Since I have the AutoCAD and PLC programming software at home, I do much of my “office work” at home. The business deals with control systems projects. No inventory involved, since hardware is supplied by manufacturer reps. Any control panel/cabinet fabrication is subcontracted out to panel shops that have UL approval. Of course I get the unsolicted counsel from the local busybodies that I have been suckered into some envelope stuffing or piecework assembly deal, but this is Minnesota.
If I have a design idea at some odd hour, I could at least tinker with it instead of forgetting it later. I also get the service call at Oh-Dark-Thirty, where I have to link into the control system remotely via internet and work with the technician on site before I have to travel there.
It’s a specialized business to business operation (refineries, pipelines, chem plants), so not much of the generic home based business advice applies, outside of legal incorporation, separate business accounts, etc. Much of the project administration practices are similar to the major engineering companies (Fluor, Jacobs, Kellogg Brown and Root, etc), except streamlined due to the low overhead. I’m part of a consortium that pools some resources, which even has a full safety manual much like the refineries - full OSHA compliance. Many of our project bids tend to be quite competitive, with well defined deliverables.
“If I have a design idea at some odd hour, I could at least tinker with it instead of forgetting it later”
That’s the best part, being able to work on something right away instead of coming home, figuring it out, and then smacking yourslf on your forehead after all that driving. I SO love being able to look outside and not have to go out in that weather.
UP until now, I was living at this place with no internet connection, so I had to go to a coffeehouse ot get a signal and work from there. Now at my new place I have a full signal so I can work from where I’m living and not go out and hang at hte coffeehouse, also dealing wiht loonies that come in.
I also know of this excellent legal service that you can prepay with and it’s only twenty-six dollars a month to subscribe. Not bad and I plan on using it the minute I get my contracts going.