Ideas & Opportunities

One surefire way for first-timers to save on overhead expenses is to set up shop at their house. It may sound like a simple solution, but many challenges also come  with the creature comforts of home, such as a tendency to slack off, the problem of privacy, and not being taken too seriously by people in the industry.

There are rules, however, on how to make this type of arrangement work for you.

1. Make your office space look like an office

Christopher and Darlene Pacheco of GMR InternetAdvancement made sure that their office contains no distraction such as TV.

GMR InternetAdvancement is engaged in outsourcing projects for social media advertising, Web 2.0, and business blogs for U.S. clients. Darlene says: “The office is also soundproof, with a glass sliding door, so even if the kids make noise, the employees are not bothered from their work, and vice versa. We also put in another entrance to the house that goes straight to the office, so the employees do not have to pass through our living rooms.” She adds that the office is strictly a no-play zone for the kids.

2. Set boundaries for your employees

“There may be a tendency for them to slack off, because of the homey environment. But we tell them even during their interview that we expect them to work in a professional manner.  We also weed out right away applicants who seem to have attitude problems, because they will really have a hard time remaining focused with this type of  work environment,” Darlene explains.

3. Keep your books in order

To help you keep track of where every cent goes, Chef PJ Aquino of Arla’s Restaurant  says: “Have a good accounting system and a reliable bookkeeper to keep every peso that comes in and goes out in check. It is still a challenge for our business to implement this 100 percent, but I think this is where most entrepreneurs fall short. This way you can really gauge if you are making money, breaking even or just enjoying your hobby.”

Arla’s Restaurant is run by Chefs Jeff and PJ Aquino from a compound right across their house.

4. Set your priorities straight

“From the start of the day, we identify all the things that need to be done and make sure that they are done right. When you work from home, you are always tempted to waste time, especially if you will think that you have the luxury of time to do whatever you want,” Christopher says.

5.  Represent yourself properly

Ted Tate of bizoffice.com touches on a common dilemma that home business entrepreneurs often face: that of not being taken seriously. For this, he advises several things, such as dressing professionally when you are going to meet with someone and making your business cards and letterheads brochures and other printed matter look professional.

“Many potential clients will judge you not by where you work but by the image you project,” Tate explains.