Make your space an Oasis
With the rise in the cost of living, individuals starting families later in life and the challenge of striking a work life balance many females are setting up their own businesses and opting to work from home. Companies still have reservations surrounding ‘telecommuting’. But for educated working Mums this presents an opportunity to ‘have it all’.
I set up my business after the arrival of my first son (Icon is an anagram of his name Nico). I looked into office space initially but decided that working from home would work best for me allowing me to keep my overheads low and pass these cost savings on to my clients.
As a working Mum being home-based has many advantages, popping a load of washing in whilst working, being home to receive deliveries, being home for ‘workmen’ not to mention fitting around my children’s school and nursery schedules. That said it does come with disadvantages. Working as a sole trader can be a lonely time (the prospect of cold-calling strikes fear in me to my very core). Although I have a team of freelancers that I can utilise it’s difficult to keep motivated when you don’t have a regular team around.
Over the last couple of years I have learnt a great deal about home-based working. Here are some helpful tips for fellow entrepreneurs;
1. Make sure you have a designated space to work
It’s easy to lose focus when working from home and to become distracted by chores. Having an area set aside to work means you are entering into your office space just like going into work.
2. Make a to do list
It may sound obvious but having a list of jobs that need to be completed each day and crossing them off is like giving yourself a pat on the back at the end of the day.
3. Don’t forget to take a break
I tend to be at my desk each day by 8:45 and can easily become engrossed in a task. By making sure you take a break you can keep your productivity at a premium. I have a hula hoop at the side of my desk to use when work gets too much.
4. Make your space an Oasis
Just like you would when going into the office it’s important to make sure that your workspace is inviting. I have a selection of photos on my desk and even a potted plant to ensure that my workspace is as appealing as possible.
5. Find a good radio station
Listening to the radio is a friendly companion I have a selection of digital stations which I listen to which keep me focused depending on what work I have on. A dance station if I’m busy a bit of jazz if I’m feeling stressed music is a powerful medium.
6. Make sure you network
Finding new business opportunities can be difficult when you’re home-based so it’s wise to broaden your network. Most towns have a networking organisation and the government business helplines can also provide details of networking events in your area. It’s good to have a reason to look business-like as working from home you can dictate your own dress code.
So there it is my tips on how to survive the home-working jungle. If you’ve recently established a new business and need some help to get it off the ground feel free to speak to me about your Business Development opportunities by calling 01625 533102.