Working From Home? Tips To Succeed Without Distraction

By Kendall SummerHawk

Do you love the idea of working from home but you’re wondering how to handle distractions such as housework, kids, hubby and friends?

Working from home affords many benefits. Think about it: no traffic, commuting or annoying coworkers. But without the right mix of people contact and structure you can easily fritter away your time without the things you need to show for it, such as new clients and lucrative opportunities.

I’ve run my business from home for nearly ten years — from when I just started to now, as a multi-million dollar business — and would never trade in my home office for a “real” office, no matter how big my business gets.

Here are my favorite secrets for turning your home into what I call, a “success sanctuary.”

Tip #1 Keep Your Home Your Sanctuary

Even if space is limited, I recommend setting up a separate work area for your business. A private room devoted to running your business is ideal but if you must share space then set up a screen or some other type of divider to separate your business from the rest of your life. Creating this kind of privacy will help you focus and feel professional.

Tip #2 Know When To Close The Door

Running a business can consume every waking hour of your life unless you put into place much needed boundaries as to when you work and how much you work. I get the most done when I follow a daily ritual. That means I don’t answer phone calls, turn on the computer or answer email until I’ve completed my personal, morning routine.

Likewise, at night I have a clear stop time, and an end of day ritual that includes shutting down the computer, neatening my desk and updating my to-do list for the next day. Rituals like these give you a feeling of order, which will help you relax during your off hours so you can start up again the next day feeling refreshed and recharged.

Tip #3 Take Daily “Energy” Breaks

Some business owners crave company while others (like me) prefer to recharge by spending time outside or exercising. Whichever your preference is, make sure you build that into your day. You’re the “boss” so don’t wait until you feel stir-crazy to take action. I recommend taking a daily social or get-back-to-nature break daily to keep you focused and inspired about building your business.

Tip #4 Establish Clear Boundaries With Your Family

Women entrepreneurs are easily side-tracked with household demands such as making lunches, laundry, playing referee when your kids aren’t playing nice, etc.

Listen, running a business takes focus, concentration and creativity, which you won’t have if you’re constantly interrupted with the demands of others, even if they’re your family.

Tell your family up front that when you’re working you’re not available to handle their disputes or to “play mom.” Tell them why growing your business is important to you, then ask for their help. Tell them EXACTLY what the rules are, such as no interruptions unless the house is on fire or someone is bleeding (think I’m kidding? I’m not!).

Make sure to thank them frequently for helping you grow your business. Above all, do NOT cave in and give up your priorities for the day. Successful businesses are built on creating strong boundaries so now is a great time to practice strengthening yours. Besides, when your family sees that “mom means business” they’ll respect you and what you’re doing even more, making you an awesome role model for the people you care about the most.

There’s No Place Like Home…

Whether you have a private home office all to yourself, or you’re office is the dining room table, the more you practice these simple tips the more professional and focused you’ll feel. Remember that building a successful home based business is a dream that many aspire to and YOU can achieve!

Would you like to learn more simple ways entrepreneurs can brand, package and price their services to quickly move away from ‘dollars-for-hours work’ and create more money, time, and freedom in their businesses? Check out my web site, http://www.KendallSummerHawk.com, for fr.ee articles, fr.ee resources and to sign up for my fr.ee audio mini-seminar “7 Simple Steps to Create Your Multiple Streams of In-come “Money and Soul” Business.