When I talk to prospective franchisees, most want work that fits in with their life, rather than a life that fits in with their work. If you are looking for flexibility and autonomy, owning a home based or mobile business is an attractive option.

What can be more appealing than owning a business where you set the schedule and have the flexibility to prioritize family commitments?

While this may sound like living the dream, there is a shadow to the dream.

The reality is, yes, you can pick the kids up from school or have lunch with your friends. You can work late at night or early in the morning and around other activities. That kind of flexibility is enticing many people into working from home or investing in a mobile business.

But buyer be warned. Making it work requires careful organisation, disciplined focus and motivation. It doesn’t suit everyone.

Last year our team at the Franchise Relationships Institute conducted a large study to find out what excellent franchisees do. We investigated the backgrounds, attitudes and habits of over 2,000 franchisees and then looked at their levels of success and satisfaction.

With the mobile services sector, personal organisation emerged as the second highest predictor of success. (Pro-activity was number one). To make it as a home based or mobile operator you need to be able to work independently with limited direction and follow up.

BE ORGANISED

Great organisational skills are critical. Making lists, being disciplined with your time, completing tasks and staying focused are basic but essential skills that will help you to succeed. Setting goals and celebrating your successes will help keep you on track and motivated. 

Family and Social support also emerged as essential for success. Having trusted people you can talk to, and who will support you as you work through the ups and downs of getting your business established, is extremely useful. Remember, if you mainly work alone, access to your social network changes and getting despondent is a real possibility.

As humans we all have a fundamental need to connect. It’s hardwired into us. Social contact can come from many different places, for instance the barista making your morning coffee, other drivers gathered in the depot, the lovely lady you just made a delivery to.

Finding new ways to connect will ensure you have a support network around you of people interested in your success and ready to help you.

Your family or the people you live with must support your decision to move to home based working.

RULES

Distractions at home are endless. I know from personal experience: the first month I worked from home I had the cleanest cupboards and my washing was up to date for the first time in a decade! 

Having a dedicated office space where the rules are known will help limit distractions. Rules like, if the office door is closed you are not to be disturbed, will help set clear boundaries with your nearest and dearest. Having a dedicated space where there is a clear line between home and work life also means you can close the door at the end of your work day and not let work creep into your personal time.

WILL IT SUIT YOU?

Ultimately if you are thinking about a home based or mobile business, consider the type of person you are. Do you do your best work when surrounded by people? Do you need face to face supervision? If so, working from home may not be for you.

However, If you thrive when working autonomously, are comfortable with stretches of isolation, you are supremely organized and focused, then it may well be your utopia. So if you want to work from home, just remember you’ll need self-discipline, self-motivation and a level of organisation that not everyone has.

• Karli Furmage is CEO of The Franchise Relationships Institute, a research and training organisation that has been helping franchisors and franchisees create profitable partnerships for 24 years