5 Secrets To Productively Running A New Home Based Business

By Author: Steve Wojdat
Total Articles: 43
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One of the most appealing things to people planning to start a new home based business, is having the freedom of working from home. But, there’s a small catch:

When working from home, only you can hold yourself responsible for getting things done.

Although nobody likes having a boss breathing down their neck from nine-to-five, many people use it as a motivator to stay on task.

To help you knock out your priorities, here are 5 productivity tips you can use in any type of new home based business...

Productivity Tip #1 For Your New Home Based Business: Eliminate Distractions

I know...how obvious, right?

However, 5 minutes of e-mail and “just a few minutes” of checking up on our Facebook friends can quickly add up.

Not only are small distractions like these costly in general, they can also cost extra time if you struggle to get back on track.

For managing online distractions, you can use a free resource like RescueTime.

The basic option will monitor (securely and privately) what you do with your time on the computer and send you a weekly report that breaks ...
... everything down.

You quickly get a visual look at any existing “leaks” in your productivity.

Also, an optional upgrade will give you the ability to turn on “focus mode” for as long as you choose. Focus mode will actually BLOCK access to all sites that you have set as “unproductive”.

If you require some sort of background noise, be sure to not use your TV or any distracting radio.

The best option, is classical music or any music that doesn’t have lyrics for you to focus on.

Productivity Tip #2 For Your New Home Based Business: Know Your Goals

Although there are probably many types of software you can find through a Google search, you can use something as simple as a pen and paper to map out your goals.

When you’re wrapping up your work time, make a list of priorities you need to take care of for the next day.

Some people like to do so before bed, but you do so at the risk of forgetting important details.

One thing you can do, is use a “$2 productivity booster”: index cards - specifically, two of them.

On one card, write a list of minor tasks you need to accomplish for the week. This will be kept for the entire week and replaced at the start of the following week.

On the other card, write out 3-5 goals you absolutely need to finish by the end of the day. This card will obviously change each day.

Another important thing to note about setting goals, is that you should use them more as a roadmap than a set-in-stone set of rules.

In other words, keep your schedule flexible to be able to adjust for unexpected events.

Productivity Tip #3 For Your New Home Based Business: How To Avoid Procrastination

At some point, you’re inevitably going to be tempted to slack off.

To avoid procrastination, you can:

- Break big tasks into smaller steps...
- Set very specific deadlines...
- Avoid overcomplicating things...
- Keep in touch with a buddy each day to hold yourself accountable...
- Use a separate computer for work - one free of any games or your list of favorite browser bookmarks...
- Keep your room slightly cool (heat can make you comfy and sluggish)...
- Hang out with like-minded people that motivate and inspire you to take action...
- Reward yourself for your accomplishments...
- Just. Do. It. You can always go back to review things when you’re finished!

Productivity Tip #4 For Your New Home Based Business: Politely Set Boundaries With Friends And Family

One pitfall of working from home, is that your presence will create the illusion that you’re always available.

For this reason, ask your family to respect your time and understand that certain hours are for work only.

During this time, anything that isn’t an emergency will simply have to wait.

People would come to a “regular” job to interrupt you with every inane question or though. Why should things be different with having your own new home based business?

Productivity Tip #5 For Your New Home Based Business: Take Mini Breaks

Another downside to working from home, is that you can easily spend a lot of hours at your computer.

Bad backs, cramped fingers, and poor vision can happen, as a result.

Not only that, but your attention can also suffer.

For these reasons, you should schedule small breaks throughout your day.

Get up and stretch, grab a glass of water, or maybe do a couple quick and simple exercises.

Doing so will give your body a break and allow your subconscious to serve up some extra inspiration for any problems you’ve been stuck on.

Closing Thoughts On Staying Productive

Remember that you are now your only boss. Treat yourself well, but also be sure to stay focused.

Break up the monotony of the day by taking small breaks and doing simple exercises to keep your mind and body in shape.

To avoid procrastination, break big goals into small tasks.

In the end, using these productivity tips will greatly help your new home based business stay running smoothly.

Steve Anthony is a top earner with several Internet Business Opportunities. Steve shares his 'tried and true' experience in making money on the Internet, and how is replacing his 9 to 5 job, and 30 years in the Construction Industry. Steve's passion is to positively impact tens of thousands of people who wish to replace their day job with a full time income the fastest way possible. He shares his true experience in his blog at http://steveanthonyinc.com/blog