ACHIEVE MORE: THREE HOME WORKING TIPS
Do you struggle to get things done now you’re running your own business and are working from home? Do you miss the office banter by the water cooler?
I’m going to share three sweet tips with you to help you get a great home working routine right from the start so that you can get things done and have the work life balance you deserve.
I’m also going to share my home working checklist to get you started on the right track.
When I started my business I was so happy to be avoiding the lengthy commute into London – I won back a whopping three hours a day – but the reality I faced when starting to work from home was less rosy.
I got roped into super urgent family projects that seemed to go on forever.
I ended up signing for everyone’s deliveries on my street and my son sat on my lap demanding attention.
I worked from the kitchen table, either freezing cold or too hot most of the time.
If this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into my three easy steps to transforming your work from home routine.
WATCH MY VLOG WITH MORE TIPS
The first step is to be a boss and manage your stakeholders and their expectations.
Who are your stakeholders in a home setting?
Your family, friends and neighbours. Just because you’re based at home, doesn’t mean that you’re available. You’re the boss of your own time so get them dancing to your tune.
To get your business off to a great start you need to carve out time to work on your business and not just in it. And the last thing you need is endless interruptions from family and friends.
Explain how important it is that they give you time to develop your business so that you can enjoy your family time more.
And continue sharing the message. Until they get it.
2 A HOME OFFICE WHICH MAKES YOU WANT TO WORK
You don’t have to invest a lot but at a minimum you need comfortable seating, good lights and a laptop stand.
You have to look after yourself to have the energy to deliver great work for your clients.
You might want to create videos as part of your marketing in the future so consider creating a photogenic backdrop.
Plants are great in the office too to bring a bit of nature into the home. I like succulents, because they’re easier to keep alive!
3 BEAT OVERWHELM BY BEING UBER ORGANISED
One of the biggest challenges I see with my Wunderstars coaching clients is knowing what to focus on and where to start.
There are so many things you need to do when you launch a business – marketing, invoicing, finding new clients, sorting out their brand, delivering client work, getting your website done.
And there are so many potential distractions when working from home, just the fact that the fridge is nearby is a distraction for me!
You need to figure out the most important things you need to get done that week/month/quarter to achieve your goals.
Break them into small actionable tasks and schedule them into your diary.
Plan your days and make time for breaks. If you miss the famous ‘water cooler moments’ from your company days, make time to chat with your peers online.
Break your day into chunks and have a plan for what you need to achieve during those time slots. I reward myself by having a coffee when things are done.
Add to your diary when you start and finish, plus when you take breaks.
And once you know your break times, let your family know so they can get coffee ready and look forward to seeing you.
Another great tip for working parents is to schedule out only 75% of your time. This will help you deal with the unexpected. Because let’s face it, we all have to deal with the odd emergency, right?
WHAT’S NEXT?
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