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.
(article continued below ...)
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 associates, here are 10 simple ways to help you stay on
track.
1.
Separate Your Space. Keep
a separate, distinct work area in your home. (This is especially difficult
if you're living and working in a shoebox studio, 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." Make sure your roommates and family are aware of this as well.
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
noon, then I take a few hours off to enjoy lunch, do some reading, and take
my daily jog on the beach. Then I'm back at my desk at 4:00 until who knows
when!
3.
Outsource All You Can.
When I began my business, I made the mistake of acting as my own courier
service. I soon learned how much time I was wasting by visiting clients too
much just to pick things up and drop them off. Whenever you start thinking,
"Well I can 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, virtual assistant (VA), bookkeeper, etc. Save
your 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 home-based entrepreneurs, when
you're out of the office, you're NOT making money. So it's important that
you can communicate flawlessly from where you are. And PLEASE do us all a
favor and get separate lines/services for your phone, fax, and Internet! No
one likes getting a busy signal.
(BONUS TIP: If your phone company offers voicemail, get it. Not only will
your outgoing message sound more professional, but 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. I like doing this, because
then I need to get dressed up only 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 *very* jealous when I'm not giving her complete attention!)
Keep all personal paperwork such as bills and magazines out of sight, so as
not to 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 working at home. 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 awhile, but they'll
eventually "get it."
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 $700 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 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!
About the Author:
Alexandria Brown's
FREE biweekly e-zine gives "how-to" tips on writing compelling
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(c)
1999-2001 Alexandria Brown
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