Running a home-based business is more prevalent than ever thanks to huge advances in technology. With cell phones, wireless Internet, programs like Skype and WebX, you can virtually be anywhere, anytime. All of this accessibility brings with it a whole new set of challenges that a home business owner may not be prepared for. Working from home takes a lot of discipline and personal accountability. Here are 10 things to consider when setting up your home business.

1. First, are you able to manage yourself?

Entrepreneurs are creative, typically high-energy people. Are you able to hunker down and focus on what needs to get accomplished on a day-to-day basis? Be honest if you can hold yourself accountable. If the answer is no, don't worry! There are plenty of ways to be a business owner that offer a certain amount of structure that will keep your pretty booty in line. Buying a franchise or having a turnkey business might be better options for you.

2. Create a dedicated workspace. 

You will need a space that is dedicated to work. Once your workday is over, you will leave that space and rejoin your household life.

3. Set a schedule AND stick to it.

Set a 9am to 5pm workday for yourself. Or a 6am to 2pm or a 4am to 10am, whatever schedule works best for you, set it up and then adhere to it. It doesn't take much to say to yourself, "I'll write that press release after I throw in a load of laundry" or "I'll make a couple phone calls after I go to the gym." You can really find a lot of ways to fill up your time with errands instead of work. Resolve to get things done after your set work hours.

4. Set rules in the house.

If the door to your office is shut, that means no disturbing from anyone in the house. Set a couple office hours, where under no circumstances should you be disturbed unless there is an emergency. If you use your home phone as your business line, you may make a rule that between working hours, you are the only one that answers it.

5. Create a Power Hour for yourself.

Turn off Facebook, Twitter, email notifications, text messages, etc. Take an hour to really think and focus on getting one or two projects started or finished up. The constant beeps and vibrates of all notifications can be very distracting.  It's only an hour, you can handle it!

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