I’ve been lucky enough to work out of home for approximately
14 years and I wouldn’t change a thing. A lot of things I learned through trial
and error, but once I figured them out I became extremely efficient. I would
like to share a few things I’ve learned over this time.
How to Work Smart
This phrase should be used more often in the work world. I
can get the same amount of work done in half the amount of time. I’m not saying
there aren’t distractions at home but they’re different distractions that you
can control. It’s so much easier when you’re in control.
Get Comfortable
The main benefit to working out of your house is you don’t
need to wear dress clothes. Not only will you save money by not updating your
wardrobe as often, but working in shorts and a T-Shirt is very refreshing. If
you have a webinar call, I highly recommend putting on a dress shirt and make
sure your background is appropriate.
Never Work at a
Coffee Shop
They joy of working from home is to avoid outside distractions
while working. If you need noise in the background watch BNN on TV or listen to
music. Don’t put on a TV show that will distract you from working, make sure
it’s something that’s just noise. If your tired of working at your desk, work
somewhere else in the house. Sitting in your den, bonus room or kitchen table
for a few hours is a great change of pace.
Be Organized
It’s very is easy to have a cluttered work area and keeping
it organized improves your efficiency. It’s refreshing when you know exactly
where it is, this also applies to your cloud storage. Having your files labeled
allows you to not waste time searching and makes life a less stressful.
Walk & Talk
I love walking around the house while I’m on a phone or
conference call. It keeps me more engaged and less distracted. I keep my
notepad in a central location and if I need to take notes. I also stand at our
island in the kitchen during calls. Moving around is more comfortable than
sitting in a chair for an hour.
Get Out
If I don’t have any meetings I leave the house for an hour.
I require human contact and to have a chinwag about something other than work.
Playing a game of squash or working out over the lunch hour is extremely
refreshing. It’s a great way to break up your day and set a positive tone for
the second half of the day.
Watch What You Eat
This is a tricky one as your access to snacks and food is
only 10 steps away. If you’re going to snack, try and make it healthy. I know
it’s tough but you can get into a bad junk food rut. The only time I eat out at
lunch is with a client or if I’m meeting a buddy. I try to make all my lunches
at home, omelets, Denver’s and soup are a mainstay for me.
Take A Break
This doesn’t mean moving to the couch and watching a movie
but put in a load of laundry, go shovel the driveway, mow your lawn or vacuum.
This doesn’t take a lot of time but getting away from your computer for 10-15
minutes sometimes provides needed relief.
Routine
Having a routine is the key to your success in working from
home. In the mornings we get the kids ready for school and then walk them over.
While there eating breakfast I turn on the computer and take care of any urgent
issues or phone calls, but once this is done my attention turns back to the
girls. Your family time is priceless and nothing should get in the way. The
same goes for when I pick them up around 5pm. We all have cell phones and can
deal with urgent issues quickly, and if it’s not urgent return the email after
supper or after the kids go to bed. Once the kids are in bed I spend some time
working because I without any distractions I can get a ton done. Sometimes I
send out the emails but most of the time I send them out in the morning. I do
this because I don’t want to bother people during their personal time. Just
because I’m working doesn’t mean they are or want to.
Most importantly make sure you tell no one you talk to your
cat, I’m just happy Bubbles can’t repeat any of the information I share with
him. LOL
I hope you enjoyed some of my tips that make me successful
in working from home.
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