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Do most people that do IM full time still work from home or do they have their own office?

by Sonny Am
66 replies
Hi,


I was just interested in the working environment of the people that run a full time internet marketing business.

Do you work from home from a computer in your room? do you have an office in your house? do you work from a proper office?

I think working in certain environments increases productivity as you get a feeling of professionalism.
#full #home #office #people #time #work
  • Profile picture of the author Yoong
    I think the beauty of IM is that you can work at home. Office space is usually a large expense for small businesses, so taking that out of the equation really makes IM profitable for many.

    However if you need to hire locals, its best to have an office or at least an office type situation created at home. If you want to go offline and meet clients I think it would be more credible in the eyes of the client that you have invested in an office.

    But working from home rocks.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sonny Am
      Originally Posted by Yoong View Post

      I think the beauty of IM is that you can work at home. Office space is usually a large expense for small businesses, so taking that out of the equation really makes IM profitable for many.

      However if you need to hire locals, its best to have an office or at least an office type situation created at home. If you want to go offline and meet clients I think it would be more credible in the eyes of the client that you have invested in an office.

      But working from home rocks.
      thanks for the reply.

      I guess what i wanted to know most was if people had a proper office environment at home, or just worked out of thier room. Ie. is there a formal working environment. I guess it all depends on the person though and you they view their business
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  • Profile picture of the author funkynassau
    I have an office in my house. I cant see spending money to rent an office when I have one right here. I dont find I slack off by having a home office. In fact, I'd say it's the opposite. I can work any time of day or night because I am right here. I dont need to put on a parka and boots and hat in the winter and go to work :-) Gotta like that!
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  • Profile picture of the author matt5409
    I worked from home for two years - it got VERY boring. I think working in an office would have been ideal but I didn't have the spare funds. I expect it allows you to break up your day - defining the hours between work and home.

    Obv a home-office would have a similar effect, but my office space was in the living room (open plan apartment)
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  • Profile picture of the author aridz
    After 5 years, I am renting an office. It is easier for me to conduct courses and meeting people. I have made 2 training rooms inside the floor. I have a partner running the office too. He's paid based on the comisyen not salary. However, I am not quitting my job.





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  • Profile picture of the author Dee Odus
    Good question. I started working at home and I was very productive. Then baby came, wife left job, productivity declined, then I rented an office. Productivity increased again, and I have never looked back.

    If you live alone, it's fine. If you have young children in a small apartment, and a demanding partner you can't work at home, no matter how much you try :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author K Smith
      Originally Posted by Dee Odus View Post

      Good question. I started working at home and I was very productive. Then baby came, wife left job, productivity declined, then I rented an office. Productivity increased again, and I have never looked back.

      If you live alone, it's fine. If you have young children in a small apartment, and a demanding partner you can't work at home, no matter how much you try :-)
      This is similar to my situation. I love to work out of a home office, but there's alot going on around me about 70% of the time (noise, steady interruptions etc.). I wonder whether an "office" would offer more structure and quiet, and if the trade off would be worth it. Interested to hear others experiences.
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      • Profile picture of the author Dee Odus
        Originally Posted by K Smith View Post

        This is similar to my situation. I love to work out of a home office, but there's alot going on around me about 70% of the time (noise, steady interruptions etc.). I wonder whether an "office" would offer more structure and quiet, and if the trade off would be worth it. Interested to hear others experiences.
        Yep that's what I worked out, office provides more structure and quiteness, no interruptions such as TV, fridge (yummy , crying baby, nagging friend/partner etc.

        There are two ways to look at this, if you are earning enough then having an office will triple or quadruple your productivity.

        If you are not earning enough from you IM business but can afford an office, it will motivate you to work to cover your extra expenses.

        If you cannot afford an office, the library is your best bet for two reasons, you are less likely to use the internet so you can focus on things like writing articles or report, and it is very quiet so you can maintain your focus. Your phones will probably be off anyway.

        Lastly I read an article about the benefit of working in a local coffee shop. People are productive in this environment because it makes them feel important doing "work" in public, rather than wasting your time in the presence of others, i have not tried it personally but my local coffee shop is usually full of people and their apple mac
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        • Profile picture of the author Ross Vegas
          I do both.

          Depends on my agenda for the day.

          Sometimes I like to get in a mid day workout, and stay home to save the travel time.

          Other times I want my giant second monitor and a change of scenery so I got into the office.

          Productivity is not just where you're at, it's about how you prepare and your mindset. There are days where I hop on my laptop after breakfast and never leave my kitchen table once all day (despite the alleged distractions of home). Yet others may not have that mindset or willpower, so it can help to get away from it.

