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BizTips - Tips for Improving Productivity in the Home Based Business

• Take your work seriously. Create a distinction between work time and home. Make sure everyone in your family and your friends know your schedule. You might need to train your loved ones. Conversely, when you're done with work, be done and turn off the computer & phone.
• Have separate space designed for work. Close the door. This is an important psychological and literal necessity to create boundaries. Also, make sure your work doesn’t drift all over your home. Even in tight quarters, there are numerous storage container systems that with minimal investment will create a harmonious shared environment.
• Dress for work. It’s tempting to stay in your cosy sweats. After all, who’s going to know? This subtle action sends a message to your subconscious. It also helps you 'put on' your professional hat when engaging with customers. Just like smiling, when you’re doing business on the phone, conveys a clear, positive attitude customers can feel, so does dressing the part.
• Make a workday/ work week schedule and stick to it. Divide your time into categories of activities such as working ‘in’ your business (this is the actual work you do), working 'on' your business (this includes the support work you do to make your business function), thinking time, lunchtime, whatever you want to include in your day.
• Schedule your personal chores and errands around your work time. Resist the temptation to throw in a load of washing between work activities. Five minutes here and there can add up and before you know it you’re wondering why you didn’t get as much accomplished as you intended.