Whether you’re a small-business owner who works out of the house or a salaried employee who wants to enjoy a corporate perk, working from home is becoming de rigeur for more workers every year. But to make sure you don’t lose your productivity groove once outside the office, try out these tips:

1. Start your day as if you’re headed to work. Set an alarm, get out of bed on time, take a shower, put the coffee on, and wear presentable clothes. Looking professional will help your concentration more than if you plop down at the computer in your pajamas.
2. Schedule breaks like you would if you had coworkers. Run to Starbucks and go out to lunch on occasion — make opportunities for yourself to socialize so you don’t get bored and lonely.
3. Set up your desk somewhere you won’t get easily distracted. We recommend not putting it in your bedroom or near the TV. If you have young kids at home, consider hiring a babysitter so you can focus all your energy on the task at hand.
4. Keep a log of hours worked. Even if you don’t have to submit billable hours in your line of work, record every assignment you complete throughout the day and how long you spent on it. It will keep you accountable to yourself (and your boss, if necessary).
5. Unplug at the end of the day. After you’ve put in a full day, turn off your laptop and get out of the house, whether it’s running errands or working out or happy hour with friends or just a walk around the block. One of the hardest things can be leaving work behind when you don’t have to physically leave your office; it’s important to find a way to mark the occasion.

The reality, of course, is that starting a business – even a sole proprietorship – is filled with risk and hard work. So before sending off an angry “Take this job and…” email to everyone in your company directory book, here are a few links with good tips for the wannabe entrepreneur:

• BankRate.com: 5 ways to crash your small business – There are some excellent things to remember at this link, starting with “use your head, not your heart.” Many people go into business for themselves because they want to do what they love without the extra baggage that comes with working for someone else. The reality is that the baggage is oftentimes necessary: the details of accounting for every dollar and minute spent are ultimately important. Treat your business like you own it, not as if it’s just a job.
• Blogtrepreneur: Small Business Startup Myths – Think that with your own business you’ll be able to just relax and wait for the money to come in because you happen to be good at your current job? Think again. This post addresses some of the most common fantasies/myths people have about starting their own business.
• Guy Kawasaki: Five most important lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur – A great list from well-known tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki that’s primarily useful for web startups. Two particularly stand out: Focus on Cash Flow and Try Stuff. Early on, profitability is less important than spending money wisely and building an interesting product or service. Don’t hamstring your great idea because you’re focused on short-term profitability.
• Trizle: What Startups Get Wrong – Think you have a great idea that is sure to succeed? Well, it probably won’t. And here’s why. (Thankfully, the oft-cynical Trizle also lists some of the ways a small business can rebound from a slow start.)