Work at Home Mom

I saw an article recently about telework programs (for employers) and how to make them successful. Several of the principles suggested for implementing telework made me think of my own home-based business and what helps make it successful:

- establish policies and procedures Yes, they are essential- just as much, if not more essential, for a business run from home. In order to maintain professionalism, in order to make the most of your valuable time, and in order to keep your sanity, having office policies and procedures are wonderful. Now, they may develop organically rather than being in place (and imposed from the outside) right from the beginning, but that’s OK. That will actually allow you to develop the best policies and procedures for your particular work at home situation.

- provide training and support This is something that may not be available in every home-based situation, but it is in mine and I’m very grateful for it. It allows me to be in business for myself, but not by myself. Another possibility would be to look for a mentor in your business field.

- provide an on-call coach or support group This is very similar to the previous principle. I love having free access to my very own business coach, who knows my business intimately AND whose help rewards her as well as me (talk about an incentive to be a great coach!). Even if it’s not built into your business model, there are great business coaches available.

- be willing to recalibrate and adjust the program as needed SO true. Just as in organically developing policies and procedures, a home-based business owner will thrive if she can adapt and overcome.

- foster team building in innovative ways (to replace “hallway and water cooler chat”) Part of the training and support I mention above is done in a team environment in my business model, and that exchange of ideas and the camaraderie it offers is priceless. Again, if this isn’t inherent in your home-based business model, I would encourage you to seek it out (perhaps through Chamber of Commerce or Business Networking activity).

Sure feels good to see my work at home mom positioning lauded as a model for successful work at home ventures! If your work at home seems to be missing something, maybe seeking to fill in one or more of these ideas can help. And if you pursue telework as an employee, look for these hallmarks of a successful program.