Would you like to start a home business, but don’t know where to begin? This post features seven steps you’ll want to work through to really kill it!
This is a sponsored post.
As a working mom building her own business during moonlight hours, I have a great perspective on why moms make great entrepreneurs – because I am one!
Whether it’s dictating blog posts or multi-tasking while listening to a podcast, I have to get creative so I can make progress on my goals with limited resources.
I am recharged during the time I spend away from my children, as it allows them space to develop and both of us can return home, excited to see each other and share all that has happened during our day.
I love feeling a sense of accomplishment that I have contributed towards something, whether it be completing a great project at work, mastering that skill that I never thought I would ever learn, or saving a client’s day.
If you would like to work from home or start a home business, here are seven things you need for your home business:
1. Organizational Tools
My favorite organizational tools are a filing system, to do lists, timer, apps, and a planning kit.
2. Home Office
In my post Home Office Ideas Will Make You Want to Work, I share my ideas for equipment, lighting, location, layout, comfort, and personalization.
3. Organized Desk
You can increase productivity by assessing what’s getting in your way, the supplies you really need, and what to get rid of. How to Get Your Desk More Organized Immediately
4. Business Bank Account
If you have gone into business for yourself, you need to separate your business and personal finances. There are many options available for business bank accounts and this post will tell you about seven things you need to look for. 7 Things to Look for in a Business Bank Account
5. Accounting Software
When you spend less time balancing your books, you have more time for working on your business and spending time with your family. And when you have 24/7 access to the health of your business all in one place, you can manage your business effectively and confidently. That’s accounting for mompreneurs.
6. Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a freemium web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. Google Analytics is now the most widely used web analytics service on the Internet. Get started here. You can also check your website speed on Bitcatcha.co.id.
7. Visitor Insight
When visitors come to your website, wouldn’t it be awesome to see exactly how they use your website, what they are looking for, where they get confused, and where there are problems in your funnel.
Introducing Inspectlet.
You can get insight into your visitors’ experience using website heatmaps, session recording, and form analytics.
Inspectlet is an online program that helps track your users’ activity on your site so that you can better optimize your site.
So many mompreneurs need this software to track their site and tell them HOW users will use their site so that they can better equip their sites for customers/readers.
You can sign up for the free plan. For your website, you can record it for one month. Receive up to 100 sessions and 1,000 pageviews from the service. Playback session recording, heatmaps, mobile device support, and email support.
Because my friends over at Nakturnal have helped me get excited about web optimization, we are giving away an Amazon Echo to one lucky reader that tell us what they think about this post or if you have other useful software tips for a home business!
How to Win an Amazon Echo
The Amazon Echo is a hands-free, voice-controlled device that uses Alexa to play music, control smart home devices, make calls, send and receive messages, provide information, read the news, set alarms, read audiobooks from Audible, and more.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This promotion is open until June 5, 2017 at 11:59 pm EST and is limited to US residents, 18 years or older. The winner will be chosen randomly. Winner must respond to email within 24 hours or prize may be forfeited. Promotional content and prize for this promotion is provided by and shipped by sponsor and/or its representatives. The prize may be sent via FedEx or UPS. No P.O. Boxes please.
Sandy Klocinski says
Good Lighting is a must have for a home business
mary says
Space for materials is a must. (Sorry if I commented as a reply, I couldn’t figure it out.)
mary kivett says
Also, desk space is important.
jeri dickinson says
This Echo would be a great birthday present today thanks
latanya says
good office space and storage for files
Peter G says
Good wifi, space for storage and comfortable chair.
Lisa Bourlier says
Desk, chair, storage, fax, phone
Marty says
A high-speed internet connection, a business plan, and a detail-oriented temperament. And a coffee maker.
Adrienne Gordon says
Need a good printer.
Tracy Pryor says
A good comfortable chair.
Jammie says
For me it’s a TV because I like listening to daytime while I work.
angela cunningham says
a good printer
Virginia says
A must have is a quiet space which is hard for me to find sometimes.
Margaret Smith says
I’d be lost without a fax machine or means to make copies.
harolde says
Fax Machine and a land line.
peter gladue says
a good chair and maybe one of those standing deskstops
Jeanne Rousseau says
Good control of your time, and of course snacks for those times you’re slacking and need a refresh =)
Ker says
Such a great article!
Cynthia C says
Another must have is a good strong wifi set up.
Julia Barnes says
A wireless printer/scanner combo.
Amanda Z says
Reliable technology and a lawyer.
