So, You Want To Work From Home?

The advances in technology make it so much easier to work from a home based office. The introduction of Smart phones and the development of computers, especially the iPad makes work outside the pearly towers of the corporate office much easier these.days.

Not to mention all the individuals that are perusing their dream of having their own business. Studies show that more and more people are starting their own home based business and working it around their available hours.

It seems the desire to work from home is really significant and many people are striving to do just that. The reasons for working from home vary for many of us. It could be a better quality of life, being home with the kids, no more commute, no boss looking over your shoulders, and no more “cubicle farm” just to name a few.

Whatever your reasons may be, working from home presents some different challenges for us that most of us are not accustomed too and if we’re not careful can derail our efforts towards success.

I’ve put together a 2 part series with a list of 9 tips that can help you navigate more effectively the challenges that are new when working from your home office.

1. Your work space is a work only zone. One of the benefits of creating a home based business or having a home office is for the tax benefits. Having a separate work space is essential in order to take advantage of the home office deduction. Additionally, it’s essential for your family to know that when you are in your work space you are at work. Having a separate space with a door that can be closed is ideal but not essential for your work space. Just be sure to designate a specific area for work and communicate that to your family.
2. Invest in good tools. I highly suggest you set yourself up with the right equipment. Have a decent office chair, a computer with a big monitor, and of course, high speed internet connection. Wether your on the phone or using Skype to talk to people get a good quality headset for your conversations. Since you’re no longer at the “big company” you’re most likely not on a server network. Make sure to get and use an external hard drive to back up your computer. If you’re self employed it will be very helpful to find a good computer technician for the inevitable computer snafus that technology can bring.
3. Shut down your browser. That’s right, get off the internet. If you need to really focus eliminate the distractions. Stay off of Facebook, close your email, and turn off any IM systems. You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish in little time without any interruptions. Studies have shown that it takes a very long time to refocus and get back on track after an interruption. When I’m writing, stopping to check email or answering an IM can throw me of track and add hours of unproductive time to my day. When focused, I can write a blog post quite quickly.
4. Never eat alone. Leaving the corporate jungle to work from home can also cut you off from civilization. If you’re not careful you can go stir crazy. We still need contact with the outside world. I find it a good business practice to schedule lunches and coffee with friends, potential customers and professional contacts. It builds our social and career networks and keeps you connected to the outside world. Don’t believe me? Just ask any stay at home mom with little children how important adult conversation can be.

Many of you know people that are working from home, I’m sure they could use this information. I’d appreciate it if you’d share this with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Also, I’d love to hear how you’re working from home. What tips, insights and suggestions do you have that have worked for you? Part 2 is in the works but I may have something that would be worth sharing so please leave your comments below.

Until next time, Go out and Live Your Best Life!