Can you run a business from home?

You need to make sure you are adhering to all zoning laws and complying with business licensing or fictitious business name requirements in your specific state and town or city. You might need additional licenses and permits for certain types of businesses.

An example of this is if you choose to run a home daycare, you would then need a daycare license. If you plan on doing anything that involves food preparation, then you are going to need a food preparation license. These are just two examples, but many different industries and services may warrant proper permits and licenses.

• Make sure you have enough space. This also hinges on the type of business you are running.

If you are running a service-based business out of your home, such as marketing consulting, you really only need a home office space to properly run your business. However, if you are selling products with your home-based business, you might need ample space for storage.

• Develop a routine. When running a business from home it is important to keep a consistent schedule to a certain degree.

Having a business at home can lead some to choose odd working hours, and this could ultimately lead your business to suffer. As much as you can try to keep a routine schedule with your at-home business. You don't have to be a strict 9 to 5, but something close to that type of schedule could be beneficial.

This also makes it easier for customers or clients to know when they can reach you. Keeping close to normal business hours is encouraged for this reason.

• You still need insurance. Business insurance and some other forms of insurance are still vital components of running a home business.

Check with your insurance agent, they might encourage you to also get other forms of insurance, such as a specific business liability coverage policy.