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If you are the sort of businessperson who values freedom and flexibility, then you may be considering investing in a home-based franchise.
These types of businesses have a huge number of advantages for their owners. For instance, generally speaking, there are fewer overheads and, in many of these businesses, there is added flexibility.
Of course, turning your home into a center of operations isn’t all smooth sailing. At least, it isn't automatically. Here are five common mistakes many home-based franchisees make, and some tips on how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not having a dedicated work space.
Every journey begins with the first step and taking that first step is not always easy.
This is particularly true if you are sitting on the same sofa that you will be watching Stranger Things from later that evening.
Every one of us can give-in to distractions, which is why it is essential that you clear an area and dedicate that area to just your business goings-on.
Of course, if you have a home office that is great, but in reality that is not always an option. Thankfully, your work space can be any area that has room, no distractions and is dedicated solely to the job you are doing.
Mistake #2: Not separating work and home tasks.
Home-based franchises give business owners the chance to set their own schedule, but it can be hard to set a schedule when dishes need to be cleaned and laundry needs to be done.
If you are working from home, it’s essential that you set a clear work schedule. Of course, it is not always possible to stick completely to the plan – however, it will always be helpful to have that plan in place.
Mistake #3: Dressing for the location, rather than the job.
Working form home has many advantages and one of them is that you get to wear what you want. However, if you are dressed like you are ready for work, you will probably be more ready for work.
We reckon that if you get dressed for your job (or even just change out of your pyjamas!), you will feel more ready to tackle the day ahead.
Mistake #4: Assuming you can’t have meetings.
Just because you are sitting in your kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t have meetings with your staff and business shareholders.
We are living in the age of technology and there are so many great communication apps that make remote meetings just as easy to conduct as real life ones.
All you have to do is find a quiet space, turn on the laptop or your smart device and get to work.
Of course, you should probably make sure that the dog has been let out first…
Mistake #5: Not putting that extra money to good use.
An IDC survey indicated that the average income for income-generating home office households was $63,000 a year.
With very few overheads (after all, you don’t have to pay for a premises!) you may have a few extra dollars which can be used to make your home work situation more suitable for you.
It's your business, so you will want to feel comfortable while running it!
Now, that you’ve read through our five tips, you might be ready to take a look at our home-based franchise opportunities, which can be viewed here.