By Sarah Majeske for Work-at-Home.org
It's true that I work a full time job, I’m married and have a 13-month old son. I am also attending college to continue my education toward my PhD, and I have my own home based business, in which I have risen to a management level in the first seven months since I started. It's also true that I have a part-time teaching job at a college 135 miles away (one way), and I also read, work out, knit and spend quality time with my family.
Last Christmas I baked fudge, cookies, and a myriad of other yummy treats which I gave away in pretty little decorated plastic sacks with curled ribbon. A few of my friends were delighted at the treats but had to ask, “When did you have time to do this!?”
I’m not a really a SuperMom. The truth is that I have learned that time management is a great friend.
Here are my secrets:
Work from Home Time Management Tips That Work
First thing’s first: Get up early and get the day going. Even if you work at home, get showered and dressed in the morning as though you were going to work. That way you are not lounging around in your jammies at one o’clock in the afternoon, teeth unbrushed, hair disheveled, watching soap operas.
After you get ready for the day, make a list of things you hope to accomplish (or this can be done the night before). I love lists. The feeling of accomplishment you receive when crossing off something you’ve done is exhilarating.
Along with your list, implement a 15-minute rule. Set your kitchen timer for 15- minutes and work in one area for only 15- minutes. When the timer goes off, move on to the next area, and keep going until you’ve hit every area in your house, or the specific things on your list. If you have a home based business you will be surprised at how many calls you can make to potential customers in 15-minutes.
Take down time to do things: when your kids are napping you can do things for your home based business. When you are waiting at the doctor’s office you can read that book that will give you referral tips for your business. When you are working out or taking a walk with your kids you can listen to your company’s training on your MP3 player. Take advantage of every waking moment you have. I am fortunate in that I have some down time in my full time job. I can research school topics, make phone calls, or write papers. Find the time to devote yourself to your business, and you will be successful.
Make a goal of doing at least six things for your business every day. Many people think home based businesses are just hobbies. If you treat your business like a hobby, it will earn like a hobby. Devote the time to it.
Especially if you’re one that sometimes has trouble getting things done, become accountable to someone else as well. Send them your list via email every day, with the results of what you did the day before as well.
Organize a work area for yourself. You really need a space that you can commit to your home business and have it be your own. Even if you don’t have an extra room to put a computer and a desk, take a corner in your bedroom or another room and make it yours. Organize your business tools so they are easily accessible. Organization is a great tool. Even organized chaos is beneficial!
All it takes to have a successful home based business is some dedication, drive, and creativity. Working from home so that you can stay at home with your kids is truly a gift. Find something you truly enjoy and have a passion for, and you will be successful!
Sarah is the mom of a beautiful 13-month old son, a newlywed of 2-1/2 years, and an Independent Consultant and District Manager for Arbonne International, a health and wellness company, a position she’s achieved in only seven months. She is also continuing her education toward a PhD in Higher Education. You can email Sarah or get more information from her website at: http://www.arbonnedreams.myarbonne.com/
.
