The problem with the term time management is that it’s become a buzz word for a skill that is in demand by many and possessed by few.
“But I do manage my time,” you say. Then you’re in the minority because most small business owners and professionals keep looking for a 3 day week-end to catch up and a 20 hour work-day to get everything done on their to do list. Sacrificing sleep ends up being part of the answer but it never quite works well because it eventually catches up with your health or your need to put your head down.
The people that really have a hard time are business owners who have their offices out of their homes. They are at a disadvantage because they are also forced to deal with daily distractions such as ringing phones, doorbells, demanding pets and emergency plumbing situations.
More people are tightening their business belts and setting up their offices in their homes during these down economic times. The good news is that with a few decisions and learned skills, you can make your home office work for you. Here are 3 basic steps:
Your first step is to eliminate the home from your office. The best situation would be if your office is a separate room, but even if it’s a space within a room, make that space work for you. You need a well lit area for your desk, computer, printer/fax, files and whatever working tools you use. That is strictly your space for doing your work.
Your next step is to designate your work time. If your children are school age, designate your hours when they aren’t home. If you have younger children hire a baby sitter or nanny, even for a short time but on a regular basis, so that you can do your work. Let your family know when you are working and shouldn’t be interrupted just as if you were working in an office building.
Finally, implement an organization system that works for you. Corporations have their own filing system. At home you are your own secretary. You don’t want to put a client on hold while you find their file in a stack of papers next to your desk. From my personal experience, don’t wait for the perfect system – I haven’t found one yet. Be satisfied with a system that works for you 80 percent of the time and stay with it.
You can succeed at this but you do need to be disciplined to plan carefully and work to keep your plans in place.
I am open to learning about your experience at working at home and being productive with your time. Type a summary of your story in comments and we’ll share it with others.
To your successes,
Ruthan Brodsky
