How to Set Up a Simple Home Office to Start Your Work-From-Home Coaching Business
Dive into this guide to making your home-based coaching business fun and financial success. As you read through the considerations for your home office, remember that you can work from home as a coach in many ways; in-person, online, in groups, travel to client’s homes/offices, helping corporations, making content (videos, podcasts, courses) and any combination of these.
First, you will want to consider the needs of your new home office.
Will you be making videos? Likely in some way either for Youtube, podcast interviews, info product creation or video coaching with clients. You’ll want some good lighting such as a ring light or softbox kit. Search these on Amazon. You may want something for your background for branding and making the video more visually appealing.
If you have hardwood or tile flooring, you need to consider the echo it will create in recordings. It can be very distracting and reduce listener enjoyment – A LOT! Consider carpet or a thick rug to reduce sound bounce. It’s a simple solution.
Next, you may want to think about the business and tax benefits of having a home office for your coaching business. You can save a % of your monthly rent or mortgage if you meet the requirements. Consult your tax professional. Here are the specifics from the IRS.
Here are the conditions you’ll need to meet:
Regular and exclusive use: The space you’re using for business must be used exclusively for conducting business. For example, using a spare bedroom as both your office and a playroom for your children likely makes you ineligible.
Principal place of business: Although your home office doesn’t have to be the only place you meet your clients or customers, it must be your principal place of business. That means you use the space exclusively and regularly for administrative or management activities, such as billing customers, setting up appointments, and keeping books and records, according to the IRS.
Here are common tax deductions specifically for your home office (There are many additional write-offs for other aspects of your business):
Telephone and internet expenses
Computer
Cell phone
Monthly cell phone charge
Internet
A portion of electricity
Depreciation of equipment
A portion of rent/mortgage expense
Tech equipment
Video/audio equipment
Apps
WHY WORK FROM HOME?
To some people, a traditional office is not the ideal place to work or be efficient. And, it can waste too much money you could invest in marketing to get more clients. Some people don’t find it inspiring. During the pandemic, millions like you opted to work from home. Your commute gets eliminated and you have total control of your workplace environment.
Working from home also comes with certain challenges. Some people can lose inspiration. We certainly suggest great natural lighting, inspirational music, and an open window when weather permits. It can be challenging to stay on task and avoid certain temptations when the TV, fridge, or other home life events take place. You will want to set up rules and some type of schedule to optimize efficiency and minimize distractions.
Workspace Environment Basics
There are no fast and hard rules when it comes to setting up your workspace environment. You can even work from your couch kitchen table or the backyard or balcony. Of course, there are times when you need that quiet, secluded, and sacred workspace. But there are two main elements that you want to consider while setting up your workspace environment.
For this sacred space, the two important elements are separation and isolation. By separation, we are referring to having a space with a single purpose – DEEP WORK! Deep work is all that takes place here – PERIOD. You will need to be isolated from the people who might interrupt you during your dedicated hours of productivity.
Make the Most of Your Area
It might be expensive to renovate an entire room. Instead of entirely transforming the space, consider separating one corner for work with a screen (room separator). Otherwise consider creating your office in a remote, little-used location such as an attic, spare bedroom, or basement. This will allow for optimal creativity, productivity, and efficiency.
Options for Your Supplies
Based on your business model, you may not even need some of the things mentioned here. For basic supplies such as papers, pens, filing cabinets, and bulletin boards, consider shopping at some reasonable outlets. Keep things to a minimum to safe space and money.
Green is Good
Look into energy-saving devices when possible. Remember to switch off lights and disconnect chargers when not in use, as well as recycle paper. You will save money while helping the environment.
Make the Most if What You Already Own
Look around your home for items that you’ll need for your workspace. Smaller objects like staplers and notebooks may be hidden in closets from school days past. Let’s just call it shopping in your own home.
Look for Bargains at the Thrift Store or Flea Market
If you don’t already have furniture, look for it at flea markets and thrift stores. Many vintage objects are inexpensive and may give your home office a perfect look.
Prioritize a Better Internet Connection
If you have a choice, opt for the faster Internet connection from your service provider. Saving time is far more important than saving $7/month. Also, invest in a high-end router. Frustrations over poor connections is not fun. Again, time is your most important asset.
No Need for a Landline or Fax Machine
Use your cell phone. Nobody uses fax. Enough said. Focus on apps and web-based applications.
Be Creative and Efficient
Take your time putting together your office; you don’t need everything right away. Make a wish list of everything you need. Prioritize it. Save where you can. Do as much of the work yourself instead of spending money on painters, electricians, and furniture assemblers. Use the saved money for marketing.
In conclusion, working from home as a coach is fun, rewarding, and can be very time efficient. It will save you money in terms of reducing gas usage, car wear-and-tear, and the all-to-often extra spending on expensive food when away from home. You will need to develop a system to make your home office environment optimal for your goals and lifestyle.
You may now want to consider the Spencer Institute’s Online Coach Certification. This comprehensive training course goes into extensive detail about home business set-up including banking, tax planning, business set-up and so much more. And, of course, it gives you everything you want to make a solid living as a coach online and at home.
Start now and benefit for years to come!
The world constantly changes. It’s only a problem if you stress and don’t have options. You are in control and you have options. And, we have the solutions for you. We’ve done the hard work for you. You just need to apply the information.
Between NESTA and the Spencer Institute, we have well over 25 courses, certifications, and business systems to help you build a totally customized career and business. You have the choice to add and combine the programs in any way which serves you and your clients best.
Our team is here to help you thrive during this crisis and provide our members with constant support during this unprecedented time. As always, we welcome your thoughts and feedback. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the coaching industry.
Stay healthy!
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