How to work from home - and make a success of it!

It's the dream of lots of people to pack in their 9-5 job and do something for themselves.

But for many people it's also a harsh reality of life that they may have unfortunately lost a job and a replacement one is hard to find.

Which is why working for yourself - and working from home - is such an appealing prospect.

No more commuting, no more office politics and no more being bored in your job.

Sounds great doesn't it? And it is!

I've been through this process and the hardest thing about working for yourself is settling into a routine that works for you (I'm going to write a hub on motivation later).

This hub is about the practice of working from home – you can learn more about what opportunities are available from my earlier hub.

Firstly you need an office space. Ideally one with a door that shuts so you can keep distractions, and family, on the other side of it.

It would be great if it was somewhere you physically 'take yourself to work' but not everyone has that luxury.

You also need to be strict that if the door is closed, then you are at 'work' and should not be disturbed.

Some people may find that the transition from 'home' to 'work' isn't long enough - I now walk my children to school and use this as a 'commute' of sorts. In school holidays I still take a walk to the shop to buy a newspaper - it gives me the mindset of heading to work.

The next big issue you'll have is spending long periods alone. If you've worked in a busy office this is going to take some getting used to. I switch on the radio (a talk channel that doesn't distract too much - and the sound of voices is quite nice) and sometimes switch on the TV for the news channels.

Some people place a mirror nearby so it appears that someone else is working in the room with you! (I don't).

It's also important that you shouldn't have your desk facing a wall with nowhere to turn and look. Your workstation should be near a window overlooking the street or garden. You will need to 'exercise' your eyes quite a lot rather than stare at a computer screen for long periods.

Another important point is to make the effort with your appearance! It's very easy to just get up and sit at your desk but you should get dressed as if you were still heading out to work. I sometimes wear decent office attire which is something of a change to the usual T-shirt and jeans (and people on the school run often notice).

The next most important issue is discipline. That's because it's all too easy to become distracted and fritter the way day away doing things that aren't earning you money.

Your day will need a structure: you will need to allocate time to tasks and take proper breaks. Do not start playing computer games or over-indulging in social networking (I've started switching Twitter off on busy days because it becomes too distracting).

And while it's nice to have friends and family drop by they must understand that though you are at home you are still working and you should keep these interventions to a minimum. Better still, say no to any request that appears to be made just because you are at home and not at 'work' - these people do not understand and are undermining you).

Don't get distracted by domestic chores - if you have left for the office that morning the stairs would still not be vacuumed! (Try to put these into structured breaks from the computer screen).

I know some people who get a dog because they provide company at home and give them a reason to get out for a walk. I have taken up cycling. I go out for least half an hour and then have lunch. You can't keep sitting at your desk because you will lose enthusiasm and focus.

Also, you don't need to spend a fortune on a fancy desk and computer equipment. Buy the most basic items that will do the job you want and treat yourself to better quality replacements once the money starts to roll in. (Tip: you will probably need to buy a much better chair for your desk!).

I mentioned that I switch Twitter off to concentrate - and I've found that I also have to turn the emails off too when a pressing deadline needs my attention.

When I started out a successful businessman gave this piece of advice and it's so true I have to share it with you: "Neglect your business and your business will neglect you."

One last thing - you need human contact outside of the family so start business networking (groups have breakfast and evening meetings); join social clubs or find ways that get you out to make new friends.

Working from home is a great way to earn a living but if you don't have friends and colleagues who can you boast to about your successes?

Good luck!