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Working From Home

 
Most people start out thinking that working from home will be easier, that they will have more free time, and that they will make more money. While it is possible to achieve each of those goals, it certainly isnt how things start out...

Tip 1
Be realistic with yourself about the time that you have to invest, and the amount of money that you would like to earn.

Be prepared to invest longer hours as you start your own business, or set up your home office for telecommuting. You will need to to set aside some time for research so that you can learn all of the things that you need to know in order to succeed.

You'll also want to map out an Action Plan, or Business Plan, so that you know what you will need to do (and when) and have realistic financial goals to work towards.

Tip 2
Put some serious thought into what you want to do. You should choose something that you enjoy, or that you find easy or interesting. Some people are natural writers - some are not. Some people are very social and outspoken, while others prefer to keep to themselves. Make sure that you choose a business model that is a good match for you.

See Business Ideas if you arent yet sure what you want to do, or are looking for additional income sources. You can also check out the Freelance Writing Jobs or free tips & courses about Selling on eBay.

Tip 3
Research! Knowing upfront how much profit potential your business model has, or who your competition is, could be invaluable to you down the road. Network with others who have experience online, or even in your field, and ask questions. Find someone that you trust, and learn from them.

You can use tools such as the Free Trial at WordTracker or Overture's Search Term Suggestion Tool to get an idea of how many people are searching for the topics or products or markets that you are most interested in.
 


Ten More Tips for Working from Home
from Self help resources for Entrepreneurs

 
1. Take care of yourself. Healthy eating habits, following a regular sleep routine and exercise all contribute to your well being which allows you to perform at your best.

2. Do the worst first. If you find you cannot stop worrying about a certain task, then do the worst task first. Once that task is completed you will feel relieved and able to concentrate on the rest of your tasks, one at a time.

3. Focus on the task at hand. Attempting too much at once and underestimating the time it takes to do it will surely put you right back in the center of feeling overwhelmed and a step behind.

4. Control the phone. Decide when and where you will answer the phone. During off-time--use voice mail.

5. Separate work from play. Are you running the dinner table conversation the same as a meeting of the Board of Directors? Think about it.

6. Keep a Master List. Merge all your to-do lists, schedules and activity lists into one Master List. Use the technology that works for you whether it is index cards, spiral notebook, computer or a PDA.

7. Clean off your desk. Clutter is a distraction and time waster. How much time do you waste looking for documents and files?

8. Learn to say no. Take a reality break and identify what you can reasonably expect to get done. Accept your limitations and control your expectations. Would you really expect anybody else to work as hard as you do?

9. Use technology to help you. Create systems for handling your routine tasks. Take the time to learn how to use your computer to improve your efficiency to perform routine business tasks. Use templates for letters, faxes and email.

10. Slow down. Are you rushing through everything? Stop, look and listen.


 

Discussions from the Home Office...

Health Insurance for Self-Employed?

Suggestions For How To Stay Focused

Mileage Tip for Home Based Business Owners

Homeschooling while Working From Home

How do you do it all?!

Why are you Working from Home?

Does anyone have a written routine they follow?
  
 

Tell us about YOUR Home Office!
Kitchen table? Separate room? A desk in your bedroom?
Where do you work, and how does that work out for you?


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