Canadian Small Business Women

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The Benefits and Drawbacks of Working from Home!

As I sit here in my home office I am surrounded by dust. Layers of it actually, dust on top of dust; dust so thick that I am actually starting to believe my sturdy, “mahogany” (MDF mahogany coloured wood) desk is actually white. Why? We’re having just a few renovations going on in my home right now. Yes, I know I am lucky to be having renovations done. Yes, I know I am lucky to be able to work from home. I can assure you however this flexibility (along with the renovation of course) comes at a price!

I love the fact that I can book trades people to come at almost any time of day and it’s working from home that provides this luxury. I like to think I help create space for those that work outside of the home to get earlier evening appointments! That said, there are certain inconveniences:

  • The inevitable waiting still happens. Should I start that next project, only to be interrupted when they arrive?
  • Should I make that call? The trades are due here at 10:00am, it’s 9:58. You don’t make the call, they show up at noon – you do make the call they ring the bell promptly at 10:00!
  • Working through the noise – my goodness, the noise! Some days I literally cannot hear myself think and the tapping of the keys on my laptop is completely obliterated by the sound of drills, hammers and something that sounds suspiciously like a shotgun! I’m not worried……ok, maybe I’m worried.
  • The electrician has to turn the power off. Ok, no big deal its daylight but that means no coffee. NO COFFEE! How does one work without coffee? If there’s a way – please let me know.
  • The plumber has to turn off the water. No problem. But wait! See above. NO COFFEE…unless you catch him in time to reload the pot before the water is gone.
  • The plumber has to turn off the water. No problem. I made my coffee. But wait….now I have to use the bathroom……this isn’t good.
  • Floor installation. Have you EVER heard whatever machine it is that cuts under your doorframes to allow for new wood floors to be installed? It has got to be the LOUDEST, most horrible, whiniest and most incessant noise machine ever invented. Pretty sure it’s currently being used somewhere in the world as a torture device. Writing content for a pretty little flower farm (trying to conjure up images of flowers, bees and all things nice) with that god-awful noise in the background was simply not possible. As an aside, in addition to my writing work, hubbie and I also own a Tool and Die shop. So, you know, working from the shop to get some peace and quiet isn’t really an option either.
  • The dust. Is insurmountable. No point in even trying. My computer is on asthma inhalers. I am on asthma inhalers. My dog is on asthma inhalers. Actually, that’s not true – the dog is on a “vacation” at Nana’s house because it just wasn’t fair to keep her here. Us humans however? We’re tough. (NOT!)
  • Kitchen remodeling has to be right up there with “most inconvenient renovation ever.” I’ve basically been camping in my house for about 6 weeks now. Camping is not fun, in the middle of summer, near a beach and it certainly isn’t fun in the middle of winter, with your front door propped open to allow easy access and your only available water source (when the plumbing is on) is in the laundry room, in the basement, where you are also washing dishes, cooking on a gas plate and still trying to get work done.
  • Wifi – unplugged – accidentally – by the trades people – 13 x a day – enough said.

I guess the bottom line is you might be wondering why this “business” blog is all about my home renovations. Perhaps you’re also thinking, “I have no sympathy, you’re getting a nice new house out of the deal.” As to the first point, I’m pretty much incapable of thinking of anything else right now so blogging for a business blog while trying to run a business from home, during home renovations – well it seems that’s about all I can handle. As to the second point? You’re right, I shouldn’t be complaining and I’m not. Not really. Well, not much anyway.

As Owner and Principal partner of “Writing Right For You” Sheralyn is a Communications Strategist – working together with entrepreneurs to maximize profit through effective use of the written word. Looking for web content that works, blog articles that engage or communications strategies that help you get noticed?  Contact Sheralyn today. Sheralyn is also the mother of two children now entering the “terrible and terrific teens” and spends her free time volunteering for several non-profit organizations.

Sheralyn Roman B.A., B.Ed.

Writing Right For You

Communications Strategies that help you GET TO THE POINT!

416-420-9415 Cell/Business

writingrightforyou@gmail.com

Tips to Save on your Energy Bill when you work from home

Written by Canadian Small Business Women on behalf of our sponsor, Just Energy.

 

Households and small businesses in Ontario pay time-of-use prices for electricity that change according to the TIME OF DAY and DAY OF THE WEEK. The peak periods also change by SEASON. What this means though, is that households have to pay attention to the on-peak and off-peak schedule for Electricity rates and schedule their appliance use in the home around this schedule. For those of us who work from home, this means that we are often using the majority of the electricity in our house during on-peak hours.

