21 Tips for Self-Employed Individuals Working from Home
Sian Victoria © - Weekly planner, organised desk with plants & laptop
Guide to Self-Employment: Advice for Home-Based Businesses
Some of you might know that I've been running my own business for a while now. Back in 2010, when I was just 19, I launched a women's online clothing business called Sian Victoria Boutique as well as this Sian Victoria blog. Since a young age, I’ve always wanted to have my own business, so to get ready for this, in 2005, I studied business management in college.
I've also got a degree in marketing, advertising, and public relations, a master's in public relations, and a few bookkeeping certifications under my belt. Honestly, those courses didn’t really get me ready for a lot of the real stuff that comes with running a business, and nowadays everything I did learn can be learnt a lot quicker and effectively online without that hefty student finance bill at the end of it.
When it came to running an independent business, as an introvert, it wasn't the lack of business knowledge I struggled with; it was personal obstacles, which were probably made more prominent by isolating myself working from home. For instance, I had a tough time managing my time, felt kind of awkward at networking events, and therefore had a hard time getting my brand out there, as I’m not a very ‘out there’ kind of person.
There’s no denying that working from home as a self-employed person has its ups and downs. So, if you’re just starting as self-employed, I’ll explain some of the insights I've gained over the past seven years that I wish I'd had from the beginning.
This guide is packed with must-know tips for handling your daily tasks while overcoming the ups and downs of being your own boss. Whether you're just starting out or have some experience under your belt, these practical tips can help you get more done and have a better experience overall.
You'll find advice on setting up some solid routines, creating a comfy workspace, setting clear goals, and using tech to your advantage. When putting these strategies into practice, you can really get the most out of your work-from-home setup and enjoy a balanced and more successful self-employed experience.
1. Set Up a Schedule to Handle Your Time Better
As I developed my passion for my online vintage shop, it took over my life. Working long hours, even on weekends, and focusing on festival season sales meant I rarely had time to enjoy the summer or have a break which negatively affected my mental health as mentioned in my post “Looking Back on 2015".
For this reason, it is absolutely essential to create a work-life balance. I’d recommend getting a diary to help organise your time and prioritise friends, family, and yourself. Make sure to take regular breaks to walk the dog, cuddle the cat, hit the gym, meet a friend for coffee, visit an elderly relative, read a book, or do some meal prep for the week ahead. Taking these moments away from your desk can significantly improve productivity and keep you healthy.
Sleep is another necessary aspect; at one point, I was functioning on just three hours of sleep per night, which left me constantly ill and exhausted and eventually led to insomnia and increased cortisol levels that changed my physical appearance. Making yourself a routine that allows for at least eight hours of sleep is ideal. When you're starting out and eager to succeed, it's easy to put aside sleep to grind away day and night, but eventually, it will catch up with you, so find a healthy balance and ask yourself, do you want good physical, mental and internal health or a thriving business?
I find writing to-do lists effective. I love the motivation that comes from ticking off completed tasks. I prioritise the most important items first, moving down to less urgent ones. It’s important to avoid distractions like daytime TV or endless scrolling on social media, which can eat up your day. If you find yourself tempted, allocate some time for personal browsing during breaks, but make sure to return to your work promptly and start checking off your list.
Never overwork yourself; always carve out time to enjoy life. After all, what's the point of working hard if you don't take the time to have fun? Reward yourself occasionally for your dedication.
Creating a consistent daily schedule makes all the difference in maintaining productivity and a work-life balance. Start your day at the same time every morning to establish a rhythm and create defined working hours with a set end time. This approach facilitates a smoother transition between your professional and personal life.
Additionally, adding regular breaks throughout your day helps maintain your energy levels. Get your hands on a planner or digital calendar to note your daily tasks and obligations, ensuring you allocate time for each one. Sticking to a routine can help you combat procrastination and remain focused on achieving your objectives.
