The Home Office Entrepreneur

If you are planning to ... or already are in the ranks of ... being a home based entrepreneur don't think that just because you run a business out of your home there is no risk. You have to be just as serious about a home based business as if you were going to rent office space in one of the most prestigious addresses in your city. There are hundreds of challenges facing a new business, and a few extra if you plan to operate out of your home.

If you haven’t done so already be sure you have done a little due diligence and make sure you aren’t’ going to have the wrong people come knocking on your door ... or putting nasty notes in your mail box!


Zoning Regulations

You may think a man's (or woman’s ... let's not get sexist about this) home is his castle, not so say many town governments. Most towns have ordinances about what kinds of businesses can and can not be run out of a home. For most home based "quiet" businesses it's a simply matter of going to your town hall and registering as a home business. But for some businesses there may be tougher restrictions. Such as how many employees can work out of the home. Or the amount of traffic, especially large vehicles, that your business entices like delivery trucks. Before you get too entrenched in your business check with your town office and find out how your local community feels about running a business out of your home and what regulations govern you. If you live in a community that has a Home Owners Association be sure to check the rules for any restrictions about operating a business out of your home. And, if you rent be sure to find out what your landlord thinks about your great American dream.


Insurance

Liability is another important issue. Standard homeowners (and renters) insurance usually will not cover you if a customer trips while visiting you. And if you have a computer, furniture, and other business property and a bugler finds their way into your home and relieves you of these brand new possessions? Well that's what insurance is for ... NOT! Again, most home policies do not cover business related furnishings and equipment. You will need to check with your insurance agent and get special riders to cover your business activities and equipment. You also need to check out...