Follow these tips to reduce your energy usage and save money:

  1. Upgrade to energy efficient appliances. Since 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency initiative, Energy Star, has reviewed and rated energy efficiency in appliances, products and companies. Look for the blue star on new appliances to ensure that you are purchasing energy efficient appliances. Old home appliances that should be upgraded include heaters, hot water tanks, dishwashers and laundry machines.
  2. Use energy efficient light bulbs. LED light bulbs use up to 90% less energy and last 15-25 times longer than standard bulbs, meaning they need to be replaced less often.
  3. Reduce heating and cooling costs by using proper insulation, and using blackout or heat absorbing curtains on the windows.
  4. Unplug electronic devices that are not in use. All electronic devices will still consume electricity when they are turned off. Unplugging devices that are not in use, or using power bars that can be turned off will prevent your electronics from over-using electricity. Unplugging laptops and mobile devices that have already reached full charge will also help save their batteries by not over-charging.
  5. Compare electricity and natural gas costs with companies other than your local utility.

Just Energy now offers “My Time”, a unique electricity product which provides you with a single rate, no matter what time of day. Furthermore, with My Time the price you pay for your electricity will always be lower than mid-peak and on-peak rates.

Switching from your local utility to Just Energy ensures a hassle-free and cost-effective way to manage your home’s energy usage. Please call your Trusted Energy Advisor at 416.937.5090 for more details about this offer. Alternatively, visit justenergydeals.com/csbw to learn more and sign up today on more offers.

Just Energy is a proud sponsor of Canadian Small Business Women. Talk to a Just Energy representative at one of our upcoming events. Sign up today to win a Just Energy Office Package at NorthSpace in North York. Offer lasts until 23rd August*

Business Use of Home Expenses

Note: This information differs slightly for employees who are required/allowed to work from home.

Many entrepreneurs love the idea of starting a business from home because now they get to claim the home expenses – or rather a portion of them – as a business expense! BUT entrepreneurs beware there are conditions to be met!

You need to meet ONE of the following conditions:

  1. It needs to be you principal place of business OR
  2. You use the space only to earn business income AND you use it regularly and on an ongoing basis to meet your customers, clients or patients.

So what does that mean?

If you always meet clients at a coffee shop, restaurants or their place of business, and never in your home, it can be a challenge to justify why you need to claim a home office.  Furthermore, if you are also expensing a secondary office space (meeting rooms, rented office spaces) justifying the need for a home office becomes even harder. Needing a place to keep your computer and files often is not strong enough.  However taking calls, doing client work, and using that room for other functions relating to contracting business can be a better justification. Note there is also an implied expectation of a separate room or dedicated work area; using the kitchen table does not cut it.

Once you have determined that your home office you can claim a percent of the following expenses:

  • Heat
  • Electricity
  • Insurance
  • Maintenance
  • Mortgage INTEREST
  • Property taxes
  • Other expenses (such as water)

It is important to also mention that the amount you deduct cannot be more than your net income; so the expenses relating to the home office cannot create a business loss. So we recommend calculating your net income (Revenue less expenses) for everything else first, then seeing if home expenses make the cut. These expenses can be carried forward with certain conditions.

When you sell your house, there will be what’s called a recapture if you have deducted depreciation on the value of the house so our recommendations is not to do any depreciation relating to your house!

 

 

 

“Behind Every Great Business is a Great Accountant”

For more information on how to keep your business tax efficient, or to get a consultation on whether you are making all the right tax choices for your business, contact Dharna CPA. www.dharnacpa.ca. Info@dharnacpa.ca

Working from home effectively

Entrepreneurs often run home based businesses and with a home based business, comes a home office. Working from home is great, whether you work for yourself or someone else. Unfortunately many people struggle with being productive while working from home.  Productivity however is something we can all achieve if we simply apply ourselves. Here are 5 tips for working from effectively

 

  1. Have a designated workspace

Having a designated workspace will make it easier to focus on work and avoid distractions at home. Whether you have a desk or a fully functional office room, always make sure you separate your professional and personal spaces.

 

  1. Schedule working hours

Every office has hours of operation and your home office shouldn’t be an exception. In order to work effectively set working hours for yourself and keep to a daily schedule. Whether you’re working 9-5, 10-6 or 7-3 always make sure you get in a full day’s worth of work. You should also implement a daily schedule of tasks you wish to complete within the day. This will help you keep on track and up to date with deadlines and deliverables.

  1. Get dressed

Ever heard of the saying dress for the job you want? Getting dressed for work is a great way to motivate yourself to be more productive at home. Although it’s tempting to spend the day in lounge wear while working from home, being too comfortable doesn’t help with productivity. When people look good they feel good and are more motivated to work hard and be more effective.

  1. Get out

Spending too much time inside is never a good thing. Make it a point to get out of your home office at least once a day. Whether it’s for a meeting with a client or colleague or a quick coffee run. A change of scenery is always a great productivity booster. If your office consists of just your laptop you can even opt to work at a coffee shop a few days of the week.

  1. Take breaks

Down time is an integral part of productivity, so don’t forget to give yourself a break. After all people who work at conventional workplaces often take coffee and lunch breaks. Try to avoid eating your lunch at your desk, step away and take a breather. This will allow you to regroup and collect your thoughts before you get down to work again. However make sure you structure your breaks and be vigilant about how much time you spend on each break.

Praveeni Perera is an experienced entrepreneur having co-founded a training and consulting company catering to clients around the world. Her area of expertise is international expansions. You can connect with her via Twitter or LinkedIn

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