Trying to decide whether a home-based business is right for you? This Checklist
summarizes all the aspects of operating a business out of your home that you need
to consider when making your decision. The topic headings link to my article, So You Want to
Start a Home-Based Business?, where you'll find more information on each of
these subjects.
With this Checklist in
hand, take a hard look at your neighbourhood, your house, and your personal
circumstances and see if you could run your business successfully out of your
home. You might also want to get a second opinion; ask a friend to do an
appraisal for you using the checklist and compare the answers.
Starting a Home-Based Business Checklist
Answer yes or no to the following questions, providing details wherever
possible.
Zoning
My neighbourhood allows home-based businesses.
My neighbourhood only allows some home-based businesses. (What are the
restrictions?)
Neighbourhood Suitability
My neighbourhood has a suitable location for my business.
My neighbourhood is attractive.
I have good relationships with my neighbours.
Property Suitability
My property is attractive and well-maintained at all times.
My property has
adequate parking for my clients/customers.
My business activities will not
disturb my neighbours.
House Suitability
My house has a business office area
suitable to my business' needs.
Visitors can get to my business office without
going through my entire house.
My house has adequate wiring for my business.
My
house has all the facilities I need for my business, such as a shop or
consulting room.
Family Considerations
I have discussed my business plans
with my family members.
My family understands how important my business goals
are to me.
My family is supportive of my business.
Work Style
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 business.
I find it easy to manage
my own time.
Entrepreneurial Qualities
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 enterprise.
If you
weren't able to answer some of the questions, hopefully this Checklist has given
you a better idea of the things you need to research, change, or think about more
deeply.
