If you work from home, you probably already know that you're really pulling "double duty". It is likely that work on your business while doing the laundry, corralling the kids, or fixing dinner ... and do not forget all the phone calls from family and friends waiting to run errands or simply "out" an afternoon of fun.

One of the hardest parts of running a home business is to separate work from family and social life. Here are six proven ways to keep your home life running smoothly while keeping your business going.

1. First, create a work schedule and stick with it. It may be tempting to answer personal calls during the day or receive business calls after hours, but doing this really shows that you are expendable - not reliable - and people assumed that you will "always be there" for any little things that come up. Although the family comes first, stay true to your business hours and resist the temptation to chat with friends or take food during working hours.

2. Your friends may be considered "work from home", an invitation to chat during the day or just go grab a coffee or go shopping in the afternoon. Make it clear that their office hours are just that - for business. Leave personal calls for after hours, and you find that your friends gradually accept your schedule without feeling slighted.

3. Just because you have to set a work schedule does not mean you have to keep the same schedule as everyone else. One of the advantages of working for yourself is setting your own hours to fit your most productive times. If you are an early bird or night owl, you'll find you get much more done when you're in tune with the natural rhythms of their own body. Some people work in the morning, take a break in the afternoon when children are home from school and work again at night. Schedule your work time when you feel the most productive and you will find that things become easier, faster and better than when you drag over the hours of work during those same rigid than everyone else.

4. If he calls after business hours business calls or personal day is a problem, it helps to have a line of business phone separately, or at least an answering machine or voicemail to take calls entrees. This also gives your business a more professional appearance to clients that if you and your family to make and receive calls from the same phone line.

5. If possible, try to separate his "home office" in the rest of your home. If you do not have the luxury of a separate room, a room divider or screen can be so helpful. This also serves as a visual guide to the family that is working and should not be disturbed.

6. Dress and act professionally at work. Some people find it helpful to dress in casual business attire during their working hours. This reinforces the fact that you are working from home no less than a professional. Answer the phone with your name, or name, and keep your children the phone during office hours. In addition, spending the money they invest in the tools you need to do their job properly. A cell phone, fax or computer budget can help make your home office into a real work space.

If you follow all these tips and stick with them, are likely to find a routine that not only makes you feel productive and active in your business, but also projects the message that you mean business - literally!