Tremendous advancement in technology means that our ability to work effectively from home is greatly increased. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to working from home. I should know. I have worked at home and in the corporate office setting as well, so I have first hand experience of both.  When I started off in business, a business adviser described my business was a ‘portmanteau’ business, which meant I could carry it along with me everywhere. I quite liked the idea and for a long time, I did work from home. Then I got the yearning for conversations with other people on a more regular basis than I was getting at home. That was not the only reason for taking an office, there were other attractions including use of a board room for my ongoing seminars and workshops.

Whichever one you decide upon, here are some things that will help any business work successfully from home

Act as though you are not at home

This seems like an obvious thing to say, but sometimes when working from home, we can dress, act, talk and therefore conduct business as though we were still in bed. The myth of a ‘pyjamas entrepreneur’ is just that, a myth. It is important to come across to our clients as professional.

Set clear goals for each day

It is easy to be distracted when there are pieces of extremely comfortable furniture around. Aim to have realistic goals each day for your business. This will keep you focused and on task. Also use your goals to determine what you will be doing in the next week, month or year.

Get a PA

You could employ yourself to carry out those all important tasks. Some people prefer to free up their time and hire someone else. Whichever the case, proper administration could mean difference to a successful business, ensure they are done, and well.

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Believe it Can Be Done

Have Goals

Live Life to the Full

Never Give Up

Prepare Well

Have Faith in Yourself

Help Each Other

Richard Branson

These are maxims from the first chapter of his book ‘Screw it, let’s do it: lessons in life’. As I read the words I can virtually picture one of the most written about businessmen of the twenty first century. He is known as much for his business acumen as his incredible sense of adventure and love of life. In fact his ‘brand’ is clearly defined and communicated through his words.

What are the ways that you can create your own distinct brand? One way is ask great questions.

1. Who am I?

This is a good opportunity to describe yourself but not as everyone else thinks or who others see, but your essence. Here you want to consider your values, what do you hold as important. Also do the things you do match up with them?

2. What makes me unique?

Every one of us comes equipped with skills and talents. Unfortunately some of those lay dormant because we don’t discover or develop them. What is different about you? Why should anyone ‘buy’ from you if you are a business?

3. What am I really saying?

Sometimes our communication can be inconsistent. This could be because we haven’t properly answered the first question. Who you are, should be a reflection of your beliefs. By asking and answering this particular question, you are making sure there is clarity and integrity to your brand.

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COACH YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS

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WITH THIS FREE EBOOK, YOU GAIN INSIGHT INTO HOW TO RE DEFINE YOUR GOALS, TAKE POSITIVE STEPS, AND SUCCEED IN YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE. FILLED WITH PRACTICAL STEPS AND SOME TIPS FROM LEADING AUTHORITIES IN PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, THIS IS A GREAT TOOL YOU CAN USE TIME AND AGAIN.

COACHING HELPS YOU FIND DIRECTION IN LIFE AND AUTHENTIC MEANING IN ALL THAT YOU DO. IT IS A PROACTIVE PROCESS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE INTENTION, TO ACTUALLY FOLLOW THROUGH AND EXPERIENCE GREAT RESULTS.                                                            

LEARN HOW TO DETERMINE AND ESTABLISH GOALS, DEFINE OUTCOMES AND EXCEL PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY. USE COACH YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS AS A POWERFUL GUIDE TO GET RESULTS!!

Sign up TODAY for your free copy

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I find that in recent times, I have had to remind myself of these tips!

Ten Tips for Overcoming Procrastination

1.   Look at your excuses rationally. In fact, make up a list of the excuses you use which prevent you from getting a job done. Then examine each excuse and beside it write out a more realistic thought. For example, “I’m not in the mood” can be reinterpreted to “Mood doesn’t get the job done.”

2.   Use self-motivating statements. How we define a task can alter our motivation for completing it. Many people repeat phrases to themselves, or even tack notes in visible places, which serve to spur them on. Try out phrases like:  “There’s no time like the present.”

3.   Make up a To Do List. Write out a list of things you need to do this week (or day...or month) and then cross them off, one by one, when they are done. With this list you can see exactly what needs to be accomplished, and you can get a great sense of fulfillment as the list gets whittled down.

4.   Set priorities. On your To Do list, rank the jobs that need to be done in order of their importance. Then just focus on one job at a time.

5.   Break the task down into smaller pieces. This is one of the most important ways to combat procrastination. Write down all the steps involved in your project and see each step as a manageable job that can get done with little effort. Even if we dislike some duties, we can handle them if they last only for a short time.

6.   Take a stand. Write yourself a contract to complete a job and sign it. Or tell a supportive friend that you plan to finish a job by a certain date. Make your project a public endeavor rather than keeping it to yourself. It helps to gain the support of others when you feel stymied.

7.   Manage your stress. There are a number of techniques one can use to deal with anxiety: deep breathing, progressive relaxation, visualization, physical exercise, relaxation tapes, humor and music. These techniques can be learned in therapy.

8.   Just get started. You don’t have to wait until you feel inspired to write that speech. Just write whatever comes to mind, and you can revise it later. A journey begins with one small step.

9.   Reward yourself when you accomplish a small goal. Rather than procrastinating a whole afternoon by calling friends, call a friend only when you have written a page of the report as a way of rewarding yourself.

10. Look at all you have accomplished. Rather than punishing yourself for not having done enough, take the more positive approach of examining all that you have done. Celebrate the completion of your task. Have a specific reward in mind for when your project is finished. Go out for dinner. Go to a movie. Take a weekend trip. Have a party. The celebration should be equal to your task.

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