If you work from home, chances are you know that you're really pulling "double duty." Maybe you work on your business while doing the laundry, kiss the children, or select a dinner ... And do not forget all the phone calls from family and friends waiting for you to run errands or just "go out" for an afternoon of fun.
One of the hardest parts of running a home business and separate your work from your family and social life. Here are six proven ways to keep your home life while maintaining the proper functioning of your business on track.
1. First, create a work schedule and stick to it. It may be tempting to answer personal calls during the day or receive calls after office hours, but in doing so shows that you consume - not reliable - and people take it for granted that you "always there" for all the little things that come. Although the family comes first, and stick to your working hours and resist the urge to chat with friends or pick up groceries during working hours.
2. Your friends may consider "working from home" an invitation to a discussion during the day or just go for a coffee or shopping for the afternoon. Do understand that your working hours only - for businesses. Leave personal calls after hours, and you will see that your friends will gradually accept your schedule without feeling offended.
3. Just because you have to prepare the agenda does not mean that you should keep the same hours of any other person. One of the benefits of working for yourself and set your own hours to meet the most productive periods. Whether you are in the early bird or a night owl, you'll find that you will have as much more done when you are listening to your own body's natural rhythms. Some people work in the morning, take a break in the afternoon when the kids are at home at school and work again in the evening. Schedule your work time when you feel more productive and you will see that things are easier to make faster and better than it was when you pull on work during the same hours as everyone rigid.
4. If you receive calls after hours or on personal visits work is a problem, it is useful to have a separate business telephone, or at least an answering machine or voicemail, take incoming calls. It also gives your business a more professional appearance to clients than if you and your family make and receive calls from the same phone line.
5. If possible, try to separate the "Ministry of Interior" for the rest of your home. If you do not have the luxury of a separate bedroom, a room or part of the screen can only be useful. This is also as a visual cue to the family as you work, and should not be disturbed.
6. Dress and act professionally at work. Some people find it helpful to wear business casual during their working hours. This just reinforces that you work from home does not make you less of a professional. Answer the phone with your name, or trade name, and keep your children from the phone during business hours. In addition, spend money and invest in the tools you need to make your right. A cell phone, a fax machine or even a computer help transform your home office budget in a real workspace.
If you follow all these tips and stick to it, and chances are you'll find a routine that not only makes you feel productive and effective in your own business, but also provides the message that you mean business - literally!
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