Working from Home: 6 TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS

by Myra Turner | More from this Blogger

22 Aug 2006 08:37 AM

Being your own boss and working from home has its definite advantages: no commute time, you can work in your pajamas, etc. One problem though that can interfere with your productivity (and ultimately your profits) is poor time management. If you follow these six simple tips, however, you will find that you will be able to get much more done each day.

(1) Make sure you have a well-thought out and organized file system. Also to save time keep all files relating to current projects in a separate file holder on your desk or other handy location. I just recently purchased a U.S. Luggage rolling organizer. It has a padded side for your laptop and a great expandable area for files. Although I have had it for just about two weeks, it has helped me immensely and was worth the sixty bucks I paid for it.

(2)Organize your office so that everything you need is within easy reach. Get yourself one of those caddies and place all your supplies-pens, paper clips, staples, etc. in it. You don't want to waste time hunting down the stapler, yet many of us do.

(3)As much as possible, group errands together so that you leave your home office no more than once a day. If possible, do errands once or twice a week. I also use a list; I don't trust my memory. I run errands mainly on Thursday's. I attend to all my postal needs, make a run to the library, shop for groceries or office supplies, etc.

Try to do most of your work by telephone, mail, email or fax. This will avoid the unnecessary trips. I like to talk so I try to avoid the telephone as much as possible, opting to send email instead. And thank God for voice mail! I often call after work hours to leave messages for people if I simply need to pass on information and not speak directly to them.

Don't waste time on trivial or unnecessary tasks when you have important projects to complete. Save the computer games until after work hours, don't answer the door and screen your calls. Oh, and turn off the TV.

(6) And finally,take a break. If you feel your energy draining, try taking a short walk around the block to rejuvenate. Then come back and get to work!

Learn more about Myra Turner

I'm a proud mid-life single mom with an active seven-year-old son, Tyler.

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