|
| RESOURCES |
| |
| THE CHRISTIAN
NETREPRENEUR |
Subscribe to our mailing list and download "How
Do I Get Started"and 2 otther gifts FREE. |
|
| MARKETPLACE |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Written by Alvin Apple. 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 alvin@drnunley.com.
|
|
|
|
|