          You don't need an office, but for some it's a great way to separate family and work. But then again Starbucks works just the same too.

          For me personally I need a lot of change. I hate repetition, and being home 24/7 would drive me nutty. So I do things like have an office, and work from Starbucks as my mood suits me.

          Anyway that's just my perspective, hope that helps.
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    • Profile picture of the author jwmann2
      Having an office at home is the most rewarding. Sure, it may get boring but you do not have to put forth the perserverance of going back forth from work. Sucks.
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    • Profile picture of the author Hamida Harland
      Originally Posted by Dee Odus View Post


      If you live alone, it's fine. If you have young children in a small apartment, and a demanding partner you can't work at home, no matter how much you try :-)
      I hear you! I rent an office in town for the exact same reason. Since my hubby left his job and also started working at home we just get under each others feet! I used to be quite productive working in the house, but now I work alot better if I get out for the day.
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  • Profile picture of the author aridz
    Having an office is good. Some people want to meet you in person. If not, normally you will at McD, KFC, outlet.. I don't think you are willing to invite strangers to your home. However, you need to invest. An office needs chairs, tables, air-cond, carpets,etc.. or wall/ door modification. The cost can goes up to USD10k. It's good if you find an office which the previous tenant has done all of that. Thus, you will need to come out less money. Please do take care your IM income sufficient to pay the monthly rental, electricity and waters. Perhaps, you can sub-rent to others in order to get it lower cost.
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  • Profile picture of the author ebusinesstutor
    I work from home and love it. When I teach a course, I just rent space from one of the recreation facilities. If I have to meet a client, I do it in a coffee shop.

    No commute for 13 years now! Yay!
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    • Profile picture of the author Oranges
      Originally Posted by ebusinesstutor View Post

      I work from home and love it. When I teach a course, I just rent space from one of the recreation facilities. If I have to meet a client, I do it in a coffee shop.

      No commute for 13 years now! Yay!
      Yeah! And your double chin explains that. Just kidding :p
      I find it boring working from home, and creates fitness issues as well, so i prefer working from my studio office and it keeps me physically active too!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kecia
    I work from home so I can be with my son and keep him out of daycare. I have never even given thought to renting an office.
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  • Profile picture of the author Legend Dude
    I think that what makes IM cool is that you can work from a coffee shop with your laptop.
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  • Profile picture of the author JSProjects
    I mainly work on my desktop computer in my home office. But I will lug a laptop around at times. Surprised nobody has mentioned working from a library.
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    • Profile picture of the author Henry White
      Originally Posted by JSProjects View Post

      I mainly work on my desktop computer in my home office. But I will lug a laptop around at times. Surprised nobody has mentioned working from a library.
      Well, the hours aren't what they once were due to decades of funding cuts.

      Locally, it's mostly retirees on a fixed income mornings, and secondary school students mid-afternoon.

      Besides, most people, regardless of income, consider an high-speed Internet connection as "basic" and "essential" as indoor plumbing, wide-screen TVs, and cell phones for every member of the family.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chase Shelby
    I also read about some people who work while they travel all across the globe. Somewhat of an extended vacation with work mixed in.

    I don't think I would work well like that though! I definitely need an office, whether it be at home or in an actual rented office.
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  • Profile picture of the author Henry White
    Absolutely! I'm looking at commercial real estate as a free boost to my net worth. Easily well into 6-figures and potentially closer to 8, even higher.

    Besides, it's going to be kind of cramped getting my "dream team" into my office at home. It's long since spilled over into a second room, and I'm barely getting started!

    And for those not exactly "killing it" today: you've probably got a few years before real estate prices start to rise and it becomes a seller's market again. Get your head out of [the sand] and get busy building your business so you can cash in on this once in a lifetime opportunity!
    (The last time we had similar conditions was immediately after WWII, and I think we all know how well that generation did financially! )
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  • Profile picture of the author Juan L Costa
    Right now I still work from home but I plan to rent an office soon, I'm sure that my productivity will increase
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  • Profile picture of the author N4PGW
    A local around here didn't have internet when he started. He took a laptop to a restaurant and worked it from there every day on the way home from work until he could afford cable in the home.
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  • Profile picture of the author imjustgtd
    I've been working out of a dedicated home office for a few years now. It is hard sometimes to keep your nose to the grindstone, especially when you have a decent income stream practically on auto-pilot. It is all about the mindset in whatever location you're in. If you have the internet at an office, you can still doodle around on youtube and facebook all day long if you aren't motivated to keep working. Its definitely a plus to be able to save the commute, gas, and able to work in your underwear if you so desire.

