Nothing I am about to tell you is a secret. Nor is it rocket science. It's simply taking what you have and making it better and as such, simplifying your at home business. While it does take some work and effort, once you have made the changes, working will become (almost!) effortless and much more enjoyable.
1) Set Your Office Hours And Stick To Them!
You have an at home business and business is the key word. Run your business. If you are choosing, for example, an eight hour day, then those hours need to be dedicated to your business. This is not the time for doing laundry, dusting the living room or cleaning the bathrooms. If you were working outside the home, these tasks would be accomplished outside of office hours. The same rule applies here. This is a business day, not business combined with keeping up the house. Distractions come easily when working from home. Focus solely on your business.
2) Dress For Success
I come from conservative and pragmatic stock. Surprised I have a creative bone in my body really. I was discussing one day how nice it was to be at home working in my pyjamas. Hooo Boy! A conservative and pragmatic relative read me the riot act and I can tell you that I did not appreciate it. But I will also admit (albeit grudgingly) that they were right. Was I ready at a moment's notice if a client needed me? No, I was in my jammies. Can you really seal a deal in your flannels? Well, maybe, but who has their best game on with bed head and flannel pyjamas? So I took this advice and now dress prior to starting my work day and guess what? My productivity increased as well as my confidence. Go figure.
This is a big NO!
This is a resounding YES!
3) Have A Dedicated Work Space
The kitchen table might be fine when you first start out but once again puts you in direct line with all those distractions I mentioned above. You don't necessarily need a huge space but you will need a calming, professional and well organized space. You deserve it. Feng shui tips as my gift to you :o) are bolded.
a. You desk/table should be a minimum of 48" long. Ideally 52-60". Keep it uncluttered. Uncluttered space = uncluttered mind. Limit your workspace top to your computer, a telephone, and whatever file(s) you happen to be working on that day. Keep the left hand side of your desk completely clear of clutter. Use this space to encourage your cash flow. Place coins, gemstones or a piece of jewelry on a silver or glass plate/dish situated in the upper, left corner of your desk. At the end of the day, clear off your workspace of any files, leaving only the computer, phone and wealth corner in tact.
b. Your office chair should be situated facing the door to your office but not straight in line to the door. Try to arrange the space so you are diagonal to the door. Never have your back to the door nor to a window. If you must sit with your back to a window or door, install a small mirror, located so you can see behind you.
c. Keep your filing cabinet well organized and tidy so you can always find everything you need.
d. Message and/dream boards should be installed directly in front of you. Keeping them in site at all times keeps all the tasks at hand visible to you.
4. Advertise! There Is A Lot Of Free Advertising Available Out There. Grab It!
You don't have to spend a fortune when you are starting out. Go slowly, methodically and take advantage of some of the free advertising out there. It DOES work! A few examples for you...there are many out there so do your research to find what's best for you!
a. Start A Facebook Page
b. Hotfrog
d. Kijjiji
e. Create a website
5. Have Fun!
This is your time to be creative. Your office should be a reflection of you and what you love doing. No more boring corporate beige! Paint in colors you love, that soothe you, inspire you!
Ok friends, I will leave you with that for now. I have some sketching to do and a workspace to build! I can't wait to share my designs with you and unveil the office space!
Until next time, be safe, be well and for goodness sake, BE CREATIVE!