Sian Victoria © - Vintage shop ecommerce entrepreneur owner
2. Pick a Spot for Your Workspace
Having a dedicated workspace can really help boost your focus and productivity. Pick a spot in your home where you can cut down on distractions and really get stuck into your work. Make sure your set-up considers ergonomics by getting yourself a comfy chair and desk, and if your job needs it, think about setting up a creative studio.
Keep your gear and supplies organised so you can work smoothly. Adding some personal touches, like plants or artwork, makes the space feel more creative and keeps your motivation up. Make sure you have good lighting to avoid straining your eyes, and keep the tools you need within easy reach. When setting up a workspace that’s both functional and cosy, you’ll create an awesome environment for productivity and creativity.
3. Make Sure You Know What You Want to Achieve
Figuring out what you want to accomplish and breaking it down into smaller steps is helpful. Think about your goals for both the near future and the long haul. When setting SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound you'll have a better way to track your progress and keep your motivation up.
Make sure you sort your tasks by how urgent and important they are, so you’re working on the stuff that really counts. Using tools like to-do lists or apps can help you stay on top of your goals and deadlines.
Don't forget to check in on your goals regularly and tweak them as needed, especially if things change around you. This way, you’ll stay focused and organised, which is key to making it all happen.
4. Make the Most of Tech
Make use of tech to improve your efficiency and make your work life easier. Try out project management tools to keep an eye on tasks, deadlines, and progress. Options for cloud storage, such as the budget-friendly Google Drive or Dropbox, are excellent for securely storing and sharing files, allowing you to access important documents from anywhere.
Consider using automation tools to handle repetitive tasks, such as email marketing or social media post scheduling, which will give you more time for what truly matters. You might also want to explore accounting software to streamline processes like financial management, invoicing, and tax preparation. When integrating the right technology into your workflow, you’ll benefit your productivity and gain better control over your business.
5. Be Organised
Staying on top of your workspace is ideal for getting stuff done and staying efficient. Use both digital and physical filing systems so you can easily find important documents. Set aside some time each week to clean up your area and put everything back in its place. Tools like task managers or project management apps can assist you in monitoring due dates and assignments, making it a lot easier to figure out what to focus on.
Make sure to label and sort files clearly so you don’t waste time looking for stuff. You might also try a colour-coded system for different tasks or projects to help streamline your workflow even more. When keeping your workspace neat and organised, you’ll lower stress and create a better environment for getting focused work done.
6. Keep Your Stock in Check
If you're handling inventory like I was with all my vintage stock, having a solid storage system is super important. Start by grouping your stock in a way that makes sense and label everything clearly to make order picking easier. Keep your storage area neat and easy to access, which will save you time and headaches. Investing in shelves or bins can really help keep things organised and prevent damage.
Make it a habit to check your inventory regularly so you can keep tabs on stock levels and find items that aren't selling. This will help you figure out what to restock and what to get rid of through discounting or donating. Also, think about using inventory management software to make tracking simpler and cut down on mix-ups.
When I first started, I stored all my stock in organised boxes in the loft, which was great at first. However, as my business expanded from vintage dresses to include blouses, jackets, jeans, and re-worked items that I designed myself, I soon outgrew this setup. It then gradually took over my dining room and conservatory, so I had to reluctantly get storage space to store the seasonal stock.
Sian Victoria © - Cut off denim shorts on rack
7. Keep Your Work-Life Balance in Check
Finding a good balance between work and personal life is super important when you're working from home. Start by setting some clear boundaries for your work hours. Let your family or housemates know when you're on the clock to help cut down on interruptions. Use your breaks to recharge, and try to step away from your desk for lunch to clear your head.
Having a routine to wind down after work can really help you switch gears. Get yourself into hobbies or hang out with friends to shake off any work thoughts. And remember, try to avoid checking emails or doing work outside your set hours to keep things balanced. This way, you can manage your time well and, by taking care of yourself, you can enjoy a more balanced life.