    Over time I found myself less 'hungry' than I was when I first started working from home. It just comes down to getting in a comfort zone, and if you aren't forced to change then you don't. If you find yourself getting complacent and dawdling around at home avoiding your work at any opportunity then maybe renting a small office space could be the change of scenery you need to get back on track and make more money.
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  • Profile picture of the author imdomination
    I work out of a home office as well. I don't really want to be bothered with renting an office when I know that I do have the capacity to work at home, I figure it's just an extra expense I can do without.
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  • Profile picture of the author FileRev
    I just work in my bedroom(soon to be dorm room), lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author mikelmraz
    i think it depends on how much you earn and whether you really actually need an office.

    If you have no employees .... then what is the office good for?
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  • Profile picture of the author Wiz Khalifa
    I wish I had an office, I'm still stuck at home and hope to get out soon..
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  • Profile picture of the author Jermaine Tabor
    Home office for me.

    Only face to face meetings I expect are at seminars.
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  • Profile picture of the author danieldroga
    I do have an office inside my house and hired several employees to work for me. It is quite productive to have a place like your home as your working place since working at home is comfortable.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rukshan
    Now i work at home and plan a home based office to continue IM. I got few cool ideas from this thread.

    Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author JToneyUK
    If you have a shed or outhouse in your yard, you can always convert that into an "office" for those in need of "change of scenary". You then have a "commute" (several yards), yet you can pop back home for lunch, workout, to check you didn't leave the oven on etc
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    • Profile picture of the author K Smith
      Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

      If you have a shed or outhouse in your yard, you can always convert that into an "office" for those in need of "change of scenary". You then have a "commute" (several yards), yet you can pop back home for lunch, workout, to check you didn't leave the oven on etc
      LOL! My eyes played a few tricks on me when I was reading that.. I almost spit out my coffee! o.0
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      • Profile picture of the author skyla
        I work from home and love the no getting dressed in winter and driving through snow storms to get to work.

        Now that my boys are grown we are in the middle of turning one room into my office. So it will be easier to work at any time. Right now my office has been in our bedroom and crapped for space, but it has worked.

        Looking forward to having more room and space to be organized.
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        • Profile picture of the author macmad
          I have worked both from home and also in an office. (Currently have an office due to 3 employees, and 55 clients. Although to be fair the largest percentage of my clients don't reside in the same state as me.)

          When I am working on my affiliate site, I generally do that at home in the evenings.
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  • Profile picture of the author Damian Kitchen
    At the moment i'm just starting out in I-M so im just working out of my bedroom, hopefully if my business is successful i want to move into an office which will consist of a beachfront bungalow, with a hammock and my laptop as my office
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  • Profile picture of the author James Schramko
    I work from home. My lab is the largest room in the house with
    whiteboards, plenty of computers, fireplace and greenscreen etc...


    I hate the idea of an offsite office
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  • Profile picture of the author Rough Outline
    For me, one of the major draws of IM is working from home, all I need is a proper study and I'll be 100% content.
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  • Profile picture of the author RySpencer
    In the winter, I work from home, in the summer I am down at my cottage working max 4 hours a day. I have a little office set up in the gazebo with a rocket stick hooked up to my laptop.

    I find I am twice as productive out here in the summer than I am home in the winter.
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  • Profile picture of the author johnapo
    There is nothing better than working from home. Many times people have to go to an office because that's the nature of their work. The surrounding area is the area that helps you feel more productive. If it's an office, OK but it's also OK if you put the office at your garden
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  • Profile picture of the author BridgetSielicki
    I work from home primarily, although that isn't always ideal since my work takes place at the kitchen table with kids running around. If I can I like to escape to the library or coffee shop to get some things done.
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  • Profile picture of the author glasshalffull
    whatever works best for you is the right answer.

    I have a home office but alot of times i'll head out to a coffee shop and work as being around other jacked-up caffeine addicts sparks my brain when i need to be creative.
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  • Profile picture of the author fluffythewondercat
    Bad news for laptop hobos, I'm afraid.

    Due to customer complaints in some of the busier stores, Starbucks is putting covers over the electrical outlets.

    So far this is on a store-by-store basis, but be sure to have your laptop fully charged before leaving home.

    fLufF
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  • Profile picture of the author Stephen Lessey
    Its great to be able to work at your own pace and at the comfort of you home, but if you scale it up...many marketers have a small office just for that and outsourcing
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  • Profile picture of the author jgant
    I prefer a commercial office space. I'm hopefully taking the leap into F/T IM within the next 6 months and will look for commercial space. Too many distractions at home. I like home as a place where work isn't done. I know I'm in the minority, but that's my preference. Of course, if funds aren't sufficient, I'd prefer working at home doing IM full time than the standard 9 to 5 gig.

