One of the best things about running a business from home is having all those home comforts. The convenience of running a business from your home can also be a disadvantage.

In addition to all the distractions, being too comfortable can be a disaster. Efficiency and profit may slip away as you doze off on the couch waiting for the phone to ring. It can create a feeding ground for procrastination. It is really easy to put things off when you’re comfortable.

Put your feet up and relax in your sweats and think about doing that report later. How about a couple of cup cakes and a hot chocolate just to get fortified before embarking on that next assignment (this brings to mind another topic for an article “Health and Fitness and the Homepreneur”).

Self-discipline is a big factor in the day to day operation of a home business. Get too comfy and you’re dead. It’s so easy to slip into the comfort zone.

I’m not suggesting that you need to be uncomfortable in your home office. Having your office set up for convenience and comfort makes a lot of sense. However, a fridge, microwave and toaster next to your desk may be too much of a temptation. Who did you have to convince to get that recliner for your office? They don’t call it a “La-z-boy” for nothing!

I think it is important to be comfortable in order to function effectively. Maybe some new shelving or organizing your computer, desk and fax machine could improve your operation.

For some businesses it’s necessary to have a quiet place to talk to clients, make phone calls or prepare reports. This will make your business environment more comfortable and more efficient, maybe even more profitable. For other businesses comfort may be a pager, cell phone and other conveniences for the mobile office.

Some home business people I know get dressed for business every morning even if they aren’t going anywhere or meeting anyone. They say it puts them in the right state of mind for work. You never know when someone is going to show up unannounced and being prepared has many advantages.

For me comfort is not being in a cold or drafty office or having to strain because of poorly organized equipment. I like to work in a comfortable chair with easy access to the phone, computer, fax machine and files.

I like to have quietness when having meetings or making phone calls. Having things right where I left them is good. I like to be able to look out the window occasionally.

Being comfortable is different for everyone and every type of business has it’s own demands allowing us to take advantage in many different ways.

A word of caution when you are getting the home business set up “Don’t get to comfy – if you snooze – you lose!”