Kelly D says
A latop and good WiFi would be musts for me.
nickie says
A comfy chair and computer
Katherine S says
Comfortable chair and an organized workspace
Rachelle Thomson says
Company credit card seems like it’s a must for everything now!
BusyWorkingMama says
Hard drives to back up data. A shredder!
kathy Persons says
A dedicated space for working and a good chair
heather s says
Comfortable chair is essential
Richard Hicks says
One must have a desktop and laptop computers
John OBrien says
A reliable Internet connection, preferably backed up by a cellular hot-spot.
Nothing like losing the connection at a critical time.
Mary Beth Elderton says
Fast, reliable wifi is an absolute must. A comfortable chair is right up there, too as a must have. Maybe not a “must have” but a good hands-free speaker phone or ear phone is handy, too.
Shelley P says
A computer, printer and good internet speed and connection is a must have for a home business.
cheryl s says
a scanner is important
Tom says
A good printer
sarah says
printer!!
Hannah McNally says
A really good computer system, and you always need a great calculator! Additionally motivation 😉
elizabeth p says
My must have is a great computer. Thanks for the chance.
Laura says
Good office space!
B Kautz says
Laser printer
jeremy mclaughlin says
Excellent wifi connection, and nice office space.
meghan says
Fax/scanner/printer combination!
Kim O says
a webcam, printer and fax machine
Cindy Peterson says
A door to keep out distractions.
Laura B. says
A quiet place to work and dependable Wifi.
Kim O says
webcam and fax machine
Steve Weber says
You need to have a quick computer, wireless internet, a good phone/fax and lots of supplies.
Tiffany S says
High speed internet is a must have for a home business.
Allan F says
Wi-fi and A comfortable work space
Taryn T says
Some office musts are noise cancelling head phones, a comfy chair, and really good pens.
Darlene Carbajal says
A good printer and laptop/computer!
Christine Labelle says
I agree with having an organized office. I like to have a system for my files, usually color coded. I also like to keep a notebook for meetings and notes that I might need.
Candace Miller says
Must backup data and good wifi.
Grant D says
a good wifi connection is a must have
Jenny Scheldberg says
Strong internet connection. Enough space.
Jennifer M. says
Fax, Printer, computer, swivel chair, speaker phone, file cabinet, calender.
jberry says
Strong broadband & good distance from home day to day activities.
tara darity says
A printer, office supplies and storage space are a must for an office!
carol clark says
good chair and wifi and printer and desk
Jessica w. says
You need strong wi-fi signal and a comfortable work station.
Brittney House says
I like a comfortable chair.
Aaron says
Another must have for a home business is a computer.
Valerie Mabrey says
You have to have a good chair and a good desk to actually be able to work.
Dawn Ballo says
A quiet organized office with a comfy chair.
Trinity Rosario says
A great space and good organization tools! A neat and organized desk makes a huge difference!
Rhonda Y says
I like a comfy chair and a portable air conditioner.
Laura Barnes-Schrillo says
a good internet service
Frank kerner says
A good home business also needs a dedicated office space with good wifi!
Fran r. says
White noise machine
golden storm says
plenty of notebooks to jot things down
Dana says
A comfortable chair, good wi-fi, and good lighting are necessities
Forsberg says
I have worked from home since I was 26. The most important thing is great internet and a good tv.
latoya says
A computer that runs well and has a big screen.
Wendy R. says
I must have a good scanner, and postal scale.
jacqueline v says
good lighting in the work space is essential! without good lighting, i would just fall asleep!
Marilyn Nawara says
You need a comfortable chair and a 3-in-1 printer/fax/scanner
Robin M says
A quiet place away from where the kids are playing
Deborah Buffamanti says
A quiet, well-lit space with a computer with some RAM!
Audra says
Organization is important
Allyson Tice says
a must have for my office is a filing cabinet with allmy paper invoices and bills in one place. i also recommend having a filing system for credit card billing as well in the filing cabinet.
Charlene S. says
Computer and a high quality printer are must haves in my home office.
Stephanie Phelps says
One of my favorite must haves for a great home office is a coffee maker!
Cheryl says
I must have a file cabinet and cross-cut shredder.
Melissa Kelly says
I really think that a good chair, a quality keyboard, and a quality mouse are all important. The chair, especially, can make a difference at the end of a long day.
bernie wallace says
A good computer is definitely needed for a home business. Thanks for the giveaway. I hope that I win.
Tim says
A dedicated phone line would be a good investment. You want to be able to answer your phone as the business name, and you also don’t want your kids to answer when a potential client is calling.
missy w says
A printer
Kyl Neusch says
Need a good printer.
