Guest Author - Theresa Wilson

The level and quality of family input and support are often ignored when working from home. Home-based in itself means more than one person will be affected by changes in environment and lifestyle. Many freelance writing businesses falter because owners fail to take into account the adjustments that naturally occur when working out of the home.

Before embarking on any “at home” business, take the time to explore the idea with all involved. Make a list of advantages and disadvantages together. Especially when children are involved, be sure to include them in this important phase of planning including:

Discussing do’s and don’ts when the parent is on “work time”.

Clarifying “quality time,” so you can diffuse resentment of changes in living patterns.

Developing marketing strategies and projections so that each family member feels included in assignments and business related “jobs” that encourage a sense of share business ownership.

How Will You Know If You Are Ready?
Home-based businesses are more than a run-of-the-mill idea. One important consideration is making sure you have selected something not only of interest to you, but is also something you are capable of doing. It should be a business for which you have a high level of expertise resulting from professional and/or career interests and abilities or because of a hobby you’ve practiced over the years. If you have not fully developed your idea, take the time to investigate and explore it from various viewpoints.

How Much Money Will You Need?
Establish a budget so that overhead costs are clearly delineated. Decide which luxury items must be sacrificed or delayed during the business start up phase. What family vacations will be delayed or eliminated and for how long? Being up front and open during family conversations at the beginning of planning can help eliminate unnecessary disappointments later.

Do You Have A Product (Book) or Idea Worth Selling?
This is where a family’s input becomes an immeasurable tool. Your family is your first line of prospecting and sales. You can start by presenting your ideas as part of a family meeting. Your presentation should be as thorough and professional as if you are about to make the most important sale of your career.

Encourage family members to role-play as editors, publishers, or general audience. This strategy helps you gain from a critical “in-house” critique of your idea before it goes public, and you gain family members with a broader perspective of what you are trying to do, which increases their role as marketing advocates or potential sales representatives.

Your level of success in working at home is measured as on the amount of input and time you invest in your business. It will be enhanced by the quality partnerships you develop with people as close as the kitchen table. If you include your family in the very beginning of the planning process, they will be your foundation of support and encouragement through all stages.

Here's an interesting book by Millie Szerman about working at home. I just love the title:

A View from the Tub: An Inspiring and Practical Guide to Working from Home