Determination & Self Discipline

Determination:
If you're the type of person who gives up easily, running a virtual corporation will be challenging at best. The good news is, determination is something you can develop.

You may find that otherwise well-meaning friends and family members have difficulty understanding that even though you're home, you're working; and no, you can't run to the grocery store or dog-sit for them, nor can you enjoy a leisurely chat over coffee in the middle of the afternoon. Determination to make your virtual corporation successful will help you learn to say "no" to requests that would seem reasonable, if only you weren't working. Start out by informing everyone you know (especially those who are potential interruptions) that you are starting a business from home, and briefly explain what your job will entail.


Self-discipline:
As someone who will report only to yourself, you must keep in mind that the work will not get done unless you do it. You'll also have to deal with the temptation of distraction, especially in a virtual setting where the internet provides all kinds of lovely sidetracks that are just a click away. Most people don't naturally possess the amount of self-discipline necessary to run a virtual home-based business-but this skill is also something that can be developed. It's a case of practice makes perfect: the more often you remind yourself that you're sitting in front of the computer to work, the more natural the process will become.

HELPFUL HINT #1: Set a schedule for yourself and stick to it.
Because you are working for yourself, you have the ability to create a flexible schedule that fits around the rest of your life. Perhaps you are able to devote the hours of 9 to 5 for work. Or, if you're following the virtual model in order to spend time with your family, you may choose to work while the kids are at school, and then put in a few more hours at the end of the day, after they've gone to bed. You can give yourself weekends off, or schedule additional hours on the weekends in order to have more free time during the week.

Whatever schedule you set for yourself, the only important thing is to make sure you follow it as strictly as possible so you're not scrambling to get things done.