One of the things that many people find appealing about owning and operating a home – based business of their own is the notion of being your own boss. While it is true that the home – based professionals who own and operate their own businesses are in charge of and responsible for many things, they do have to answer to people other than themselves. In other words, the notion that you are your own boss is only partially true. The exact number and type of other people that you must answer to depends upon your business. Here are a few examples of the “bosses” that you may encounter while running your home – based business.
If you are an independent contractor or a service provider of any sort such as a freelance writer, computer programmer, or graphic designer, then you have a boss who is associated with each of your projects. You may prefer to think of them as a client, but in reality they are your boss. You are accountable to them. They provide you with work, they work with you to determine the terms under which the work will be performed, they pay you, and they answer questions that you have about the work. It is important that when you bid on and accept jobs, you pay close attention to the communications that you receive from your new boss and any feelings that you get regarding working with them. It is sometimes fairly easy to tell early on in a new business relationship whether you and your new boss will work well together or whether there are things that should be addressed right away. In some extreme cases, it may even be best to end the relationship at its very beginning.
If you sell products, you are accountable to your customers and to your suppliers. Your customers are looking for a good purchasing experience in addition to a good product. Addressing their needs promptly and professionally keeps them happy and earns their trust and continued business. Working well with your suppliers lets them know that you care about promoting their products and they will remember your work on their behalf when it comes time to give special incentives, promotions, or discounts.
You are also accountable to others in your family. The word “boss” is certainly not the term that I would choose to describe these relationships unless I am jokingly referring to my two year old who loves to order me around. Family members do have needs that must be met and those needs must be balanced with the needs of your business, so they have an impact on what you do every day.