Some of the world’s biggest companies began life in garages and spare rooms. Jeff Bezos stacked books in his Seattle garage before Amazon became the “everything store.” Larry Page and Sergey Brin ran Google from a rented garage before it conquered the internet.
Both stories prove one thing: you don’t need a fancy office to build a world-changing business — but you do need to make smart choices early.
Here are the essential dos and don’ts of starting a small business from home, with real-world advice you can act on today.
The Dos
1. Get the basics right from day one
It’s tempting to cut corners at the start, but a shaky foundation makes growth harder later.
- Hire a real accountant – Even if you only see them once a quarter, an accountant can advise on tax structures, what you can claim as expenses, and how to stay compliant. Many entrepreneurs waste thousands trying to fix mistakes later. Amazon didn’t hire a huge finance team at first, but they did get the numbers right from day one.
- Register your domain name – Your domain is your shopfront. Buy it early, even if you’re not ready to launch. A simple .com or .co.uk with your brand name is better than waiting and discovering it’s been taken.
- Invest in branding – You don’t need to spend thousands. Even a clean, memorable logo and a consistent colour palette can make your tiny bedroom operation feel like a professional business.
2. Focus on your core business
If your value is designing jewellery, writing software, or fixing bikes, that’s where your energy should go. Don’t spend your best hours on bookkeeping, call answering, or IT troubleshooting. Outsource or automate those tasks.
Think of it this way: every hour you spend on admin is an hour you’re not spending on customers. That’s why services like virtual receptionists exist — to take the noise away so you can build your business.
3. Keep costs lean
The early days are about survival. Bezos famously drove packages to the post office himself to save courier costs.
- Start with the bare essentials: a laptop, a phone, a website, and a business bank account.
- Use free trials and entry-level SaaS plans. Tools like Canva, Google Workspace, and Trello have free versions good enough to launch.
- Buy second-hand equipment when possible. That shiny new desk won’t bring in customers — but a decent website might.
4. Be patient and consistent
Business rarely explodes overnight. Even Amazon operated at a loss for years while slowly expanding its catalogue. Google focused solely on refining search for years before advertising revenue arrived.
Patience, consistency, and discipline are what separate real businesses from expensive hobbies. Keep showing up, even on the quiet days.
5. Build flexibility into everything
In the early days, cash is oxygen. The more you commit to fixed contracts, the less you can adapt.
- Choose month-to-month software subscriptions rather than long commitments.
- Hire freelancers on flexible terms instead of permanent staff.
- Avoid signing leases on office space until you truly need it.
This flexibility lets you pivot when you discover what customers really want — just like Amazon pivoted from books to everything, and Google pivoted from pure research to ad-driven growth.
The Don’ts
1. Don’t overspend on shiny extras
It’s easy to mistake “looking like a business” for “being a business.” That designer office chair or the latest MacBook won’t help you find your first client.
Buy what you need to serve customers — nothing more. Keep the frills for later.
2. Don’t try to do everything yourself
Entrepreneurs often wear 12 hats: founder, marketer, accountant, receptionist, and tea-maker. But spreading yourself that thin guarantees mistakes.
Instead, ask: is this something only I can do? If not, delegate it. Bezos didn’t pack every single box forever. Google’s founders didn’t code every single page of the internet. They focused on vision and leadership.
3. Don’t lock yourself into long-term commitments
Signing a three-year software contract or hiring a full-time employee before revenue just ties weights to your ankles. Keep things light and flexible until you’re sure the business model works.
4. Don’t ignore your numbers
The quickest way to sink a promising business is poor cash flow. Many founders confuse sales with profit. An accountant or simple bookkeeping system makes sure you know exactly what’s coming in and what’s going out.
Remember: you can run at a loss for a while, but you can’t run out of cash.
5. Don’t lose sight of your customers
It’s easy to get bogged down in admin, branding tweaks, or social media likes. None of those matter without customers. Make sales and customer service your top priorities — the rest can follow.
Lessons From Amazon and Google
Amazon didn’t become Amazon because it had the best office chairs. Google didn’t succeed because it signed the biggest lease. They focused on their core strengths, kept costs lean, and scaled smart.
The lesson? Start with the essentials, outsource distractions, and make patience your superpower. Your garage business today could be the giant of tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business from your garage or bedroom isn’t just possible—it’s often the smartest way. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll avoid the common traps and give yourself the best chance of building something lasting.
Stay lean, outsource distractions, and remember: today’s garage idea could be tomorrow’s global success story.
