Home Office

As a full time Stay At Home Mom for 13 years now, I have found that we are all looking for the easiest ways to organize our lives.  So why then do we add a business into the picture?; Most of us need extra income to meet the growing prices in today's economy.; Some of us need anything to get some adult interaction.; The rest of us have other various reasons why we are trying to run a business while raising our children.

Assuming that you have already decided on what business you are going to venture into, let us onsider a few factors that will help or hinder your organization of your home so we can get going in the right direction.; Flying by the seat of your pants does not always work.

Family is one of the largest factors. Are they for or against having a business set up in the home?

Step 1:  Have a family meeting discussing how it will affect everyone or how it will make them feel.  Ask questions such as, "How would you all like to be a part of a family business?" or "Would you like to participate, or would you rather pick something else to do that will not disturb mom while she is conducting business?" You have to come up with questions for your particular family situation.  This is a VERY important first step.  If you don't have family support, your business will not be very successful. So think this through.  I do this a few times a year with our family, due to changes everyone goes through as they grow up.

What if you don't have a choice but to start an in home business?  You should still have a family meeting, just make a list of different questions to go over with everyone, such as, "We have to do something to help pay the bills.  This is our only option as I see it.  So we are all going to have to pitch in as a family".  or "I am starting a new business. You will all need to do _________ to participate." etc...  Also, have everyone give an opinion of what they think would be helpful or what they could do to pitch in, even if it a small child who can only empty your office trash two times a week.  What a big help!

Furniture is at the top of my list this month.  If you have the right setting, with a place for everything, then you have won half the battle.

Step 2:  Make a list of what furniture you THINK would help you have a place for everything, i.e. bookcases, drawers, (plastic bins in our home), desk, etc...  Think it through by looking at all that you have or will have to store.  Will you have inventory? Will you need to have a shipping area?  What will you need to put your shipping supplies in.  Would a large file cabinet work better than a  bookcase?  Go to your nearest office store and look around, taking notes on things you like or that may make your life a little easier. When we penny pinch, sometimes we regret it later. So figure out how much less stress you will have if you spend the money now,  and do it the best way the first time around.  Otherwise, you end up like me with many containers you don't need, but really like having around just in case.  (I thought I would use them.  ::::wink::::)

Step 3:  Decide on hours that will work for your clientele, your family, and yourself.  If you are a home schooling family, then you will have to schedule business hours during a time that will not
interfere with school.  A family where the kids are in school during the day has more flexibility in this area.  Again, this should also be included in a family meeting.  There are many choices, one of which
could be a few hours during the day and a few at night.  "Just a suggestion."

Step 4:  Make that important list of supplies needed & a wish list of things wanted. Once you get these steps agreed upon, then it is time for 

Step 5:  Go shopping! Take the family shopping for your business supplies.  What is more exciting than starting a new adventure as a team?!  For those of you who would prefer not to take the whole family with you, have them get the house ready while you go shopping.  You get the picture right?

Step 6:  Get the family together to help put everything together and organize. Most often getting new anything as a family is exciting.  Then to see the completed work, is so rewarding, everyone will feel the heat of the moment.  Now sit back and take stock of what you have just accomplished and feel proud.

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