Bryan Vice says
Number one things for me is to have a good comfy chair to sit in and helps your back. Number 2 would be maybe a “foot mat” especially if your sitting all day good to have for your feet
kristina says
You also need Motivation! working from home can get difficult.
Liz Newsome says
Definitely a good scanner (or app that does it) and great wifi – don’t want to be BEGGING the internet to work, that’s for sure!
DEANA says
I think that Excel is a must have for a home office.
Terry says
A good desk and ergonomic chair, a computer that can function well, high-speed internet, multi-functional printer and plenty of ink/toner, business speaker phone and a shredder.
Kim Naumann says
Organizational baskets to keep things neat and easy to find.
AEKZ2 says
A nice desk and comfy chair.
Gail Fernandez says
I would say you would need high-speed internet, a good computer, phone service, storage, and time!
Jeanna says
I think a strong, fast wifi would be super important in order to work from home!
harley says
you need a laptop and wifi
Nikki B says
Great internet connection and a door in your office so no one can bug you!
Crissie Woolard says
Other must haves high speed Internet, Computer and definitely organization. I have heard great things about the echo and I am very excited about your giveaway. Thank you so much for the chance to win this would be a great addition
Stephanie Shipley says
A good printer/copier/fax machine combo is a must-have!
Elizabeth E says
A great ergonomic chair!
Lauryn R says
A couple of other things that I needed for my at home business was anot appointment book, calendar, and super comfortable chair! It is so important to be comfortable when sitting at a desk for long periods.
Teresa A Thompson says
I would need a great internet connection and an organizing desk.
Sandra Preti says
Computer and printer
Dan D says
Separate phone line.
KATE COLLINS says
A great wifi connection! So many small companies I’ve worked for have had horrible internet. It really interrupts work! I think the worst was when I worked at an optometry office. Trying to schedule an appointment over the phone is impossible when the schedule won’t load! Haha
Traci A says
Good wifi! Also a sit to stand desk is great.
Kimmy Ripley says
Need to have quick computer and internet!
Nik Ki says
An office area in the house tucked away from any area in the house that I relax in so when I’m done work is completely off my mind.
Katie Bellamy says
Gotta have your computer! 🙂
Kathryn Hyatt says
The single most important thing is fast WiFi and a good laptop
Kristin McCall says
A good filing system and good organization is a must have in a home office.
Shane A says
A good shredder and a dog!
angela smith says
A great chair and something to organize all your paperwork so everything does not get cluttered everywhere
Elizabeth P says
A quiet space.
Kelly Skibbe says
You need to have space away from all the distractions of being at your house.
J'aime K says
Organization!
Danielle says
An all in one printer and a shredder
MaryAnn says
A must have for me is a wireless printer.
Jill Rivera says
An office must have is ton of storage and a copy-scanner-printer.
Katie R says
A fax machine/scanner/copier, good computer, Great internet!
Abigail says
Fast WiFi, a comfortable desk chair and a reliable printer!
Chelsea McCammon says
Ergonomic mousepad and keyboard, definitely.
Shannon says
A door!! There are definitely times when quiet is needed. 🙂
cyndi br says
must have a dry erase board
Meaghan says
A good coffee pot is a must!
Marissa C says
All those office supplies! Pens, paper clips, stapler, tape, scissors, files, etc.
Kelsi says
A good computer/laptop and internet connection are must haves.
Denise Sachs says
You would need good computer and printing equipment.
miranda says
a good printer
gary says
a good laptop
Renee Grosskreuz says
Pens,pencils,erasers,a good computer,etc.,
Julie Waldron says
A filing cabinet, a business/company credit card.
rebecca day says
printer
Pam Halligan says
I need an all-in-one printer.
Suzanne says
Must-haves are good wifi and a great ergonomic chair.
Sarah L says
High speed and secure WIFI. Also good strong coffee.
Rachel says
A thermal label printer, standing desk and good WiFi are very important for a home business.
BIll says
lots of post it notes
Elicia P says
WiFi is a must, a good signal too. Also a sitter in house if you have kids.
connie tillman says
Desk Space, organization.
Ellie Wright says
Good computer and reliable WiFi
Will G says
Fast Internet connection.
Bridgett Wilbur says
A good computer, great wifi, comfortable chair, and a good phone, plus good customer service skills.
Ama Mykyta says
You also need some good friends to support you.
Claire says
Comfortable chair good internet/wifi and and all in one printer
susan smoaks says
i need a great internet service and phone service.
Tandi Cortez says
You need a nice comfortable chair that you can work in! 🙂
Angie S says
An office with a locking door! The video of the guy doing a skype interview where his kids came into the room live on tv…I was DYING! So funny!!
