Working from home sounds ideal to many people. The flexible hours and freedom have undeniable appeal. However, amid all the hype, it is easy to forget that such an opportunity at home can be fraught with pitfalls that can thwart the success of your new home-based business. Being aware of these will help you avoid costly problems.

Time management requires self-discipline and a good offense. The at-home entrepreneur is susceptible to many unique interruptions and distractions. A business opportunity at home offers the advantage of being increasingly available to friends and family, but this can come at a high price in terms of time and productivity. Careful pains must be taken to minimize interruptions. For example, closing the door and screening calls can help someone working at home stay focused and get things done. Additionally, non work-related Web surfing and e-mailing should be relegated to leisure time only.

The impact a home-based business can have on the neighborhood must not be overlooked. Are clients going to visit the place of business (the home)? Will this result in increased traffic and/or noise? Maybe the home-based business requires storage of large equipment or supplies. Someone considering working from home must explore the federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the specific home-based business they have in mind. Failure to do so could be disastrous if disgruntled neighbors complain, putting an end to that opportunity at home for once and for all.

When working from home, it can be particularly difficult to uphold professionalism. After all, there is no "real" storefront where client meetings can take place outside the home. In these instances, visiting the client at his or her place of business, or even borrowing/renting a conference room, may be advisable. Careful thought must also go into this atmosphere of professionalism when placing phone calls. Background noise, such as barking dogs or shrieking children, can make it difficult to hear and carry on a smooth client phone call. These must be eliminated.

It is important to keep careful records of expenses and write-offs pertaining to a business opportunity at home. Such home-based businesses can be particularly prone to tax audits and must be able to supply explicit documentation in such an event. An opportunity at home can be a recipe for disaster if the owner ignores or overlooks these essential considerations.

Above all, a business from home is still a business. It cannot operate without a solid, well thought-out business plan, to be followed and updated as the need arises. There is no substitute for the investment of time, energy, and careful planning. When choosing a business opportunity at home, one must make reasonably certain that it is marketable as well as affordable and realistic.

Of course, there is unfortunately no way to guarantee the success of a home-based business. But by being aware of the potential hazards that can befall the hapless at-home entrepreneur, one can be vigilant, better prepared, and therefore more poised to succeed.