Make your home-based business high-tech

Maintaining your own space is important not only physically, but also electronically.

A website is a must! They can range from less than a hundred dollars in cost to many thousands – you have to decide which kind suits your business opportunity best. The key is to make sure your website looks professional and is always up to date.

And when it comes to a home business phone strategy, remember this: as cute as it might seem, there is nothing professional about your six-year-old answering a business call. Take a high-tech approach and use a dedicated “smart phone” with multiple functions including calling, email, contact lists, calendar and more. And keep it out of the reach of the kids! The smart phone doubles as a portable home office too, so you can take it with you on errands and holidays away from home.

A multi-purpose color printer, scanner, copier is also a tech resource many home businesses use. It creates space efficiency and cost efficiency – with the quality of these products today, there’s no need to splurge on separate printers, fax machines, copiers, etc.

Another must is a back-up system for your computer data. The last thing clients want to hear is that your computer crashed and their project is MIA.

To keep your tech in check, be sure you set up reliable help. If you aren’t a computer technician yourself, make sure you have a service available on short notice to come to your rescue. Losing a day, let alone a week, can be very damaging to any momentum you’re building with your business.

Maintain good records and credit for your home-based business

Pay your bills and invoice your clients on time. This is a crucial aspect of any home-based business, and can be accomplished by investing in accounting software, along with the advice of a good accountant.

If you have employees, always pay them on time, and always pay taxes promptly. “One way to get yourself into difficulty is by paying taxes late,”

Keep clear, accurate records. This is especially helpful since many business costs are tax-deductible. IRS Publication 587, “Business Use of Your Home,” offers guidelines for keeping these records.