8. Get Efficient Broadband
Running a business these days really needs solid, wallet-friendly, and speedy internet, no matter what kind of side hustle or full-time operation you have going on. It's a must-have for most businesses, but finding a reliable and fast connection that doesn't cost too much can be a bit of a headache, especially depending on where you're located. So, it's super important to track down the right broadband service to keep everything running smoothly.
Back in 2010, when I kicked off my business, options for broadband were pretty limited and way slower than they are now. Trying to manage an internet-based business then felt like a nightmare, since your speed capped how fast you could work.
Luckily, things have changed, and there are tons of options now. It’s definitely worth taking the time to shop around for the best deals on the fastest speeds in your area. From my own experience, going for the cheapest plans might save you some cash upfront, but if your internet goes down or slows to a crawl, that little savings will cost you a lot more in lost productivity.
If you're working from home, having a fast and reliable connection is a must. Start looking into the best broadband providers nearby, keeping in mind speed, pricing, and customer service. Look for packages that offer higher speeds since they handle multiple devices and heavy data tasks better. If you can, go for fibre optic broadband as it usually gives you a steadier and faster connection than the older types.
Make sure your Wi-Fi router is up to date and located centrally in your home for the best coverage. If you’re having trouble in certain spots, it could be a good idea to get a mesh Wi-Fi system.. And don’t forget to check for firmware updates for your router regularly; they can help boost performance and internet security.
For those really important tasks, using an Ethernet cable to hook your computer directly to the router can provide a more stable connection. Also, keep an eye on your bandwidth by prioritising work-related stuff and maybe cutting back on streaming or large downloads during work hours. It’s smart to use tools that track your network's performance to catch any problems. And just in case you run into any unexpected outages, having a backup plan like a mobile hotspot can really save the day.
9. Create a Network of Support
Creating a solid support system is helpful when you're working for yourself. Connecting with others in the same boat can provide you with valuable advice, feedback, and a much-needed boost when you’re feeling low. Think about joining local business groups or online communities that focus on your industry.
These spaces are wonderful for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exchanging stories. Whether it’s in-person or virtual networking events, these gatherings can open the door to cool collaborations and new opportunities.
Also, finding a mentor who's a seasoned pro in your field can be really beneficial. They can guide you, encourage you, and give you a fresh perspective on getting through the ups and downs of being your own boss.
Plus, staying in touch with peers helps you keep up with the latest industry trends and best practices. When getting involved in a supportive network, you not only sharpen your business skills but also combat the lonely feeling that can come from working alone at home.
10. Keep an Eye on Your Money
Keeping an eye on your finances is necessary when you're self-employed. It’s smart to put together a budget to track what you’re making and spending. This way, you can see where your money is going and manage it better. Make it a habit to update and review your financial records regularly so everything stays accurate and current.
You might want to check out some accounting software to make this easier and help avoid mistakes. Don’t forget to set aside some cash for taxes since you’re responsible for paying them. Opening a separate bank account for your business can also help you handle your cash flow more smoothly. Regularly reviewing your finances can help you spot any issues or find areas to cut back, leading to better planning and stability.
11. Never Stop Learning
Staying on top of the latest trends and changes in your industry can make all the difference to your business. Checking out workshops, webinars, or online courses can really help you sharpen your skills and stay informed.
Continuous learning keeps you competitive and innovative, giving you a leg up over others. Ideally, I think I should have done some evening classes, among others, to break up my day spent alone working at home; however, I did enjoy the benefits of studying online courses, as it was convenient and cost-effective. If you're a busy parent juggling tasks, I’d recommend this route, if not being in a physical classroom is a good idea to mingle with like-minded people.
There’s also the opportunity of joining professional groups or checking out industry magazines, which is a great way to stay in the loop. Plus, networking with other folks in your field can really help you learn and grow by sharing ideas, which can lead to fresh ways of tackling problems.
Make it a point to take some time to read books or articles about your industry, and don’t hesitate to get into new topics that could add to your knowledge. Putting in the effort to keep learning not only sharpens your skills but also helps you feel more self-assured to tackle any challenges that pop up.
