A home-based business truly offers the best of both worlds: You can work flexible hours with a flexible dress code, and earn a steady income while also keeping your overheads low.
With these advantages and so many more, it is no surprise that so many people are turning to entrepreneurship and starting companies of their own from home.
That being said, there are a number of unique risks you have to face as a home biz, which, if ignored, could lead to some costly and stressful situations. With that in mind, here are a few ways to reduce the risks of a home-based business.
Hide Your Home Address
For the safety and security of your family and business, it is never a good idea to advertise the address of your home. In fact, whenever possible, you should keep it to yourself.
To do this, you will need to open a PO box to receive any of your business mail and packages. You may also want to consider meeting customers and clients at another location, such as a restaurant or cafe. This way, you also won’t have to worry about them hurting themselves on your property, which is a major liability risk that requires proper property insurance and incorporation when possible.
Protect Your Digital Life
Most people wrongly assume that it is only big companies who suffer at the hands of cyber attacks. However, more often than not, it is small to medium businesses that are targeted.
To make it more difficult for hackers to access your data, you should use complex passwords and identity solutions, like Netverify. You should also set up a secure wifi network and regularly update your antivirus software. Protect your websites, blogs, social media, software program logins, and email accounts at all costs.
Secure Your Paper Files
These days, most of us store our data and documents online, using systems like the cloud or physical hard drives. However, there are going to be some important files and contracts that you will want and need to have a hard copy of. In fact, in some professions it may still be a requirement.
Of course, you don’t want these documents getting damaged or into the wrong hands, which is why you should secure them in a locked cabinet or fireproof safe. You may also want to keep this somewhere other than your home, just in case. Your home business is liable if someone steals or destroys physical or digital files with sensitive personal information or financial data. Have the proper homeowners insurance to help add additional protection for your home-based business.
