Following is a chat recap of the #smbiz small business Twitter chat on the topic of working from home. If you work at home or if you’re thinking of working from home, make sure you read this to get some great advice.

@smbiz Q1 If ur going to work from home, what are things to take into consideration ppl may not have thought about? #smbiz

@getresults A. 1. Of the 3 success elements \’96 customer delight, priority orientation, personal discipline, the discipline is key #smbiz\

@connectingwomen Q1 Pple think u work from home, u are available anytime #smbiz\

@Lifes_Dash Q1 To begin, you should take an honest self eval of yourself. Think about flexibility, self-discipline, commitment, motivation #smbiz \

@Lifes_Dash Q1 Also time management and organizational skills #smbiz\

@shannonpedder Q1: I think it’s important to make a point to get out and network- meet people- exercise- whatever to not feel isolated #smbiz\

@getresults A. 1. 3 more factors - 1 - Loneliness; 2 - Getting dressed (if you need to); 3 - Agendas work - use them modestly #smbiz\

@wvpmc @connectingwomen I actually think that’s an advantage - you can be available for extended work-day, with breaks with you choose #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q1 if you’re leaving a company to go into business for yourself, take advantage of last minute dr appointments that would be covered #smbiz\

@getresults @connectingwomen True if you let it be - If you establish rules, clients will usually follow. Time zones also present a challenge #smbiz \

@sternalmrktg Q1 Think about the social aspect. Do you need to interact with ppl on a regular basis or are u ok to be on ur own day after day. #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q1 Mindset - You are a business owner. Plan your routine. Get up in the morning,shower and get ready. #smbiz\

@getresults @shannonpedder Absolutely key - loneliness is an ongoing complaint I hear. #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q1 Have an honest conversation w/ your spouse or significant other about the impact of your biz on both of your lives #smbiz \

@smbiz Q2 How do you keep your focus when there are so many distractions involved with working from home? #smbiz\

@merylevans Q2 I focus in my home office better than in a corporate office. No speaker phones, no loud conversations. #smbiz\

@lifes_dash Q2 A big help for me is having a clear and defined work space #smbiz\

@getresults @merylevans Mindset is monumental! A positive PMA keeps you going when all else is running amok. #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q2. Since it’s easy for me to get distracted w/ noise, I keep the TV and radio talk shows off. If I need background music, classical #smbiz\

@getresults Q.2. Frequent breaks \’96 allow you, much like recognizing the world while meditating, to acknowledge and get back into it #smbiz\

@lifes_dash Q2 Also plan & prioritize projects for the day. Clarity & organization will help maintain focus #smbiz\

@merylevans @Lifes_Dash Q2 Clutter is a problem. I have three kids, hubs and dog… but my office is always organized. I make ‘em take stuff out #smbiz \

@getresults Q.2. Train family members \’96 Emergency, Catastrophe, Life or death \’96 set rules on when to interrupt - and NOT #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q2 Mindset is a key theme! We need balance! Need to take breaks, stretch, walk away from the desk. Breathe! #smbiz \

@shannonpedder A 2: I write everything down on my page for the day, prioritize and go for it- allowiong for some f un in between (ie Facebook) #smbiz\

@sternalmrktg Q2 I find it hard some times to not want to do things on the personal To Do list when I’m working from home. #smbiz \

@trishskram Q2: my sig other sets time frames. 60 min work, then break, another 60-120 min then break. Helps him stay focused on priority work. #smbiz \

@lmkco Q2 I couldn’t agree more with the importance of routine - and getting out for meetings for biz or volunteering efforts. Balance! #smbiz \

@smbiz Q3 If u work from home how much outside-the-house networking should you be doing? #smbiz\

@merylevans Q3 I don’t do much. Social networking fills that in nicely. All but one client is from out of state, some out of country. #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q3 I think it really depends on the person and the industry of the person’s business #smbiz \

@cathywebsavvypr A3: networkig thru social media, in person events & client mtg are critical 2 “keeping the pipeline full” as @getresults might say #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q3 Consider attending conferences, events, meetups,association meetings, etc #smbiz \