Sian Victoria © - Vintage denim jean stock
12. Take Care of Your Well-being
Taking care of yourself is super important for staying productive and feeling successful. It’s necessary to take care of your mental and physical health by squeezing in some self-care into your daily routine. Start with small things like getting regular exercise, which is awesome for boosting your energy and relieving stress. Simple stuff like stretching, taking a walk, or giving yoga a shot can really make a difference.
Eating well plays a big part too, so try to plan your meals and mix things up for a balanced diet that keeps your energy levels steady throughout the day. Don’t overlook sleep; going to bed and waking up at the same time each day really helps your body and mind recharge. And don’t forget to keep that water bottle handy, being well hydrated can help you think clearly and stay focused.
Taking short breaks while you’re working is a great way to rest your eyes and clear your head, which helps prevent burnout. You might want to explore mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing to handle stress and keep a positive mindset.
Setting boundaries between work time and personal time is key, so you actually have time to chill. Plus, connecting with friends and family builds a support system that brings encouragement and fun. When you put in the effort to take care of yourself, you can create a healthier and more balanced lifestyle while working from home.
13. Be Adaptable and Flexible
Getting to grips with the self-employment scene calls for a flexible mindset. Change is part of the game, so it’s best to be ready to adjust your approach as things shift. Whether it's new market trends, evolving client demands, or tech breakthroughs, being adaptable helps you stay on top of things and grab new chances.
Learn to change up your strategies and workflows when needed. This could mean trying out new tools, using different marketing methods, or even rethinking your entire business model to match what’s happening right now. Be open to feedback from clients and peers, as it's a great way to fine-tune your services and boost customer satisfaction.
Keep yourself in the loop about industry changes by reading relevant articles, tuning into webinars, and joining professional groups. Staying informed means you won’t get surprised by shifts in your field, and you can make smart choices quickly.
Also, focus on continual improvement. Frequently assess how you’re doing business and look for ways to work smarter. Whether it’s automating tasks or trying out new software, being open to change can really push your business ahead.
Lastly, build up your resilience. Facing challenges and setbacks is just part of being self-employed. But when keeping a flexible, positive attitude, you can handle obstacles better and turn potential setbacks into opportunities for growth.
14. Get Some Expert Help
Getting some professional advice can really help things run smoothly when you’re managing your own business. Sometimes, it’s a smart move to reach out to experts to handle tricky situations or to keep everything above board with the legal and financial stuff. For instance, accountants can be super helpful with tax planning, keeping your finances organised, and budgeting. When it comes to accounting, they know the ins and outs of getting the best deductions and lowering your tax bills, which means saving money and avoiding potential legal headaches.
On the flip side, solicitors can help you with things like contracts, intellectual property, and figuring out the best setup for your business. Whether you’re putting together agreements with clients or partners, protecting your ideas, or deciding how to legally establish your biz, their advice is crucial for keeping you safe and compliant with the law, especially when it comes to complicated things like lease liabilities and Right-of-Use assets.
And let’s not forget about business consultants, they can offer solid advice and help you create effective business plans. They’re great at spotting growth opportunities, streamlining operations, and improving your marketing efforts. Their fresh take can spark new ideas and solutions you might not have thought of.
Also, think about hiring experts in specific fields like IT, marketing, and human resources. Bringing in pros in these areas can help you adopt best practices and leverage their know-how to improve how you run your business. Investing in professional advice really pays off, leading to better decisions and helping your self-employed venture thrive in the long run.
15. Shop Around for Postage
When I first kicked off my business, I was all about using Royal Mail for my shipments. It took me about a year to figure out that I could save a bunch of cash by going with the 'large letter' option. Instead of cramming the dresses into bulky parcels, I grabbed some large letter postal bags and folded the garments as flat as I could. This little tweak saved me loads on postage, which I’ve mentioned in my 'Depop selling tips' post.
