Working from home can be psychologically challenging for new business owners. Here are 6 tips for being effective.
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Making the transition from a traditional office job to working from home full time, and being your own boss, can be tough. People often run into issues of being able to stay focused and productive to do the things that need to be done. There can also be a sense of loneliness when working from home, as you’ll be interacting with less people face-to-face on a consistent basis.
But many people, business owners and full time employees alike, work from home or remotely these days. There have also been many reports about the benefits of working from home. If you are looking into starting your own home-based business, there are certain things you can do to optimize these benefits and minimize the challenges.
Designate a work only space
It is much easier to get focused on your work if you have a specific space in your home that is your office and is for work only. It also helps you turn off work at the end of the day so you have a chance to relax and recharge before going into the next work day, rather than working all through the night.Â
Invest in office essentials
One mistake that new business owners make is underestimating how much workplace essentials impact productivity. When you’re used to getting everything you need from the office manager, is easy to take these things for granted. Home office essentials include investing in the right technology and office furniture that is both functional and comfortable.
Create a morning routine and stick to it
A good morning routine sets you up for success for the rest of your day. Get up at the same time in the morning, have your cup of coffee and breakfast, and catch up on the news in the allotted time you set out for yourself. Be wary of going over that time and getting sucked into activities that aren’t going to move your business forward. Morning may also be a good time for you to get out of the house and go for a run or go to the gym. Whatever your routine is, make sure that it’s going to give you the energy and mindset you need to be successful—and then follow it every day.
Don’t work in front of the TV (or any other distractions)
This tip may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people end up doing this. They may start out thinking they’ll just catch up on the news while they work, and then hours later they’ve completely lost time and have little to show for it. To that end, don’t put a TV in your office space! If it’s a bit too quiet in your home office, turn on some music that really inspires and/or energizes you. Music will help you focus and be productive far more that a TV will.
Know your peak productivity times
Everyone has certain times of the day when they’re usually more productive, and times when they hit a little bit of a slump. For example, the 2 or 3 o’clock slump is a common phenomenon for many people, as their lunch settles in and they become a little more sleepy. Knowing that you’re more productive at 7 in the morning than 2 in the afternoon will help you schedule and plan your time better. Save the really important activities for when you naturally have more energy and focus, then do the lower-level things that require less thought during your slump.
Use a to-do list and/or task manager app
Knowing what needs to get done and when every day is extremely helpful for any professional. You don’t have to waste time trying to figure out what you need to do today, or work on things that are not a priority when you’re effectively managing your tasks. A simple, free, and effective to-do list app is To Do. Using To Do, you can create recurring tasks, set due dates, and more. When you’re working with a to-do list, whether it’s written in a notebook or managed in an app, it’s easier to get started and stay focused because you know what you need to get done every day, at the start of the day
Working from home has many benefits for new business owners. A major benefit is that it greatly reduces overhead costs as you start and grow your business. But many people have a tough time making the transition from working in an office to working from home full time. Using these tips, you can make sure your transition to a home-based business owner go smoothly, so you can focus on successfully growing your business.Â
Are you interested in learning how Crestcom franchisees benefit from running a home-based leadership development business? Contact us today!