How To Run Your Business From Home AND Be Successful.
Come into the "real" world of the home office: unforeseen distractions, a lack of
structured time, and 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. Here are 10 simple ways to help you stay on track.
1.
Separate Your Space. Keep
a separate, distinct work area in your home. 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.
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*. Avail yourself of a virtual assistant, messenger service, webmaster, bookkeeper, etc. Save your time and energy for your brilliant ideas!
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 of us, when we're out of the office, we're not
bringing in the bacon! So it's important that you can communicate flawlessly
from where you are. Get separate lines/services
for your phone, fax, and Internet!
Ask your phone company about getting
"distinctive ring" for your business number. 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. 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 trip. Even better, 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.
Keep all personal paperwork such as bills, magazines, and to-do
lists out of sight, so they won't distract you from your work projects.
7.
Beware of Yappers. Many
of your friends and family will be immediately delighted when they learn that
you have a home office. 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. Know Your Natural Cycles. Keep
track of your 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. Know How and Where You Work Best. 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 couch with your feet up on a coffee table, or at a
business desk in an ergonomic chair?
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 you need to do serious
reading, thinking, or editing, a different place will help you think more clearly.
10.
Take "Social" Breaks. Feeling
sluggish, lonely, or out of sorts? Arrange for at least one social break during the
week. 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 hide away -- it can be self-destructive!.
Keep learning, and until next time.
Trudy Van Buskirk