Many of us work at home

Home based business has been the fastest growing segment of the economy for a long time. I’ve been “home based” for many years. One of the challenges that comes with this wonderful freedom is being able to separate business life from home life.

It’s doubly hard when what you do is your passion. If you make a living doing what you love, you don’t really feel like you’re working. Yet, there still has to be a point of demarcation between business and home life. It actually makes you much more effective, so I thought I’d give you a few quick tips:

1. Have business hours. This is the time each day that is for business purposes only. This simple habit will boost your productivity faster than any other tip I can think of.

2. Don’t answer the “business” phone before or after your business hours. Let your “mailbox” get the message.

3. Have a disctinct cut off time when you will not discuss any business related issues. Whether you operate your business by yourself or with your spouse, not talking about the business before a certain time and after a certain time keeps you in control of your business.

4. Take a least two days off each week. This is essential down time which allows you to “go back to the well”. Trust me, you’ll get more accomplished.

5. Play hookey once and a while. Take off a day spontaneiously and take a ride or something…Just get out of the house! Getting out of the house on a regular basis is really important!

Working from your home can give you a feeling of immense freedom…

Here in Montana, when the wind is blowing and the snow is falling it sure is nice to know I don’t have to make a commute… With our parabolic dish pointed at the repeater tower a few miles away I can be anywhere in the world instantaneously via the net… and I don’t even have to get out of bed!

6. Don’t lay in bed with your laptop conducting business just because you can… Have some respect for those who have to dress up, drive into town and sit in a cubicle all day.

-Bob Baran