How To Effectively Work From Home

How can you make your home-based business work for you?  Let’s face it.  When the hoop-la and excitement dimmed within the first week of joining a new business, you may be thinking, “What do I do now?” 

 Previously, you had a boss telling you what to do and how to do it.  Now, you are the boss.  It’s up to you to set your schedule and drive your business to where you want it to go.  Sometimes that’s easier said than done, especially if you’re used to someone else doing it for you. 

Here’s a tool that’s often overlooked– your calendar!  Decide how many days you want to work a week.  Are you willing to work week ends?

Start by writing in all the appointments and family obligations.  Then look back at your week or month and see where you can you schedule yourself in.  Fifteen minutes to 30 minute blocks don’t often work because it can sometimes take you that long to get into the “grove” of working.  Look for 1.5 or 2 hour slots to schedule yourself.

 It’s easy to be distracted when working from home.  But stick to your schedule.  Don’t stop to do laundry or put away the dishes if you’re working.  When you had a “job”, you didn’t ask your boss to go home so you could put laundry in the dryer did you?  So don’t do that when you’re working at home.  Also, keep chatting with friends or family members to a minimum.

What do you work on during your working hours?  Make it easy on yourself and write a list of things that need to be accomplished.  Your list could look like this:

1.      place ads online

2.      return/check emails from prospects

3.      call prospects

4.      work on next ad campaign

5.      learn more about the industry or home business you’re in

Remember that this isn’t written in stone.  Be flexible.  Whatever it is you want to accomplish that day – write it down.  And remember, you can work effectively from home if you stick to your schedule.