| When June Van Klaveren began Compelling Communications three years ago, her biggest goal, like any start-up entrepreneur, was to keep costs down and keep her new business in the black. "I was looking for an economical way to start," Van Klaveren said. When it came time to minimize costs, Van Klaveren quickly realized there's no place like home. She turned her basement into an office and watched her business begin to grow. "Having a business in my home reduced my overhead," Van Klaveren said. "A home-based business allows a lot of businesses to increase their profitability right up front." Instead of spending money each month on office rent, utilities and travel (to and from work), Van Klaveren was able to increase her profit margin and productivity, and offer clients more competitive rates. ERROR MSGMore and more entrepreneurs across the country have learned from the experiences of business owners like Van Klaveren and are rejecting the high-rise office complexes and spacious industrial parks; they're finding success in home-based businesses. Currently, 1,200 new Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) businesses form every hour of every business day. And, nearly 51 million SOHO businesses will be established by 2002. Saving money is just one advantage of a home-based business. According to Sam Black, owner of Sam Black Consulting, convenience and flexibility also play key roles. ERROR MSG"You can't beat having your office literally steps away," Black said. "If I want to put in 16 hours, I’m in the comfort of my own home, complete with a fresh pot of coffee and my two cats at my feet. I don’t have to worry about driving home late at night from the office or being nervous about going to my car in a dark, empty parking lot." Phyllis Davis, owner of True Images, said a home office is ideal for entrepreneurs. "Entrepreneurs tend to work a lot harder and work a lot more hours in a start-up business," said Davis, who designed her basement into a two room office. "When you have to work late or start early, it makes it easier when you are in your home." Although some have found home-based businesses offer added savings, comfort and increased productivity, others have struggled with motivation—often one of the biggest problems with a home-based business. When the lawn needs to be mowed or the kids need new shoes, some owners tend to neglect their businesses. Some owners have been known to shower and get dressed as if they were going to an outside office; they walk out their front doors and enter their back doors. They then feel like they’re in an office and are ready for a day's work. Evy Coppola, president and founder of Professional Women's Home Offices, said motivation is a big problem for home-based business owners. Two years ago, Coppola, owner of Pathways To Wellness/Steps For Success, began the networking organization to help educate and mentor the growing home-based population. "Home-based owners have to organize their home offices, and they have to set boundaries just the same as they would if they are going outside of their home to work,” Coppola said. "You still need to be motivated and disciplined." If motivation is a problem, the following tips might help:  Designate one specific room or area of the home as an office.
hotels in Birmingham"Make the investment in turning a separate room into a distinct office, preferably one away from the main part of the house, such as a basement or extra room, "Black said. "Don't run your business at the dining room table or set up a nook in a commonly-used room. Don't leave yourself open to distractions.” "Staying focused includes getting others in the family to respect the fact that you are at the office,"said Tim Fogerty, owner of home-based Fogerty & Associates, Inc. "It helps to have stated office hours and defined office space. If you respect those parameters, your family will as well." cheap hotels in Gent Hire a baby-sitter or day-care service for children. It can be better to have a baby-sitter free up your time during the day, or you will spend your work time with your children instead of working. Hire a full- or part-time employee. Knowing someone else is coming into the office can be a great motivator. Take time for yourself. You need to accommodate your clients, but you also need to make time for yourself. "Sometimes it's harder to take yourself away from the business because it's always right there," Davis said. I find myself going down to the office and checking voice mail when I hear the phone ring. Sometimes, when there is work to do, it's tough to pull yourself away. Remember what it is like to work in an office. Working out of your home offers the distinct advantage of little or no office politics. You also have more control over your own environment, such as space usage, parking, furniture and scheduling. Don’t spend all your time in the house. One thing home-based owners should avoid is isolating themselves. "If you're missing office friendships, make friends with your clients," Black said. "Make lunch dates with other home-based people just to get out of the house." Enjoy what you are doing. Granada prenotazione alberghiIf you enjoy what you are doing, motivation won’t be a problem. > See also: Home Based Business | 