For medium to large heavy parcels, I hit up a comparison site to find the best delivery deals. Just a heads-up: don’t always go for the cheapest option; pick the safest choice with tracked delivery for pricier items. I initially chose Yodel because they had the lowest rates, but they turned out to be pretty unreliable for my customers. So, be smart about your choices.
If you're running an e-commerce business that ships stuff, it's really important to look into different shipping options to find the best deal. Start by checking out prices from various courier services to score the best rates for your shipping needs. Look into bulk shipping discounts since many providers knock down prices for larger volumes. Plus, consider how quick and reliable each service is, as this can really affect how satisfied your customers are and whether they come back for more.
Don’t forget to check out any extra perks that couriers might offer, like tracking, insurance, and delivery confirmation, which can up your service game. Use a few different online comparison tools and always read reviews to see what other business folks have experienced. Also, factor in the cost of packaging materials, since some couriers throw in free supplies, which can help you save even more.
Negotiating with courier companies can get you better rates, especially if you ship regularly. Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions or special deals that could save you extra cash. When doing your homework and picking the most suitable postal services, you can streamline your shipping process and boost your overall business efficiency.
16. Don't Stress or Seclude Yourself
Being self-employed can be super stressful. Sometimes you’re raking in the sales with notifications going off like crazy, and then other times, it feels like you're just sitting around waiting for any action at all. When I first kicked off my shop, there were days when my sales emails would be going 'kerching kerching' non-stop, and then I'd hit a dry spell for weeks. It’s tough starting a new business with bills piling up.
But if you're really into what you’re doing and there’s a market for it, there’s no reason you can’t make it work. Just keep a positive mindset and don’t throw in the towel, put in the hard work, network like crazy, get the word out about your brand, and stay active on social media, especially when it comes to curating your Instagram feed and promoting your Facebook page.
A lot of millennials these days, like me, like to juggle multiple incomes. We like to explore different things to do as side hustles, so don’t box yourself in. If you’ve got more than one passion, go for it and think about ways to earn from different sources.
When you’re working from home, managing stress and avoiding loneliness are absolutely essential, especially when you’re self-employed, as this can take all the joy out of being your own boss. Set up a routine with regular breaks and time to chill out. Try out mindfulness stuff like meditation or deep breathing to handle anxiety. Keeping in touch with others is key, too. Plan regular virtual hangouts with colleagues, clients, or friends to feel more connected and less isolated.
Make time for hobbies that make you happy and help you relax. Don’t forget to move your body; exercise is a great stress-buster, whether it's going for a walk, doing yoga, or a home workout. Use technology to hop on online groups or forums where you can chat with other self-employed folks. This can give you support and help with that isolation feeling.
Just a reminder, it’s totally fine to reach out for help if things get overwhelming. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be shy about hitting up a mental health pro or a counsellor for some advice. Keeping stress in check and staying connected with others can really help make your work-from-home gig a lot healthier and more balanced.
Sian Victoria © - Mannequin wearing vintage dress
17. Don't Let Stock Take Over Your House
Managing inventory at home can be a bit tricky, but if you get organised, it doesn’t have to take over your space. Start by grouping your stuff into logical categories and make sure to label everything clearly; this will make it easier when you need to find things. Consider getting some storage solutions like shelves, bins, or cabinets to keep everything neat and protected.
Use vertical space wisely by adding shelves or stackable containers to make the most out of what you've got. Keep the things you use all the time within reach, and tuck away the less frequently used items in spots that are harder to get to.
It’s also a good idea to set up a routine for checking your inventory so you know what you have and can spot items that aren’t moving. If your inventory starts taking over your home, think about renting some extra storage space. Lastly, using inventory management software can really help with keeping track of everything, reducing mistakes, and giving you an up-to-date picture of your stock.
