Keeping a set schedule is a common problem for anyone who works from a home office. The Charlotte Observer recently responded to a question posed by a mompreneur who has trouble with friends who do not understand her at-home business hours.
Start the day right. Treat your home-based work just as you would an office-based job. Wake up, take a shower, get dressed, and go to work. These simple steps can send a powerful message to your subconscious that you are in “business mode.â€
Say “yes†to your priorities. I have a little saying, “If you don’t know what you’ve said “yes†to, you’ll have a hard time saying “no†to everything else.†So start by writing down at least 1 specific business goal that you can achieve in the next 90 days and post it in your workspace. Look at your goal statement as you say, “I wish I could help you with that, but I’m re-writing my marketing materials today.â€
You had me at “Hello.†Finally, consider changing the way you answer your phone. That way, the next time someone calls, they’ll hear you say, “This is Mary Jones, Acme Group,†and immediately understand that you’re working.
Photo by Alexander Baxevanis