Containing a home-based business
One of the challenges with running a business from home is to stop it from taking over the whole house. This is something that we definitely haven’t achieved yet but have a pretty good excuse in that we’ve been decorating the whole house so have been moving things from room to room. The decorating has been a long and arduous process (for my partner more than me as it has been him doing the hard work). We moved into our house two and a half years ago and it has needed a lot of work. The good news is that, aside from a few finishing touches, the decorating is now done and we’re finally able to get the house in order.
The getting in order took the form of moving me back into my office at the weekend (had been working in the dining room for a few months). It’s absolute bliss to be back in a proper office – it means that I can have everything I need to hand but also get away from it if I need to (instead of having the computer stare at me if I sit down to watch a DVD in the evening).
My new cupboard
A lot of the business stuff is still in boxes in the middle of the sitting room floor (yikes) but by the end of this weekend I will have sorted all that out (I will, I will). What is going to help with this is my brand new cupboard which was delivered today. Very exciting. That should keep some of the paraphernalia under control!
The hazards of running a business
I think it’s fair to say that I’m quite often so caught up in running our business that I don’t take enough care of myself. One of my New Year’s Resolutions for 2008 was to work on reducing my stress levels, but we’re half way through the year and I’m sitting here with a gadget attached to my arm checking my blood pressure every half hour. Not exactly my idea of fun!
Running a business is stressful. That’s a fact. We’re responsible for completing projects, making sure clients are happy, keeping the money flowing in, and the 101 other tasks associated with a smooth-running business. Don’t get me wrong, I love working for myself, but I do have to be aware that occasionally it gets on top of me.
So this is what I need to do:
- more regular walks (to enjoy the stunning coastline and countryside around here)
- more exercise (could do with shifting some weight)
- yoga (exercise and relaxation all in one!)
- relaxation exercises (have got a great cd for this, shame the battery in my MP3 player has died)
- eat more healthily
- have time away from the business (difficult when you work from home)
If I make more time for exercise and relaxation, I should be a fitter and healthier person, with loads of energy to devote to the business. Will hopefully make the doctor happier too.
Starting off the resources
I’ve made a start on the resources page. Just three to get us started:
- Flying Startups – as mentioned in the Start Your Business Week by Week review
- Michael Heppell – for some brilliant inspiration
- Business Link – I’ve heard mixed views on Business Link, but what it’s definitely good for is an excellent online resource covering all aspects of running a business
I’ll be filling this out more over time. If you know of any useful business websites give me a shout and I’ll add them in.
How To Be Brilliant
Actually this isn’t strictly speaking a business book as it can equally be applied to your personal life. But I think it deserves the title of a ‘Brilliant Business Book’ on the basis that if I’m brilliant then my business will be brilliant too.
I have to admit I haven’t achieved brilliance yet but I’m following the advice of the book and striving for that brilliant moment. I feel positive that it will come if I work hard at it!
Rating: 
Buy “How to be Brilliant” from Amazon >
Start Your Business Week by Week
How does a book that takes you step by step through the process of setting up a business sound? How about an active online community to offer support along the way sound? Pretty good, eh?
Start Your Business Week by Week
Can you tell that this is one of my favourite business startup books?
What I really like about this book is the way it’s split into weeks, giving you specific tasks to do each week. By following the book you work through the process of setting up your business and writing the all-important business plan. It’s a very easy read and includes quotes from successful entrepreneurs along the way to keep you inspired.
The companion website, Flying Startups, is a great place to hang out. You can keep a log (Pilot’s Log) of your progress and ask for advice on the forums. If you need a bit of boost this is just the place to come – keeping track of what everyone else is up to can work wonders for your motivation.
Rating:
Buy “Start Your Business: Week by Week” from Amazon >
What’s it all about?
Thanks for reading my first post on Brilliant Business Books. I’m very excited about starting a new blog. The main thrust of the blog is going to be reviews of the business-related books that I read. You’ve not doubt heard the phrase ‘prolific writer’, well I’m a ‘prolific reader’. I read a lot. And because I run a business a lot of the books I read are on a business theme.
That’s what it’s about, but what’s the point? What contribution will ‘yet another blog’ make? Well, I genuinely hope that my ramblings will help others in a similar position to us. I’m striving for continual improvement – of my own skills in the hope that it will have a positive impact on our business. Maybe this will strike a cord with you so join in and let me know what you think – it would be lovely to have some company.
