Do you get up in the morning at a certain time to get ready for work, even though you are working in your home office? Or do you straggle out of bed anytime the mood hits you, then work most of the day in pajamas?

If you already have a home business or just starting one, make sure your home business is just that--a business. And as such, you should dress properly and act appropriately.

Get up, get dressed, get your coffee or tea and walk into your office. Of course, this could mean walking from your bedroom to your living room or kitchen, or maybe ten steps away from your bed. When getting dressed, ask yourself, "If I put this on, can I open the door and allow a stranger to enter my home?" If the answer is no, put something else on--a clean tee shirt and jeans or pants or something similar. Wearing a bath robe or underwear is never a good idea unless you are sick. If you are sick, you should not work, instead give yourself some time to heal without the stress of telephone calls and e-mails. The thing is, you would not go to a 9 to 5 corporate job in your jammies or bunny slippers, so don't do it at home.

Ideally, you will have a separate office in your home, however, many of us are not so fortunate. If you work at your kitchen table, think of way to do so without sharing the table with food or people. Pets are allowed, but only if they do not make themselves comfortable on your laptop or the article you are trying to read. Designate some time when you will be alone in the kitchen. This may mean getting up earlier or staying up after everyone else has gone to bed.

Do not treat your business like it is a sometime-hobby. Keep in mind if you treat your home business like a hobby other people will as well. Let family and friends know your work schedule, then adhere to it.

Do what works for you, some people work better when they can hear radio or television. If you enjoy this as I do, tune into something that will not take attention away from the job at hand. Do not do housework and, do not talk to friends on the telephone. During this time, do not respond to a non-business e-mail unless it is important. Responding to forwards and jokes never comes under important. Perhaps that should be "almost never" there are times when a forward is definitely important. The thing is you won't know until you open it. Read and respond to these e-mails on your lunch hour. And yes, you should take time for lunch and some time away from your work day. The great thing about working from home is that you can take more than an hour for lunch; take advantage and head outside for fresh air and a healthy stretch.

Again, if you would not do it at a regular 9 to 5 job (or would do it, but on the quiet) do not do it now. Remember it is you who must set the tone of your home business, your home business is a real business, treat it like one.

Will getting up early in the morning or dressing in 'real' clothes bring home business success? Probably not, but it may help to give you a positive attitude and create stronger resolve about working at home. And... that could bring success.