Top Ten Tips for Work From Home Success

I've been working from home for a few years now and I've learned quite a bit over the years. It doesn't matter which business you decide to start - certain principals remain the same. So, I've compiled a list of my favorite tips. Basically, this is the list I needed when I first began.

Tip #1 - Write a Business Plan

I waited a long time before I actually wrote my first business plan. And once I did, I had more focus and control over my time than ever. If I had written the plan in the beginning, I would have seen success a lot sooner.

Tip #2 - Get Business Cards

I waited almost three years before I ended up with business cards. That's WAY too long! When people ask you what you do for a living, hand them the card. There's something about a business card that makes things official.

Tip #3 - Get a Website

I reserved the domain for my website about a year ago and did NOTHING to it. This really should have been done when I first started my business. There's no better way to promote what you do online than that. Make the domain easy to remember so that people can remember it if they see an advertisemen.

Tip #4 - Start a Blog

In my opinion, you really need both a blog and a website. A website is static and tells people about what you do. If you're an artist, for example, you can show people samples of your work on the site. But a blog gives people a glimpse into your personality. Make the topic relevent to your business. For example, if you're a personal trainer you can start a diet and weight loss blog and offer information about those topics.

Tip #5 - Utilize Web 2.0

This is nothing new - sites like myspace and facebook have been around for a few years now. But there are other sites like twitter (microblogging) and stumbleupon (social posting) that have completely different purposes. All of them are useful. Take the time to learn about them and how to use them to promote yurself.

Tip #6 - Build a List

It doesn't matter what your business is. A list can be extremely helpful in generating leads and repeat business. If you have a salon, for example, get customers to sign up. Send them special deals and offers and you may even want to publish an informative newsletter. Internet marketers always say, "The Money is In the List."

Tip #7 - Network Offline

Even if your business is mostly online, networking offline can be beneficial and help grow your business. Attend scheduled networking events in order to meet other business owners. This can help form friendships that could lead to other opportunities. And remember to always keep in touch.

Tip #8 - Take a Break

Seriously, this one is important. Get out an LIVE. One of the biggest motivators for working from home is because it allows you to have a flexible schedule. So be flexible and get out there! Besides, hobbies, seeing movies, going out... these things can all lead to more ideas for your business.

Tip #9 - Exercise and Eat Right

One of the things that happens to people when they start their own business is they say they don't have to eat well and exercise. But it's even more important than ever. If you're fit and feed your body the right things, you'll have enough energy to accomplish your goals.

Tip #10 - Embrace Change

It's okay to let your business evolve. I started out as a writer. Though I still write, my business includes much more than that. I also make money through blogging, editing, and internet marketing. Moving on and taking on new work is a good thing. At the same time you can't be afraid to let go of the things that aren't working.