Managing the day-to-day tasks of being a home-based business owner can be somewhat hectic and daunting, especially if you are the only employee. There are plenty of benefits and cost savings that come with running your business from home, but you may not have access to the same tools as you would in an office. Here are a few tips to help you run a smooth, successful home-based business.
1. Set Up Your Workspace for Success
When you’re in a comfortable space with all of the supplies you need to get work done, productivity comes easier. Think through the items you will need to set up your workspace.
- The basics. If you work from home, make sure you invest in top-notch necessities. A sit-stand desk and ergonomic chair can benefit your health and provide a dedicated place for you to focus on work. It may also be worth it to pay a bit extra for high-speed internet so nothing slows you down!
- Organizational staples. It’s easy for your space to get cluttered and for you to get overwhelmed, especially when you work where you live. Stock up on materials to help keep you organized like sticky notes, folders, notebooks, or even a whiteboard so you can visually plan out your high-priority projects.
- Personalization. Adding a flair of personalization to your home office will help you feel more comfortable in your space. Decorate the walls with your favorite artwork or photos of your loved ones, add plants, and light up the space with a nice lamp. Remember not to go overboard with personalization — you want your space clean and clutter-free to keep you focused.
2. Create and Share Your Brand Identity
Your brand identity is how your company presents itself and how customers perceive your business. A clear brand identity is important for your home-based business and will expand your reach even without a brick-and-mortar space. Make sure you have these printed essentials for your business.
- Business cards. Your business card should include your contact information, as well as your brand logo and identity up front. Many times, your business card will be your first touchpoint with a new contact or lead, so make sure the recipient has a positive and clear first impression.
- Branded stationery. When sending out packages or letters on your business’s behalf, having customized note cards, letterhead, and envelopes with your logo builds brand recognition and credibility.
- Promotional products. Having a home-based business means you have to go the extra mile to increase brand awareness. From pens and notepads to t-shirts and tumblers, giving away branded products to your customers and prospects makes your business more memorable.
Not sure how to create your brand identity? Download your free Business Growth Planning Workbook now!
3. Manage Your Time
Staying on track and hitting your deadlines is essential to successfully run a home-based business. Here are a few ways you can practice effective time management.
- Visualize your projects. A whiteboard is a great place to map out your projects and timelines, list your goals, or brainstorm big ideas for your business.
- Use a calendar. Have a digital or physical calendar on hand to stay on top of important meetings and deadlines.
- Keep time. If you have trouble staying on task, use a timer to keep track of how much time you want to spend on a specific project.
- Stay organized. Reduce clutter in your workspace with folders, shelving, binders, and labels. You can stay digitally organized by flagging important emails to put at the top of your to-do list.
- Stay focused. This can be one of the most challenging aspects of working from home. Limit distractions by removing any TVs from your office, turning off your smartphone notifications, and refraining from mindless social media scrolling.
4. Work with a Reliable Shipping Partner
If your business ships products, samples, or other materials to customers, it is vital that you partner with a shipping expert in your area. Working with a local shipper like PostNet saves you time and stress by:
- Ensuring your packages arrive safely. Experienced packing and shipping experts know the best ways to package your items to ensure a safe delivery.
- Providing multiple shipping options. Depending on what you’re sending, you will often have different needs each time you ship. Does a package require rush delivery? Is the shipment oversized, valuable, or fragile? When you work with a local shipping partner, you can select from multiple carrier options and price points to choose what works best for you.
- Giving you a personalized experience. PostNet pros go the extra mile to make your entire experience seamless and enjoyable.
5. Customize Your Packaging
Brand your bags and boxes with stickers, labels, or stamps. Custom packaging puts your brand front and center. Add a personal touch with a branded thank you note inside your package, and insert a coupon for first-time shoppers to incentivize them to make another purchase!
6. Get a Mailbox Just for Business
Keep your business and personal mail separate to stay organized and streamline your business. Renting a physical or virtual mailbox gives you the benefit of a professional business address and a place to receive mail and shipments outside of your home.
7. Network and Get Involved in Your Community
Building meaningful connections and relationships is one of the best ways to get the word out and increase referrals to your business. Engage with other local business owners and take advantage of the opportunity to share ideas and exchange best practices.
Get Started
Small efforts can lead to big results. While a home-based business offers more flexibility, it still requires your efforts to achieve long-term positive outcomes. Putting even just a few of these tips into action will help your productivity and set you up for success.
Need to get your home-based business in front of the right audience? Work with your local PostNet center to guide your marketing efforts in the right direction.
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