Starting a business from your home is on your agenda. You are ready to have the flexibility of designing your workdays to fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. However, if your current space is not well-suited for both living and working, finding the right house can be the perfect way to prime your environment for a successful career endeavor.
It may seem daunting, but if you assess your needs, plan your actions and stay focused on your goals, you can move and start your business simultaneously. Read on for some pointers from Reviews by Kathy.
Make a Business Plan
Research shows that companies that engage in careful planning experience 30% faster growth, according to Think Tyler. You know what your new company will do and how it will operate. Writing everything down into a document that enables you to build your business is a vital first step. Create a detailed description of your company, home office, products, and services. Identify your target audience and competitors to determine the best marketing and sales techniques. Document your goals, budgets, and financial projections, and how you plan to fund your efforts.
Also include a section outlining how you will structure your business, whether that be a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or LLC. It’s a good idea to use a formation service to complete the registration process in your state, as you’ll be assured that all the paperwork is filed accurately and on time. Before doing so, however, read up on what you’ll need to do as you prepare to launch your business – start with this guide on how to start a company.
Next, a good marketing plan is essential for any business. These days, the internet makes that far easier, though. For example, you can use this free online tool to design your infographic, then easily share it via social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to help spread the word and build your customer base.
Assess Your Needs
Define what kind of space you will need in your new house. What storage requirements do you have? Will you need areas for equipment? Do you plan to have clients meet in your office? Will you have employees on-site? Consider your ideal location within the house and whether you want a separate entrance to your workspace. Identifying your perfect room will help you assess homes when you begin your search. Chron suggests checking zoning laws and restrictions in the areas you plan to buy real estate to avoid potential problems down the road.
Have Clear Objectives
When looking for a house, know your essential requirements. Communicate your space needs to your real estate agent and be realistic about the costs. When you find a home in an area you like, list any improvements or changes you must accomplish before opening your business. Determine the expense for each task. If the costs exceed your budget, keep looking for a place that fits your needs. If you stretch your finances too thin, covering your business startup costs will be challenging, reducing your chances of success. Terri over at Shabby Chic Boho has amazing ideas!
Use Online Tools
Staying organized is essential when planning, moving, and launching a new business. Maintaining forward motion requires keeping track of your business plan, real estate information, business license requirements, formal structure applications, and other details. Digitize your records for easy online storage and quick access anywhere. Use a PDF extractor tool to select the relevant pages you need from documents and create new modified PDFs. Doing so ensures optimal organization and steady progress. Having everything in one place saves time by minimizing the number of files and time spent looking for important information.
Start Packing
Even if you have not found your new place, begin packing as soon as possible. Pack by room so you can easily set up your new house and office when you move. Create a moving checklist to keep you organized. Box any off-season or non-essential household items, and declutter by donating things you no longer need or want. Once you have your moving date, schedule utility services for your new home and stop dates for your current residence. Starting your company will go much smoother if you aren’t waiting for electricity or internet services.
Stay Focused and Move Forward
Buying a new house to start a home-based company can be a profitable and rewarding endeavor if you plan carefully, stay organized, and take it one step at a time. Start with a business plan and moving list, and simply work through each step, from establishing your business structure to setting up your new paperless home office. Completing tasks in this way can keep you focused and prevent you from getting overwhelmed, so you can get settled quickly.