So, you've decided to go it alone.
You're setting up your own business, and you intend to run this exciting venture from home.
Great idea.
It will save a significant amount of time and money in the sourcing, equipping and fitting of a commercial unit.
Naturally, the nature of your business will dictate, to some degree, the amount of room you require.
Obviously, there are a number of trades which make operating from the family home pretty much an impossibility, but we won't be worrying about those here.
Let us assume that you are planning on running a small business that requires office space and little else.
Now to decide the ideal location for your workspace.
It is important that it is dedicated to the task, and it must be a permanent site away from the daily distractions of a busy household.
Preferably, you will have a budget to convert an existing area in the home, basement or garage, where you can concentrate away from those domestic diversions.
Before settling on utilizing that unused, upstairs bedroom consider whether you intend to welcome visiting customers to the premises.
You will appear more professional if your clients can discuss their requirements without having to trail through your home to reach the office.
And of course, there is the matter of privacy for yourself and your family that you may not wish to compromise.
If you do have restricted space, make sure that the work area is tidy, and organize your essential business items so that they are all to hand when you need them.
If you are going to be spending time in front of a computer it is essential that you equip your office with quality furniture.
Don't use an old wooden chair from the kitchen - acquire a good, adjustable, office chair.
Make sure that the computer monitor is at the correct working height and that the keyboard is sited so that it is comfortable to use.
Consider whether you need to have a dedicated business phone number and, if so, contact your service provider to arrange this.
You may wish to consider directing your work-related mail through a post office box number, if privacy is an issue.
Okay, so you have your workspace ready.
Now it is essential to set out some working rules.
Start the day as you would if you were going out to work - shower, breakfast, get dressed, etc.
And just because you are at home, it doesn't mean that you can stop working and watch some TV or put some laundry on whenever you feel like it.
Be sure to give yourself a timetable of working hours, with organized breaks, and stick to them.
It won't always be easy, particularly in the early days, but without some disciplines in place you will soon find that procrastination is the greatest enemy of productivity!