Do You Own A Business Or A Hobby?

Working from home provides many advantages: no commuting, making your own hours, freedom and more time with family and friends, just to name a few. But operating a business from home can have some distinct disadvantages as well if one does not have the self-discipline of a true entrepreneur. Do you find yourself saying things like “I’ll do that tomorrow” or “I don’t want to spend any money on my business”

The fact is, you WILL have to spend some time and money to get your business going if you are going to treat it as a business and not as a hobby. Do you think Bill Gates built Microsoft by saying “I’ll get that done tomorrow” or “I’m not going to put any money into my business” or “I don’t feel like working today” Of course not! If you are going to nbuild a true business from home you will need to shift your thinking – from hobbyist to business-mogul. Here are 5 things you can do TODAY to get serious about your business:

1) Create an office, or a workspace in your home. Be sure to equip it with everything you need – a computer, file folders, organizers, phone, etc. A trip to a business supply store may be in order.
2) Create a schedule of your daily working hours. Are you going to work 9-5 Monday to Friday? 9-12? 3-7? The great thing about working from home is that you can choose your own hours. Talk to your family about your working schedule and ask that they respect your time. Make a deal that while you’re working they won’t bother you, but make it up to them when you’re not in your office – be sure to schedule family time too!
3) Create a Business and Marketing plan. What is it that you want to achieve in your business? Who is your target market? How are you going to market to these people? How much money can you afford to spend on a monthly marketing budget? Where are you going to advertise?
4) Create a to-do list/schedule each day for the following day and stick to it! Write down everything you want to accomplish, appointments, meetings, etc.
5) Keep a positive attitude. Practice daily affirmations, create a success/dream collage, read positive material every day and believe in yourself and your abilities!

These five steps can you shift your focus from owning a ‘hobby’ to owning a real, thriving business. The key is to stick to your plan. It takes 21 days to form a habit. Make this part of your 21 day plan. Pretty soon you will notice a difference in not only in how you see yourself but in how others see you!