Janice Crespo says
The most important is a comfortable work space.
Margaret S Porter says
A uiet space so you can focus on the work at hand
Margaret S Porter says
quiet space
Serge B says
A high speed and reliable internet connection
Paula Michele Hafner says
A fast internet connection and a good, strong wifi signal is important. You’ll need a reliable modem and router to make sure you’re internet and wifi works great at all times.
Samantha Martin says
The echo is brilliant for on the go moms. Add a single mother to a toddler I don’t have any have that are free most of the time. Either I’m cooking and cleaning. Working or entertaining my kid. The echo would be great. It’s hands free and voice activated. I have watched the videos and commercials for it a lot. If I had the money I’d bought it already.
Luna S says
A laptop, and printer
Heather E says
A quiet place. Away from the dogs and children.
Laurie Nykaza says
Can’t live without the lap top and fax machine and printer!
Catherine Griffith says
A nice 3-4 panel screen so that you have a backdrop in case your office is in a room that is also lived in (my home office is in my bedroom).
betsy says
wifi is a must!
.Christine L says
Need space away from the kids & other noise
Missy says
I like to have some music playing. Classical music on a low volume helps me stay focused.
Teresa Moore says
I would need some decorative storage containers and a nice tall bookcase for books and pictures.
Toni Feimer says
The must have for my home office is a laminator. It comes in handy for all types of things. I love it.
Sue Barney says
A good printer, a computer with lots of memory, and a comfy chair! 🙂
Kelley H says
A desk and a laptop are my must haves for a home business.
Carol says
A good comfortable chair.
John Kivlen says
A printer and a chair that doesn’t make your tail fall asleep
wendy browne says
A schedule or written planner is a must to get things done in order.
Michelle C says
Reliable wi-fi and a good coffee maker are required for my home office!
crystal frey says
i would say a laptop and fax machine.
Holly M says
A scanner is an absolute must!
Steve Stone says
GOOD CHAIR AND A LASER PRINTER.
Erica B. says
Gotta have a good desk.
Jane McGregor says
A very supportive chair!
Brandi Gates says
A quiet and comfortable place to work is a must.
Amanda G says
I think a home office space would need the basics such as sticky notes, pens or pencils, paper, a computer or tablet of some sort, an uninterrupted work space. In addition printers, storage, snacks, lights, ect
Aqdas Ahmed says
A quiet space that the kids do not use is a must!!
Amber Hites says
Organized space and an ergonomic chair!
Sandy H says
A comfortable office chair.
Rachel V says
Quiet office space
Fiona N says
Must haves for me are the printer and shredder 🙂
Thank You
Mya Murphy says
Computer with good wifi, printer with fax, cellphone, patience, time, and quiet.
Alexandra Oller says
Organizers, file folders and labels are must haves for a home business! I also think a dry erase wall calendar is a must have for myself.
Julie Hawkins says
A good filing and organizing system is a must.
M Wagenbach says
Definitely a comfortable seat and great wi-fi or internet connection. Optimally, a sunny space is very encouraging to work in.
Tina reynolds says
A decent space and a comfy size chair
Patti Newton says
A quiet space
Lisa V. says
Good internet service and printer.
Samantha says
A good working computer and a printer!
MICHELLE H says
Organization
Stephanie Liske says
You need to understand accounting and taxes.
Mark Marville says
Mini- fridge! Hate having to go all the way the the kitchen for a beverage!
Eileen Boyce says
Desk, chair phone, files
Katie Usher says
LAPTOP, PRINTER AND GOOD CHAIR
Janine H says
Need a good fax machine and headset
Tammy Catterton says
I have to say great office space plus a great chair that will support the back well
carrie simon says
You must have self-discipline as you need to not get distracted and do your work. Also a work phone is great so personal and work calls are separated.
Sandra Preti says
A supportive desk chair!
Paul says
A sense of humor and an emergency fund
Peggy Johnson says
A comfortable chair and plenty of storage space to keep everything organized
Miranda Ackerley says
Definitely a good printer and a comfy chair.
Christina C moore says
I need a phone, computer and a fax machine
Ed says
A dictaphone and a stenographer
Jennifer H. says
I think a good desk.
Lesley F says
High speed internet & a good computer
Theresa D says
Another couple of must haves are a good wifi connection, a nice comfy desk chair, and a good laptop.
Patricia Delgado says
Peace and quiet are a must
Andrea v says
A quiet space with room to work. A good system and computer. Filing, organization, clean or I cannot think. We’re just starting our agency from home so I’m excited!
