Four Important Tips for Working Effectively at Home by Alvin Apple
You've started your own home business and it's a beautiful thing.
You've finally achieved your dream and gotten out of the rat-
race. You've emerged triumphant from the commuters nightmare;
you set your own hours, set your own dress-code and call your own
shots. The world is your oyster and your raring to go, just be
careful you don't fall into the classic "non-productive" work-at-
home trap.
One of the most common problems behind the failure of a home
business is lack of productivity. People get out on their own,
and find that they just don't get things done. In the excitement
of getting away from the frustrating rigors of the corporate
world, people sometimes forget to bring a little of that
corporate structure and discipline home with them.
When you've got no one to answer to, procrastination and poor
time management can creep into your routine, and they're killers.
Now I'm not suggesting you go running back to your cubicle in
that generic high-rise downtown, merely that you take some of the
productive elements of a 9-5 job and incorporate them into your
home business. Here are some basic pointers:
First: Set a schedule. This is crucial to success. Saying "I'll
get to work sometime this afternoon," just doesn't work.
Something always comes up. Your work time has to be a top
priority, so set a schedule and stick to it. Maybe this is 7-3
when the kids are at school, or maybe this is late at night when
the kids are in bed, or a combination of both. Regardless of the
time you choose, make sure you honor it.
Second: Police your productivity: Now that you're your own boss
there's nobody looking over your shoulder. This is a great
feeling, but it can also lessen your productivity. Once you sit
down at your work desk, make sure you're being as productive as
possible. No computer games, no web surfing, no personal phone
calls. Now, don't chain yourself to your desk, that would defeat
the purpose of working at home, just be as productive as
possible. You can always schedule breaks and phone time, after
all you're calling the shots.
Third: Dress the part. This may seem silly, but it's really
important. If you're dressed for business, you're more likely to
keep your mind on business. Be comfortable, but look sharp. You
don't have to wear a business suit, since you're at home you can
go a little more casual, just don't sit around in your pajamas
all day. You'll be surprised how lethargic that can make you.
Fourth: Create an effective work space. The basics of daily
life are more disruptive than you realize. If you're stopping
every few minutes to deal with kids, dog, and spouse, if there's
a television on in the room or if you're right by the family
phone, you're not going to get a lot done. Set aside a quiet,
out-of-the-way office space in your house and make it off limits
during your work hours. This may be a spare room, or just the
corner of your bedroom. Whichever you choose, just make sure
there's a door between you and the world.
Once you have your space, decorate it and keep it neat. Set up
your space like a real office. Put up a couple of pictures, hang
up your diploma, get a plant, whatever you think will motivate
you. Then keep your papers organized and your trash bin emptied.
A nice looking, organized space will really contribute to your
productivity.
Take your home business seriously. If you follow these tips,
you'll find yourself getting a lot more work done, and that only
means more profit. There's money to be made out there if you
know how to do it.
About the Author
Alvin Apple helps everyday people start businesses they will
enjoy. Then he teaches them how to succeed. Read all his
helpful strategies, including his latest article, "Don't Let
Clunky Web Site Content Sabotage Your Home Business," at
http://AlvinApple.com Reach Alvin at 801-328-9006 or
alvin@drnunley.com.
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