    These days shared office space isn't that expensive. Most mid and large-sized cities offer all kinds of options.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brian Cashins
    I use to just work everywhere in the house until the kids. Now I just bit the bullet and started planning a home office in the basement. If I need to meet someone, it's the local coffee shop or my virtual office. These places are cheap as hell, come with amenities and have a real physical address. If you need the conference rooms, just make a call and they're ready to go!
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  • Profile picture of the author IMWinner
    Although I have still my daytime job as a university faculty, I have created (what I call an office) at home. I used one of the rooms, which was a storage room before, as my office. I had this concept or characteristic that if I am working, it should be in the appropriate environment wherein I should not be disturbed or distracted. It's a small office, however, there's only a table, my computer, another table for my files and paperwork, and a cabinet for any materials that could be used in my work.
    Although I couldn't prevent some noises since my office is inside my house, but the environment where I work is with an atmosphere just like in the office.
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    • Profile picture of the author cscarpero
      My vote is for home. But, definitely spring for child care. Having a kid and trying to do IM just doesn't mix!

      Some people like the coffee shop, but that would actually distract me as I would be too busy looking around.
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  • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
    Originally Posted by Sonny Am View Post

    Hi,


    I was just interested in the working environment of the people that run a full time internet marketing business.

    Do you work from home from a computer in your room? do you have an office in your house? do you work from a proper office?

    I think working in certain environments increases productivity as you get a feeling of professionalism.
    I work full time and have teams in India and Pakistan. I have a home office which I barely use. LOL.

    Normally I just answer questions and emails from the comfort of my bed.

    I did think about getting an office outside my house, but then again I am too lazy to do it so I dropped the idea
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  • Profile picture of the author Hobotomy
    I have three offices. 2 libraries and a homeless shelter.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin_Hutto
    I work on the boat most days now...

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    • Profile picture of the author JeffHylands
      Originally Posted by Kevin_Hutto View Post

      I work on the boat most days now...
      That's sick bro, I love Newport id like to move out there or somewhat close once I am making consistent money though my marketing.
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      • Profile picture of the author dave_hermansen
        I worked from a home office for the first 2-3 years, but got to the point where I couldn't take it any longer.. Just too many interruptions from the wife & kids. So now I have an office that's about 8 minutes from my house. $380/month & totally worth it!!!
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      • Profile picture of the author Kevin_Hutto
        Originally Posted by JeffHylands View Post

        That's sick bro, I love Newport id like to move out there or somewhat close once I am making consistent money though my marketing.
        Yep, I keep my boat in Newport... I wouldn't want to work anywhere else.
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  • Profile picture of the author Reed7
    Prefer at home, however many already noted, kids, family about can distract attention. I just adjust my own work hours best for me, start 3am, and adjust the day hours so they work for everyone, bottom line, no commute , save a bunch of time point to point and get far more work done...
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  • Profile picture of the author AlexGill
    The internet laptop lifestyle! I work from a desk in my house but have in the past worked from abroad - all you need is an internet connection! I agree though that it is easy to get distracted.
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  • Profile picture of the author thekaver
    i actually built an out building about 12 months ago so i could be at home but still have a dedicated private office away from the wife and kids when i need to get down to some serious work!

    and i love it this way!
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  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    It definitely depends on the person, but for the most part I think that it's easier to work in an office outside of the home.

    When I'm home I get distracted- family, xbox, food, etc.

    If I'm at an office, I know I'm there for one thing- to WORK.

    Just like when Im at home it's harder to workout. But if I can get to a gym, it's much easier.
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  • Profile picture of the author Trent Brownrigg
    I have a home office and it works just fine. But I am currently looking for a "real" office so I can improve my own productivity and hire employees to do even more. There are advantages to both and I think it really just depends on personal preference.
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  • Profile picture of the author Christian Little
    We have an office because we have several staff. However I work from my home office probably 90% of the time so I can be with my family
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  • Profile picture of the author xxxJamesxxx
    I have my own office... It's upstairs in my spare room ;-)

    James Scholes
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  • Profile picture of the author IronRing
    Banned
    I go with a home office - best of both worlds with the home and corporate feel
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Motion
    I work whilst travelling but have currently decided to spend a little bit of time in Koh Samui.

    Most of my work is done on my balcony and some of it on the beach (with a wireless dongle!).
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  • Profile picture of the author Eyetrap
    I rent an office, it's $270/month with utilities, Internet and insurance. It's 2 miles from my house.

    I have 3 small kids so not only do we not have room for my home office, but I'm far more productive at my little office.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary M.
    Still working at home, but I try to make the environment as "office like" as possible. I wait until the kids are asleep before I even turn on the computer!
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