Running your small business from home: How to set yourself up results

Tips for running your small-scale business from your home

How can you set yourself up for success as a small-sized business owner at home? Here are some tips.

While flexibility is beneficial It’s all too easy to reply to emails at home or during family time. Not only does this occupy one’s attention, but it also creates expectations of being available. It’s also harder to shut off and reduce stress.

How can you keep from all of this?

Get creative with your workspace

A great tip for working from home tip is to clearly separate your home and work spaces.

Separate space or a room specifically designed for work is crucial, as the physical distance could cause mental isolation, meaning it’s easier to switch off when the day is over. Getting a desk, appropriate office chair and storage system will set you up to be successful.

It is also recommended to take the time to make your space feel cozy. And research suggests personalising your workspace is a great method to increase productivity.

"I have a large cabin equipped with a kitchen, which has space for my kitchen products as well as other items. It’s my private sanctuary. It smells fantastic and I’m in full control in the world of music!"

A little imagination in your workspace is something that can make a huge difference.

"I’ve attempted to make my office a space that I am happy to be in. There’s a string of bright red roses arranged around the desk behind my computer. I put all of our large feather costumes out in the open so that I can see them. I have a quilted blanket my mom made for me to sit on my chair."

If you’re working from home when you’re in the middle of a pandemic, these little creature comforts can be the difference.

You can mimic your usual work rules

While some people might allow work to spill over into their lives at home a bit but it’s better to be certain that this doesn’t occur. That means no laptop on the kitchen counter and no packing orders in the living area.

Setting boundaries can help to get the most out of your time working at your home.

It is important to mimic the boundaries that we’d have in the normal workplace. For instance, you’d not answer emails that come up having a face-to face meeting with a client or employee and you shouldn’t do it in the context of a Zoom meeting.

When working at home, it might be tempting to check every phone call or email immediately, but getting into this habit will not help you in the long term.

You can turn off email notifications to allow you to concentrate on your task and not be distracted. Then, only check your inbox every one or two hours.

Find a method that you enjoy and adhere to it

Establishing a routine for working from home is extremely crucial.

An established start time and breaks for physical activity throughout the working day as well as a consistent time for when the work day ends, are all crucial. Following a schedule and making a plan for your day’s tasks will help you become more effective.

"If I have three massages booked in I’ll stop each one in turn and I will also adhere to a in a schedule that has time for coffee breaks, lunch and other obligations."

Every morning, she’ll pose important questions such as "What are my goals or milestones I need to reach today?" and "What’s on my mind at the moment? ".

Many people want routine and find doing daily gratitude tasks to be beneficial.

Write down three things you are grateful for everyday and try to write your to-do list in the evening before or first thing in the morning. It can help get you into a positive mindset and allow you to feel at ease.

Be an advocate for your own mental health

If you work from home you’re able to work throughout the day without seeing any other people, so it is essential to understand how to advocate for your mental health by practicing self-care.

Be realistic about the work you can accomplish, especially if you are at home with your children, and have proper breaks to re-energize.

Research shows that, following the SARS quarantine, individuals were exhibiting signs of mental anxiety, and taking the time to connect with your loved ones, family members and clients is essential.