Finding Balance Between Life And Business
February 4, 2008
Twelve tips for overwhelmed home-based entrepreneurs.
Plan carefully and combine errands.
Use Google Maps if necessary to develop the most efficient route to your destinations. Try to avoid rush hour. A 30 minute bank/post-office run may turn into much longer ride if you don’t have a plan. Make sure you take advantage of online banking and shipping services. Check out Stamps.com and usps.com. Staples delivers office supplies for free if you place an order totaling $50.00 or more.
Make a to-do list for each day and stay focused.
Note pads and sticky notes work for some busy people. If you like writing things down and would consider turning your mouse pad into a to-do list, check your options at Knockknock. Tech savvy people utilize their smart phones/PDAs to stay on top of things. Microsoft Outlook and web-based applications such as Ta-da Lists are useful as well.
Boost your productivity by finding time to stretch, get some fresh air, and walk around.
Develop a routine that helps you unclutter your mind. A cup of coffee or tea after light exercise works for some people whereas others need yoga, punching bags or meditation.
Set a schedule for each day – plan time slots for responding to emails, returning phone calls, Internet research, marketing, breaks etc.
Post your schedule so you and your family members can see it and stick to it. Don’t double book yourself. Take a look at web-based applications such as Net Simplicity or Google Calendar. Microsoft Outlook keeps you on track and synchronized with your digital devices.
Limit non-revenue producing activities during business hours.
It sounds like such a good idea to relax and go out with a friend who called out of the blue instead of finishing a project. You are the master of your domain after all. Weigh your options. How many hours do you need to work at night to make up for the lost time? Work smart.
Focus on results.
Always remember the reason why you are in business and where you would like your business to be in a year. Who will take you there? Your customers! Get back to delivering results for them!
Turn off your phone and don’t check your email when you need to concentrate.
We often get distracted by emails and phone calls, decreasing our productivity. Unless you are waiting for a very important call, concentrate on the task at hand.
Schedule some family time every day, whether it’s a walk, dinner or good conversation.
Your family is more likely to support your entrepreneurial efforts if you demonstrate your continued support and interest to them.
Eat right, it will help you stay healthy and function well under pressure.
Stress may cause overeating. Don’t bring huge bags of chips or candy into your office at any time.
Try to avoid accepting projects that involve tasks you dislike and doing business with clients that are difficult to work with.
I remember accepting a project that I didn’t like, but needed for my cash flow. The project was not difficult, but I dragged my feet as I did not enjoy what I was doing. Customers who don’t appreciate what you do for them will make your life miserable.
Organize your life/office.
This is very simple – you save time and work faster if you are organized. Don’t set yourself up for a disaster – spending 10 minutes looking for a stapler or a pen and another 10 minutes trying to find your business credit card.
Improve your multi-tasking skills.
No, I am not talking about eating and talking to your clients at the same time. I am talking about muting your phone and filling up your printer with paper while on a conference call. You could also be working on a mailing list or organizing your office while placed on hold or listening to a conference call.
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