@getresults Q.3. Networking = f(mktng\’92s 3 v\’92s) \’96 visibility, viability, valuability \’96 if U R not consistent visible, customers buy elsewhere #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q3 I make a point of getting out every day, even for an hour lunch to network #smbiz\

@sternalpr A3 I think it depends on what your biz needs are. If you are truly an Internet-only company, you may not need lots of in-prsn net. #smbiz \

@deannatroupe Q3: I think it depends on how much you can comfortably do without breaking the budget. For me, that’s once per month. #smbiz \

@merylevans Q3 With the volunteer work I do and my younger two getting home by 3pm, I need to be in the home office as much as poss. SM works. #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q3 If you don’t find a networking group that fills your need, start your own! Try meetup.com #smbiz\

@deannatroupe q3: Of course I keep up w/these same people via SM regularly so even if we don’t meet in person, we can still keep up w/each other. #smbiz \

@smbiz Q4 What advice can u give for ppl workin frm home that still may need outside help like IT when things go wrong? #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q4 I LOVE www.servicemagic.com Great website for business resources #smbiz\

@deannatroupe Q4: My advice would be to outsource these tasks. Have a couple of people on standby to help with that. #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q4 Also, have I mentioned utilizing your Social Media Networks at all tonight? LOL! Use Linkedin Q&A and groups for recommendations #smbiz\

@merylevans Q4 If it’s IT-related go to the source. For ex: app probs, go to site of co that makes app. Search Help, spt, Forums then contact. #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q4 Depending on type of equipment, call the vendor & ask for recommendations. People are always establishing biz consulting rel. #smbiz \

@shannonpedder A4: 2 things are worth every penny to me- IT and accounting- I can then focus on what I am good at rather than spinning my wheels! #smbiz \

@smbiz Q5 What are some cost-effective solutions for meeting space when U need to host client meetings? #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q5 I’m fortunate to have a home office conducive for mtg clients. However, there are more and more “instant” offices popping up! #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q5 Also, think about where your target mrkt would go and see if there are available offices or areas to rent or barter for time #smbiz\

@merylevans Q5 My nearby library has small meeting rooms with a door. Perfect for a client meeting if you need quiet and no overhearing #smbiz \

@deannatroupe @smbiz Q5: Look for some of these virtual office space providers. #smbiz\

@sternalpr A5 It may seem cheesy but @dunkindonuts offers meeting space at some locations now. That way YOU can make the dough lol. #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q5 Reach out to your social networks. Some of your contacts might have conf rooms or an office you can use, rent, barter #smbiz \

@getresults Q 5 More formal Professionals who are friends and have conference rooms, trade associations, local chambers and Trade Centers #smbiz \

@getresults Q 5 Local suite hotels have \’93biz\’94 suites w conference tables, white boards & other amenities, including some w recording capacity. #smbiz \

@smbiz Q6 How do you find work/life balance when you never leave the office after hours? #smbiz \

@smbiz Q6 The key is you HAVE to leave your home office. Get out for at least an hour a day. Take 15 min breaks during the day to walk #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q6 Utilize the networking opportunities to get out and about! #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q6 It goes back to mindset and realizing we need to live a life of balanced mind, body and spirit. #smbiz \

@garyasanchez Q6: I try to build the balance part into my day. A great thing about working from home is you can usually set your own hours #smbiz\

@merylevans Q6 I volunteer, I take a break when younger two get home to catch up & help with homework, I take breaks w exercise. #smbiz \

@getresults Q6 - Self-imposed work-life balance keeps the SOHO worker from burning out - make rules about turning off the lights/power #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q6 Can I stress the importance of date night? Working from home doesn’t mean you don’t behave as if you work outside of the home #smbiz \

@lifes_dash Q6 Get creative! I have networked by taking an hour to go to a gallery #smbiz \

@lifes_dash I have a question to pose to the group. What has been the best and unexpected “win” of working from home? #smbiz\

@lifes_dash @Lifes_Dash and I have learned my strengths and weaknesses better - no one else to laim or to take credit. uplifting & tough lessons #smbiz \

What kinds of tips would you offer to people thinking of working from their home?