Top 10 Tips For Home Based Business Productivity!

Today I want to change gears and talk about some of the things we need to accomplish as home business entrepreneurs.

As we explore the possibilities of financial freedom, we often time look away from what we need to do on a day to day basis. We see ourselves working very little hours while at the same time we see our bank account grow to massive proportions. All of that sounds fine and good, but there is plenty of work involve before we reach that plateau. There will be some frustrating days, some frightful moments as well because none of us wants to fail at our business. There will be times when you gain "information overload". Personally, that's my trouble, because I can start one thing, and BAM, something else comes to mind and before you know it I'm not doing anything but staring because I am now a victim of the Information Overload disease.

It doesn't have to be that way. I have found a interesting article written on AllBusiness.com on tips for structuring ourselves in being discipline about our business. Let's take a look at it:

1. Prioritize your tasks ahead of time. By scheduling your tasks in order of importance, you can devote more attention to your most pressing tasks. You can prioritize your day so that you do not spend five hours answering email, while the rest of your duties slide.

2. Set goals for your day. As you plan your day, set the goals that you want to accomplish. Although you may not get through your entire to-do list, try to set and meet reasonable goals each day.

3. Instruct your family. "Family interference" is one reason some home-based businesses are unproductive. Your family must realize that even though you are at home, you are still “at work.” Sit down with your family and make sure they understand you need this set amount of time each day to run your business.

4. Do not avoid overtime. When you first start your home-based business, you may need to work extra hours to get it to the point of running smoothly. If you have to work ten hours a day instead of eight, do not be afraid to invest this extra time.

5. Turn off distractions. If the television or radio lures you away from your duties, turn it off. If you cannot avoid these distractions, try moving your office to another location in your home.

6. Schedule fun time. The saying “all work and no play” holds special meaning for home-based business owners. Many owners forget that they need to have some fun to function well at their new jobs. You may be working harder than you ever have, which makes it even more important to take some time to do the things you enjoy. The fun time will allow you to return to your work with a fresh outlook.

7. Limit your time on the Internet. Instead of getting sucked into the vortex of the Internet by endlessly surfing when you should be working, disconnect and deal with your email offline. If you need to be on the Internet to accomplish your work, be strict with yourself to avoid getting distracted.

8. Try multitasking. If you have downtime while in between phone calls or while waiting for a document to print, use this time to get menial tasks done. The time you save by multitasking can allow you to get much more work done.

9. Be a good boss. Even though you are now your own boss, do not let yourself become a slacker. Be strict with yourself and demand excellence in your own work. Conversely, don't push yourself too hard.

10. Enlist help if you need it. If you find that you have too much work for one person and your productivity levels are slipping, ask friends or family for temporary help until you can regain control of your schedule.

If I could add an 11th tip, I would say...

11. Stick to one task at a time. If you are trying to market or promote your website or product, stick to that. Spend that day marketing your site until you are comfortable of your results. I know that there are tons of ways to market, but only do one step at a time and you will see your results blossom along with your knowledge of each subject you are accomplishing.

Hey, no one said that running a home based business would be easy...And if they did, THEY LIED! It's tough to stay mentally focused, motivated and stimulated. You have to set your own deadlines, you tend to get lonely and frustrated. But with perserverance and hard work, we all can have success in whatever that we do.

Warm Regards,

Andre'