18. Be Professional at All Times
We now live in the digital age, where anything we do or say can easily be screenshot and shared across the internet in a matter of seconds. Therefore, when replying to a customer or client, it's important to be professional and respond quickly and politely, just as you would expect to be treated, as building trust in your business will make all the difference.
To make your website stand out from the competition, I recommend using platforms like Squarespace. While it can be expensive and challenging to set up, I have seen my blogging opportunities triple since I made this investment. Many other blogs use platforms like Blogger or WordPress, so the difference in layout and post arrangement on Squarespace has helped my blog stand out compared to its previous look on Blogger.
Finally, if you create digital content for your business, I highly recommend using Canva or Adobe to design eye-catching posters, invitations, and social media headers for free or with a monthly subscription. Another invaluable tool I’ve found is Grammarly, which helps me with my spelling and grammar. My writing confidence has significantly improved thanks to this tool, allowing me to publish the content I create with more assurance.
19. Clear Your Mind and Your Desk
It's a good idea to make to-do lists and use your notebook or the notes app on your phone to quickly write down any ideas that come to you. Writing things down is much more effective than trying to remember everything on your own, and it can also help clear your mind, especially if you struggle to sleep, like me and need to get things written down to settle.
Another tactic that motivates me in the mornings and improves my productivity is cleaning and organising my office space. I really enjoy having natural light in my room and surrounding myself with plenty of plants. As you can see from the photo, my desk is quickly turning into a jungle!
In addition to plants, I find that having photos around my workspace is uplifting. For example, the picture of me at the Grand Canyon inspires me to work hard towards my goals and complete my bucket list. Finally, listening to motivational speakers on YouTube is something my boyfriend and I often do when we start to feel unmotivated, along with playing uplifting music, which helps us get back on track.
20. Be Sociable
Being sociable and having the confidence to mingle at networking events is something I still struggle with today. However, the only way to boost your confidence and grow as an individual, or as a brand, is to put yourself out there and embrace situations you would typically avoid.
When I first started my business and this blog, I would shy away from all social events like the ones featured on my latest news page because I feared I would embarrass myself and look foolish. Eventually, I realised I needed to change my approach. I began saying yes to every social event I was invited to.
What really helped me was dressing appropriately, walking into the room with confidence, and coming prepared with business cards. Although I still feel socially awkward at times, I’m making progress and feeling much better about myself because of it. You may find that you’re not alone in feeling this way.
21. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
I considered my shop to be my little ‘baby.’ It was my brand, and I may have been a bit too protective of its image. I took on every aspect of the business myself, managing everything from sourcing vintage stock and listing products to photography, writing the shop blog, as well as this blog, web design, accounting, customer service, social media, researching current trends, and handling postage, packaging and keeping and submitting the books.
Gaining positive feedback from my customers was everything to me. As a bit of a perfectionist, I didn’t want to ask for help because I was worried that something might go wrong and ruin all the hard work and five-star reviews I had earned to get to where I was.
If a simple professional hiring service site had existed back in 2010, I would have felt much more comfortable asking for assistance to relieve some of my stress, because when hiring professionals on these types of sites, they are motivated to receive positive feedback. Which means they are more likely to put their best effort into any task you hire them for, whether it's bookkeeping or photography.
To conclude
Thinking about all the tips I’ve suggested, it’s clear that working from home is all about striking a balance between planning, being flexible, and taking care of yourself. Sticking to a routine really can boost your productivity, plus creating a designated workspace makes it so much easier to focus.
Setting clear goals and having the right tech in place keeps everything organised and running smoothly. It’s also super important to find that balance between work and personal life, and don’t forget to carve out time for exercise and mindfulness, as your well-being matters!
Then there's also building connections, keeping your customers happy and staying on top of learning, which can keep you in the loop and give you that competitive edge. Also, keeping an eye on your finances and seeking professional advice is key to ensuring your business stays healthy and compliant.
In the end, being adaptable and open to trying new strategies will really help your self-employed journey take off. When following these tips, you can create a fulfilling and successful experience while working from home!
