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On the surface this may sound like a silly question. “It’s in my home, of course!”

Well, yes, it is. But, where in your home is your office?

Is it in your bedroom? Or perhaps a corner in the dinning room or den? Maybe it’s a desk in the kitchen?

Often any of the above is the best that we can do. Meaning, there simply isn’t space to have the ideal: a separate room in your house that has a door you can close, enough space for a desk and chair, and is wired for phone and Internet service.

Let’s consider why the ideal is the best way to go for your home office.

First, a separate room, with a door, will give you a private place for you to run your business free from noise and distractions. Depending upon what type of business you have this could be very important.

Second, having your own phone and Internet connection will enable you to work your business when it’s best for you. Too many of my clients miss out on critical work hours because someone else in the house was using the Internet or speaking on the phone.

Spend the extra money on a separate business phone and Internet connection and write it off as a business expense.

Third, avoid sharing your desk with other household members. It’s important that you know where your work related items are and are able to access them when you need them. Also, when you can afford to spend money on a high quality office chair, I encourage you to do so. This will help you avoid back problems in the long run.

Now, all the above is well and good, if there is space in the house to use for a home office. But, what if there isn’t? Do the best you can to incorporate as much of the above suggestions as possible.

For example, if your workspace is in the kitchen, but there is more room in the dinning room, then relocate your home office. Put up a partition, such as a nice multi-panel, decorative, room divider. Discuss your work hours with all household members. Determine when you can work with minimal noise and interruptions.

The point is, do your best to treat your business like a business so it rewards you like a business.

Kimberly Anne is a seasoned businessperson with over 20 years of marketing experience. With a BA and a MBA, she has helped thousands of people start home businesses and achieve success. For more information and resources visit Kimberly’s site http://www.all-about-home-businesses.com.

Recently I heard from a woman who was very skeptical about home-based businesses. Her exact words were, “I’ve come to realize there is no such thing as a legitimate home-based business.”

It is sad, but true, that people do have enough negative experiences with trying to start a home-based business that they give up. Worse, they become resigned that home-based businesses do not work and, therefore, are not legitimate.

Well, I am here to tell you that having a legitimate home-based business is viable. However, you must understand that any worthwhile business requires work, your attention, takes time to build and requires a certain amount of risk.

However, there is something you can do to reduce your risk and make a good choice for yourself in a home business.

Look for value. Then provide value.

Value includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

1. A good reputation.

If you’re considering a home-business program, make sure the company offering the program has a good reputation. Use the Internet, the Better Business Bureau, Chambers of Commerce, and The Small Business Administration to conduct research on the company.

Then, also focus on how you can provide value with your home business.

2. Quality products and/or services.

If you’re selling someone else’s products or service, sample them. Are the products well made? If it’s a consumable product, are you getting the results you expect? Also, most companies that provide quality products and services offer some type of guarantee, such as a 30-day, money back guarantee.

If you’re creating your own product or providing your own service, have people try what you’re offering first. Get feedback. Make changes if necessary.

3. Avoid “get rich quick thinking.” Find resources that help the home-business owner build his business on a solid foundation, over time, with a certain amount of effort and dedication.

4. Enough people want what you will be selling. If there is not demand for the product or service, then that product or service is probably not providing much value. To put it another way, if the problem the product or service is there to solve is not a significant enough of a problem for enough people, you’re not going to be able to provide much value.

5. Does the cost of starting and running your home business seem worth it? Every business requires start-up costs. Avoid spending too much to get your business started. But, avoid not spending enough. This is subjective – it’s up to you. It’s based upon your definition of value. Are you going to “get enough” from what you’ll be spending? If you’re not sure, then take some time to determine this for yourself. For example, find seasoned business professionals in your network and ask for some advice.

Strike a balance between conducting analysis and taking action. Too much analysis will paralyze you from making a decision and moving forward. Not enough analysis could cost you.

Kimberly Anne is a seasoned businessperson with over 20 years of marketing experience. With a BA and a MBA, she has helped thousands of people start home businesses and achieve success. For more information and resources visit Kimberly’s site http://www.all-about-home-businesses.com.

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