Must Do Business Checklist

An old quote is applicable here, "the devil is in the details.' Check out the following before spend time and money planning to freelance business or build your own home business:

Is it Legal? - Is it legal according to the zoning bylaws in your city? What legal restrictions may limit you from operating from your home?

Many cities, towns, communities or condo associations severely restrict the size and type of home-based business operations, including the number of employees allowed and the amount of signage displayed. If you expect to have employees or will produce some type of physical product, check to find out about any laws and restrictions. Also be sure to apply for income or sales tax accounts that are necessary in your jurisdiction.

Neighbors - How will your home-based business affect your neighbours? Could their complaints shut you down? This is a frequent problem for big business and no less important for the little guy.

Work style - Are you a self-starter, motivated and disciplined about working on your own? If you are more comfortable with someone else in charge, a freelance or home business is not for you. Will you miss the professional and social contacts that take place in a traditional work place?

Balance - Can maintaini a balance between home life and work or between your own growth and that of your business? This is extremely important because in a home business, you can always be at work if you are not careful.

Ask yourself these questions and answer as truthfully as you can. It’s not easy, but you need to be sure that you don’t waste your time, effort and money on a home business that you self sabotage.