Amanda Hoffman says
Super fast wifi, good organization
Tracie Cooper says
I require a great office chair!
dana says
Reliable high speed internet service
Nicole Martin says
You’ve definitely got to have fast internet speed!
rich bar says
a scanner and a fax are key!
Kate S says
Did you forget coffee? 🙂
Rivka says
I think a quiet location is important in a home office.
Nicole Harvey says
I can’t think of anything else, I think you pretty much covered it all 🙂
Anita Jude says
I would say a good computer, phone and printer
Sarah L says
A good ergonomic chair.
Thanks for the contest.
Meme says
A good computer, printer, high speed cable
Lisa says
All in one printer/scanner/fax is def a must have.
Joy Venters says
A quiet area to work and gather thoughts, desk and the usual essentials, a fax , and a good secretary.
Danielle Lindquist says
A really great computer and a printer because you never know when you’ll need to print something out.
Holly Kennedy says
A nice lock on the door.
Erin M says
Good Wi-fi
Heather Marocco says
printer
Debbue Penney says
a fax machine and printer
sandra adams says
Great lighting has always been a big issue for me
J Snider says
Screaming internet service and a smartphone
beth says
a desk a chair
Kayla Klontz says
Filing cabinets/ space to store paperwork, good lighting and a nice chair.
Kerry p says
An ergonomic chair, uncluttered environment and a smart phone!
Kathy Pease says
I need lots of printer paper and pens because they always seem to disappear
Rita A says
a designated working area clear of clutter – so organization bins or file cabinets are a necessity!
Elizabeth Brooks says
You need great storage, and a comfy desk
Audrey Stewart says
I think being organized and having update equipment.
Amy delong says
A good laptop
Philip Lawrence says
You also need a PC and a website for your home business.
Tiffany Dayton says
A high end printer.
Kelsey vinson says
What I need is a functional desk! The one I have now is a nightmare lol
Tina Kilburn says
Organization is a must. I hate working in a cluttered mess.
christopher h says
a separate phone line or number
Peggy Rydzewski says
A strong and dependable internet provider is a must
Danielle Magee says
A quiet home office which is off limits to the kids.
jules m. says
a really good chair with lumbar support. I sit at a desk all day and its murder on your back!
Laurie Emerson says
For me it is wifi with a good internet connection, a reliable printer and a dedicated room no matter how small it may be.
Robert says
A profitable business idea, a $4000 desk, lighting, and 1 sexy beast of a secretary
John Deal says
A good scanner
kelly woods says
Fax Mac hine, printer
Lynn Goodwin says
High speed internet, a comfortable chair and a good printer
stella methvin says
a private room that I can go in and close the door with a nice desk and lots of file cabinets
aaron reck says
Space to work in and of course wifi.
Tee Anderson says
A desk, chair, filing cabinet, printer and wifi.
angie depue says
a nice Desk and comfy chair!! Printer and computer!
patty perry says
Comfortable chair, nice desk, lots of storage and a wall color that’s not going to drive me bonkers, good lighting.
Nancy Bowers says
I needed a good bookkeeper to be free to concentrate on the business itself.
Tracie Vandermeulen says
A really good home computer.
Meredith Brooks says
Super speed wifi & a great printer
Tasha Wilkerson says
Good wifi! Its a must!
Bea Alexandra says
I think a reliable scanner/fax machine is extremely important. I also think some cute inspirational design piece is nice to have to always remind yourself why you started.
Amie H says
printer
Trisha Musgrave says
Having the space for your office supplies and needs is a must, so is a quiet area!
sherry fowler says
patience…. lots of patience and space and time
DanV says
A good computer, printer and wifi connection are important too
Seyma Shabbir says
Fast reliable high speed internet, comfortable desk and chair, Google business acct and use Google drive for storing large files that you need to transfer, google phone number, a reliable computer and LAPTOP for when you need to be portable. I love the Google suite at my work!! I can access files without needed MS office software. Also a reliable high quality headphone with microphone when it gets a little noisy at home.
Jessica Hays says
A babysitter is a must!!!!
Jerry Marquardt says
My must have for my home based business is an uninterrupted power system.
donna porter says
A must is large desk, good phone system, lighting and printer.
Amanda Shearouse says
A good printer! 🙂
Sand says
An all in one printer!
melissa craig says
a decent copier/ scanner and computer
Katrina Angele says
An all in one bluetooth printer
Trisha McKee says
A quality computer is a definite must!
heather c says
Gotta have a good printer and lots of ink!