Running A Business From Home?
Here's 10 Ways to Be More Productive by Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen"
Ah, working at home... Visions of leisurely days, conference calls in
comfy sweatpants, increased productivity with fewer interruptions. But
the distinctions between work life and home life soon blur. You really
should throw some laundry in the wash before you write that proposal.
You have an hour before a meeting: Should you balance your books or
clean the kitchen? And remember to call that client back right after
you empty the cat box.
Welcome to the real world of working at home: unforeseen distractions,
a lack of structured time, and sometimes a perceived loss of identity.
But don't give up the dream just yet! By putting into place a few
simple ideas, you can reap more of the rewards of working at home.
Based on my experiences and those of my clients, here are 10 simple
ways to help you stay on track.
1. Separate Your Space.
Keep a separate, distinct work area in your home. Very important. (This
is especially difficult if you're living and working in a shoebox
apartment, like I was when I started my business in New York City!) If
you don't have a separate room, at least define an area, and know that
when you're in it, you're in "work mode."
2. Structure Your Time.
As your business and personal time mesh, it's more important than ever
to structure your day. For example, if you regularly take a walk or go
to the gym, try to do it every day at the same time. Value that
personal appointment with yourself -- even when you're very busy. It
will actually help you keep your business on track! I like to get up
early and work until 1 pm, then I take a few hours off to enjoy lunch
and go to the gym or jog on the beach. Then I'm back at my desk at 5:00
until who knows when!
3. Outsource All You Can.
When I began my business, I made the mistake of doing all my own
administrative work. Whenever you start thinking, "Well I can just do
that myself," STOP. Streamline your business, making everything as
automatic as possible. Use outside services to stay focused on your
*real work*. Get accounts with an overnight delivery service, messenger
service, bookkeeper, etc. Save your energy for your brilliant ideas!
(Learn more about hiring a virtual assistant (VA) at
www.ezinequeen.com/assistanttele.htm)
4. Use Technology to Your Advantage.
In-person meetings are very valuable when appropriate, but schedule
them sparingly. Try to do most of your business via phone, fax, and
e-mail using the best equipment you can afford. For most h0me-b^sed
entrepreneurs, when you're out of the office, you're NOT m^king m0ney.
So it's important that you can communicate flawlessly from where you
are. PLEASE do us all a favor and get separate lines/services for your
phone, fax, and Internet! No one likes getting a busy signal.
Get separate phone numbers for business calls and personal calls, or
ask your phone company about getting "distinctive ring". Also,
voicemail is better than an answering machine, because if you're on an
important call and don't want to be disturbed, other callers can still
leave you a message.
5. Group Your Errands.
Try to group your meetings and errands together to minimize your
out-of-office time. Make a list in the morning of all the outside tasks
you need done for the day, and attempt to complete them in one fell
swoop. Even better, do what I do and designate just one day a week as
your "blitz" day for errands and meetings. Plus, then you only need to
get dressed up one day a week! : )
6. Stay Focused.
Make your workspace off-limits to other roommates or family members
when you're working. For you animal lovers, this may go for pets as
well. (My cat Francine gets jealous when I'm not giving her complete
attention!) Keep all personal paperwork such as bills, magazines, and
to-do lists out of sight, so they won't distract you from your projects.
7. Beware of Yappers.
Many of your friends and family will be immediately delighted when they
learn that you're w0rking at h0me. They picture you lounging on the
couch, eating potato chips, and waiting for their calls. When they call
you simply to chat, politely remind them that you're working, and ask
them if you can call them back after your day is over. It may take them
a while, but they'll eventually get the idea.
8. Work With Your Moods.
Keep track of your moods and productivity compared with the time of
day. For example, if you find you're more alert in the morning, use
this time to make important calls and do your creative work. Take
advantage of your natural cycles. If you feel better after an afternoon
nap, go for it! (I'm a BIG proponent of the catnap. In fact, I may
start a support group.)
9. Suit Yourself.
To bring out your best work, make your environment perfect for YOU. How
do you work best? With plenty of breaks, or with no interruptions? In
silence, or with some light music in the background? On a cushy couch
and coffee table, or at a business desk in an ergonomic chair? (My
friends thought I was nuts when I spent $750 on my Herman Miller Aeron
chair, but they quickly understood why once they sat in it! And my
spine thanks me every day.)
Also, find some places you can do work when you need a change of
scenery. How about the library, the park, or your neighborhood coffee
shop? When I need to do serious reading, thinking, or editing, I take
my work outside to the pool or the beach. The sea air, sunshine, and
soothing waves help me think much more clearly.
10. Break for People.
Feeling sluggish, lonely, or moody? Arrange for at least one social
break during the week. (I aim for two or three.) Schedule breakfast,
lunch, dinner, or even just coffee with a client, vendor, or friend.
Join a business networking group, or sign-up for social activities such
as dance class or recreational sports league. Don't go into hermit mode
-- it can be self-destructive!
© 1999-2005 Alexandria K. Brown
Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," is creator
of the award-winning home study course, 'Boost Business With Your Own
E-zine.' To learn more about this step-by-step program, and to sign up
for FR*EE how-to articles and teleclasses, visit www.EzineQueen.com