Work at Home for a Change
A Home Business Article Contributed by Barbara Gibson
Work at Home Professionalism
When you work at home, it is important to maintain a consistently professional attitude. Your professionalism should be reflected not only in how you think and act, but also in how you look While it is important to be comfortable, you do want to wear something that signals to your brain that it is time for business The robe and slipper look has its place, but it is not in the work at home office Dressing for work will also help you maintain clear boundaries between your work life and home life.
Dressing for work at home serves as a visual cue for your family, and as a signal that you take your work seriously. Another area in which to strive for professionalism is client contact. Take great care to minimize background noises during business calls. If at all possible, plan calls during nap time if you have young children. Talk with older children about minimizing noise from stereos and televisions.
If you have a dog that barks a lot, consider confining him to the outside or a room other than your work at home office. Try to make calls when you can give the caller your undivided attention. Telephone contact may be your first or only contact with clients. You will want to inspire confidence in that conversation as well as convey an understanding of client needs and wishes.
The Environmental Advantages of Work at Home Employment
Many of us share an increasing concern for the environment. Add to that worsening gridlock and spiraling gas prices, and the work at home option seems even more attractive. Working at home reduces the number of cars on the road, and thus smog, pollution and traffic.
Planning for High Work at Home Productivity
Try to establish a routine early in the game. You can allow yourself some flexibility, but generally it is a good idea to stick to the schedule you establish. Because you may need to work more hours at home than you did previously, it could be tempting to skimp on sleep. More than before you will need to take good care of yourself. You are the most important asset to your work at home business. If you are not at your best, your business will undoubtedly be impacted.
This means you will need to make an extra effort to get adequate sleep, and to eat nutritious foods. Avoid sugary snacks, and limit your caffeine intake. Although the initial boost feels good, the crash after the boost can make you feel tired, irritable and unfocused. Choose snacks such as fruit and drink plenty of water.
Another way to improve your productivity involves time management. Maintain a to-do list and set a daily goal for the number of items you will cross off of your list. If you are having trouble holding yourself accountable, try to build in some short-term rewards. You could also consider putting together a support group comprised of other work at home business owners. It may help you to set your goals publicly, and to be accountable to group members at a weekly meeting or phone check-in.
