofessional” like glitchy video calls or emails that won’t send because your Wi-Fi decided to take a nap. Upgrade to the fastest internet plan you can afford, and a backup like a mobile hotspot. Smooth connectivity = smooth business.
Marketing Magic
Whether it’s email campaigns, social media, or good old-fashioned networking, marketing is one of those home business musts not to ignore. If you’re not reaching customers, you’re not growing. Tools like Canva make it easy to create stunning graphics, and social media schedulers like Buffer or Hootsuite save you time. Remember: visibility = viability.
A “No Interruptions” Policy
Running a home business comes with one universal challenge: interruptions. From kids yelling about snacks to your dog barking at the mailman, distractions are everywhere. Set boundaries with family, post a “do not disturb” sign, and maybe invest in noise-canceling headphones for when all else fails.
Coffee/Tea and Snack Stash
This one’s self-explanatory. When you’re pulling a late-night hustle or handling a client crisis, coffee/tea and snacks are your lifeline. Stocking up on your favorite beverage and nourishing snacks is also one of those home business musts to never let go.
Running a home business with the right tools gives you the best chance of success. These might seem like unimportant extras, but I assure you they are not. If you are unable to get all of them at once, start with whatever you can and add more later. The point is to add these home business musts to bring clarity and credibility to your business venture. If you don’t take it seriously, no one else will.
