Updated: October 17, 2024 by Michael Kahn. Published: October 17, 2024.
Some people dream of moving from a traditional office space to a remote work-from-home setup. Whether you are staying with your company or spreading your wings toward growth and entrepreneurship, there are ways to make the experience positive and productive.
Prioritize Marketing Materials
Businesses need the power of advertising to propel them forward. By utilizing materials, such as high-quality business cards, flyers to place at local businesses, and customized stationery, you are expressing your attention to detail. Customers and clients will take notice of your efforts and appreciate them. The little things matter to people, even if they do not realize it at the time. When you hand out a business card to a new contact, you have given a reminder for them to connect with. They can pull it out later, place it in their files, or pin it up. That is marketing in action.
When it comes to producing these commodities, you want to select quality materials that feel good in people’s hands and leave a positive impression. Make the ordering process seamless so you can get back to work. Use an online printer to select the products, materials, and amounts. All you need to do is upload your content or request a bespoke service to help.
Set Daily Goals
When working from home, it is essential for workers to set goals. Focus can sway and be pulled in many directions when a light bulb goes out in your bedroom or the door to the bathroom squeaks. Be mindful and intentional about what work tasks you need to do each day. Create a list of daily goals and make them attainable. This will keep you focused and on track.
Watch this video about effective time-saving strategies.
Work with a Virtual Assistant
Since you are now working from home, it only makes sense to engage the services of a virtual assistant. Use an agency that has a comprehensive history of success and completes extensive background checks. Do your due diligence regardless of whether or not you intend to task the virtual assistant with any sensitive or proprietary materials. It is always in a business owner’s best interest to assert privacy protocols.
Virtual assistants are the ideal outsourcing tools. You can use your VA to do everything from ordering marketing materials to creating slide decks. They are generally well-versed in monitoring and updating social media content, allowing you more time to focus on growing your business. Come to any VA interviews with a complete list of skills you expect them to have, and make it clear that the scope of the position may change or expand over time, so flexibility is key.
Get Up at the Same Time
Waking up in the morning should look the same when working from home as it was when you were going into the office. It is crucial to your productivity to maintain a schedule, as it can become a slippery slope when the snooze button beckons. Even if there are no longer any Metros to catch, a home business still requires a schedule to maintain productivity and keep momentum going.
Use the extra time you would have spent commuting to begin an exercise program or start meditating. Taking those moments for yourself can help you become more productive when you start the workday because you have taken the time to take care of yourself.
Utilize Cloud Computing Services
Working from home means business owners must maintain vigilance regarding their proprietary content, data, and work in general. Losing your hard work because a laptop was lost or damaged is not an option and truly should not be a scenario when cloud computing can save the day. Instead, store everything securely and confidently online and feel assured knowing it is all backed up in the cloud.
Beyond the safety and security of your content and hard work, having a comprehensive cloud computing system means traveling for work becomes seamless. Entrepreneurs no longer need to carry thumb drives that can be lost or misplaced or cumbersome external drives that take up too much space. All you need is a secure internet connection, and your data is accessible anywhere you go.
Create a Productive Office Space
Being the consummate professional, a good business owner knows that sitting on the couch to conduct a video call will not set the right professional tone, nor will that environment lend itself to productive work conditions. Convert a guest bedroom or loft space within your home to create the look and feel of an office. Opt for natural lighting and a door that closes to assure privacy.
If feasible, add an outside entrance that leads directly into your home office. Ensure it is clean, well-lit, and there is a walkway. Paint the office a neutral yet inviting color that avoids visual distractions. Place curated items on the wall behind the desk to achieve a C-Suite look during meetings and calls. Situate comfortable chairs in front of your desk for clients to feel welcome and set the tone for the space.
Set Clear Boundaries
Just because professionals transition from a traditional office space to a home office does not mean they are available at all hours for socializing. Clear boundaries must be set with people in your sphere so everyone knows what to expect when you are at work at home. This will avoid embarrassing interruptions when trying to close a deal with a prospective customer or explaining how your services work to a client who might take their business elsewhere.
If you have neighbors who know you are now home during the day and like stopping by, discuss your expectations and work hours before a problem occurs. The same goes for family members who may want to drop something off if they happen to be nearby. As for family members or others in the home, let them know when they can or cannot come into the office. Inform them of your expectations for quiet and respect while you are working. This is when a door becomes especially necessary.
Transitioning from one work location to another, especially a home office, is not without its challenges. Make the process better by going about it the right way. Use strategic and seamless marketing products, hire a virtual assistant, and pay attention to your work goals even while working from home to grow your business.
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Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.
