Trying to decide whether a home-based business is right for you? This Home-Based Business Checklist summarizes all the aspects of starting a home-based business that you should consider. The topic headings link to my article, "Before You Start a Home-Based Business", where you'll find more information on each of these subjects.
With this Home-Based Business Checklist in hand, take a hard look at your neighbourhood, your house, and your personal circumstances and you'll discover if you could run your business successfully out of your home. You may also want to get a second opinion; ask a friend to do an appraisal for you using the Home-Based Business Checklist and compare the answers.
Starting a Home-Based Business Checklist
Answer yes or no to the following questions, providing details wherever possible.
My neighbourhood allows home-based businesses.
My neighbourhood only allows some home-based businesses. (What are the restrictions?)
Neighbourhood Suitability for a Home-Based Business
My neighbourhood has a suitable location for my home-based business.
My neighbourhood is attractive.
I have good relationships with my neighbours - and will continue to do so if I start a home-based business.
Property Suitability for a Home-Bsaed Business
My property is attractive and well-maintained at all times.
My property has adequate parking for my home-based business's clients/customers.
My home-based business activities will not disturb my neighbours.
House Suitability for a Home-Based Business
My house has a business office area suitable to my home-based business's needs.
Visitors can get to my home-based business office without going through my entire house.
My house has adequate wiring for my home-based business.
My house has all the facilities I need for my home-based business, such as a shop or consulting room.
Home-Based Business Family Considerations
I have discussed my home-based business plans with my family members.
My family understands how important my business goals are to me.
My family is supportive of my home-based business.
Work Style Suitability for a Home-Based Business
I work well without supervision.
I don't mind being alone for long stretches of time.
I am self-motivated and self-disciplined.
I am confident and enthusiastic about my home-based business.
I find it easy to manage my own time.
Entrepreneurial Qualities and Your Home-Based Business
Success depends on wanting something, willpower and personal discipline and I have these three qualities.
Setting personal goals and planning how to achieve them is important and I do this regularly.
I enjoy giving my best to everything I do; successfully completing a job gives me a feeling of satisfaction.
I am not afraid to work hard and for long hours.
I can do several things at the same time.
I find unexpected situations stimulating, especially when I'm organized and know what I'm doing.
I don't mind taking risks or facing uncertainty.
If you answered an unqualified "yes" to all the questions, starting a home-based business is exactly what you should do. In fact, I'm surprised you haven't started one already! You're obviously entrepreneurial and are living in a home that's ideally suited to running a home-based business.
If you weren't able to answer some of the questions, hopefully this Home-Based Business Checklist has given you a better idea of the things you need to research, change, or think about more deeply before you start a home-based business of your own.
