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If you've decided that you are ready to make the move from a 9 to 5 job working for someone else to running your own business, you've probably discovered that putting your ideas into actions is harder than you thought.

Moving from a full-time job out side the home, to working at home or running a home based business brings a whole new set of adjustments and skills that you'll need for success. Once you've decided what business will work for you, there are a host of other issues that you need to deal with before you can get started.

Where will your office be - physically? Do you have space in the basement that might be an ideal office or is there a spare room where you can get away from the pull of home and family in order to actually get some work done. Can you convert some space in a heated garage? There are plenty of options and each one has pros and cons.

Will you be seeing clients or customers? You'll need to have a separated, professional space to meet with them. Trying to convince a new client that you are the pro they need — while the kids are running around you or the sounds of music or TV in the next room are leaking into your area — is not a good idea.

OK, you've got the office thing down... now look around for storage. Will you need space for files or for raw materials for the products you'll produce? Can that fit into your office space without creating a mess that will take away from the professional image you're trying to project? If not, find somewhere else to store things that will work for you.

Owners of home based businesses often find that scheduling is a serious problem. It seems that when you are at home, friends and family assume that you're available. Phone calls that would not come into another business setting are common when your home is also your place of business. Children think having mom or dad at home means having them available for playtime. Getting the message across that you are not free to spend social time during working hours is hard when you're the boss, but distractions can ruin your business. Find a solution that works for you... and stick to it.

There are plenty of other concerns that mixing home and business brings. If it's your dream to have your own business and work from your home - or your business just can't afford other space right now, you'll find help, advice and tools to make staying home work for you...

Connection Team - No scam temptations here. This site is chock full of good resources, articles with solid advice on starting and succeeding in a home based business. The navigation and design are as smooth as the content. Bookmark this one!

STARTUP - The U.S. Small Business Administration's guide to start-ups offering comprehensive info on the basics, finance, marketing, business plans, hiring employees, with special topics including young entrepreneurs, women, Native American and minority startups.

National Business Incubation Association - News, features, membership information, and check out a great Resource Center for more on starting and growing your small business.

Wells Fargo Business Tips - Specifically geared to small business with advice on money management, marketing, software and technology, with related links to government agencies, associations and business services.

Bootstrap - A good read from samples taken from the book by Ken Hess, with overviews on what it's like, financing, marketing, lessons learned, together with a list of related links and resources.

Online Small Business Workshop - Online resource for Canada startups in six sessions covering everything from the initial idea to marketing basics and incorporation. In English and French.

The Business Connection - An online UK community of businesses in North and West London with advice on choosing a business name, employing people for the first time, avoiding bad debts and other startup tips that apply just about anywhere.

also see -> Qualified for a Home Office Deduction?

Home Party Business Ideas

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