I don’t believe there is a way to remove all the stresses of being in business for yourself and more than there is from working for someone else. But there is a lot you can do for yourself to minimize the stress. The key is to work smarter, not harder. With that you will develop a style to get more quality work done in less time.
I’ve found that distractions are one of my biggest problems to deal with. How to limit them is key. Here are some simple steps to take:
Don’t be a slave to your email. Some people check their email every 5 to 10 minutes which takes you off task.
The same can be said for the telephone. Most often when you’re on a project your best use of time is to focus on the project and later pick up your messages; answering them in order of importance. Constant interruption of phone or email just costs you time and money. YOU do have control over this but you may need to work at a mind shift to make it a comfortable working style.
This also stands for people interrupting you. Probably one of the most frustrating things is when working from home everyone things you are always available to chat, do some task, volunteer for everything (after all you don’t have a ‘real’ job).Works with a solid business plan and use a good quality time and activity management system to plan each day. It is best to plan tomorrow’s projects, phone calls, email; bill paying or whatever else will need doing the night before. That way you wake up ready to go to work. Several types of sytems are popuarl. Some business people prefer using their computer calendar, Cell Phone calendar, Microsoft Systems and the carry with you 3 ring binder systems. I prefer the 3 ring binder with a zipper by Franklin Covey or Day Timer. Both of these and others can be adapted for your specific needs.
Until you treat your business as a real business and give it and yourself the respect you deserve, these distractions will damage your ability to be profitable and succeed in this completive world of home businesses.
I’ve a house rule that works almost all the time. When the DOOR is SHUT, do not and I mean, do not disturb me unless the house is on fire. If I leave the door slightly ajar, enter quietly and if I wave you away, then just back out and leave me alone. This has been a challenge for the family to learn but no one would think of going to their spouse’s place of employment and just walking in and interrupting whatever was going on.
Your business will have a very good chance of success when you treat it as a successful business.
