Working from your home office – 3 things you need to know

Working from home seems like a dream at times!?And so many of us have transitioned to periods of working from home since March 2020 and all the changes the C19-word bought with it.

And for sure, there are some positives - no commute, fewer expenses, more time to be productive and lunch is in the fridge whenever you want it!

But is it everything?it’s?cracked up to be?

Is working from home REALLY as good as what people say?

Are you REALLY more productive?

I work from home. I have done for several years now – before it was trendy, (or mandated due to public health requirements!)?

I live and work from my home office on the farm in the Riverina of NSW.

It has its pros and cons, but here are 3 things I think everyone needs to know when working from home:

1. TIDY DESK, TIDY MIND!

There’s no shared desk space, or communal desk areas, there’s no “boss” looking over your shoulder, so there’s a tendency to have a desk full of sticky notes, empty (or half full – let’s be honest – water bottles), perhaps an apple core and paper – lots of paper.

But an untidy desk can lead to an untidy day or an untidy mind!

Whenever?I’m?feeling like I just “can’t”, I stop and I look around at my environment and start tidying because all those things above, that’s my desk sometimes.

The feeling of sorted paperwork, an empty rubbish bin and a full bottle of H2O can kick my work butt back into gear.

No one but you might see your desk, but trust me, its state is having an impact on your productivity!

2. WEAR SHOES

No,?I’m?not kidding!

I find that if I wear shoes,?I’m?more productive (with everything – not just work!).

No matter what?I’m?wearing, I put on shoes.

It’s?the productivity hack that could change your life.

People say that you should dress like you are going to work outside the home office.

Personally, I find that no matter what I wear –?it’s?all about the shoes.

PS – slippers and UGGs?don’t?count!

3. INVEST IN TECH

If you work for yourself, whether?you’re?new at this small business owner thing or been in the gig for a while, investing in tech is cruel to your success and sanity.

Here’s?where I suggest you invest some money in tech:

1. A great, fast, new laptop. Nothing will drive you up the wall more, than waiting. Waiting for the computer to load, waiting for apps to open, waiting for a document to open – these things we expect instantly! So to save your own sanity, invest in a good, fast laptop.
2. Invest in an additional screen (or two). O.M.Goodness, I can’t say how much I LOVE having two screens. I actually want a 3rd, but that might mean even more tabs open! Not only is having a second (bigger) screen great for failing eyesight (??) but it also makes you more efficient at your work, not having to go between screens.
3. Invest in a paid version of Zoom (or whatever your preference is). Having the free version is great – but I’m pretty sure we are business owners and having to tell a client, sorry, I only get 40 minutes for free, Ummm, isn’t a good look for your professional brand. The $20US (approx.) a month will be a great investment, trust me.
4. If you have clients that you see (either in real life or over zoom), invest in an online calendar – I use Calendly, but there are loads out there. To be able to send a link to a client to book in a time without 27 back and forth emails – so much more efficient. Worth in investment 100%.Oh, and as a “paper and pen” girl, I resisted having an online diary for TOO long – diaries are so pretty after all. But in 2020 I embraced the digital diary and it’s been SO good! I no longer have to wait til I get home to make an appointment or carry around my pretty diary – it’s on my phone and I’m sorry I waited so long ?

There’s?a million tips for working from home, these are just 3 perhaps less told ones.

The one thing to remember when working from home is that you are at work.

So, treat yourself like you are work and keep focused on the tasks ahead for the day.

And as you most likely work for yourself, by yourself, embrace any online or offline networking that you can fit in.?It’s?important to expand your network of colleagues, just like you would if you went into the office each day.

Enjoy. Working from home allows us lifestyle, income and freedom and I, for one, feel lucky that?it’s?what I get to do each day.

CONTACT JENN:

Do you need assistance with setting up your home working space for success? Then book a call with me!

Send me a message on any of my social platforms or book a call at https://bit.ly/Discoverwithjenn

Another great resource is my Like Minded Business Owners Facebook community. There is such a wonderful group of small business owners who share a wealth of knowledge – please join if you aren’t already a member and become a part of a wonderful community!

Or you can DM me on Instagram or shoot me an email [email protected]

I wish to acknowledge?the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Yorta Yorta People, on which I conduct my business today and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples reading this blog post today.

About the Author:

Jenn Donovan of Social Media & Marketing Australia.?Jenn’s a coach and mentor from rural NSW and is all about empowering business owners to earn what they’re worth so they can make a bigger difference in the world.?The Founder of Buy From a Bush Business, Co-Founder of Spend With Us – Buy From a Bush Business Marketplace and host of the very popular podcast Small Business Made Simple , Jenn is all about community and humans interacting with humans!?H2H Marketing – human to human marketing. Jenn talks the talk but importantly walks the walk! Jenn’s online?community is over 320,000 with her famous Facebook Group currently at almost 320,000 members and still growing every day.?She’s the major of her own little online city!

Get in touch – www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au

On Instagram - @jenndonovan_

On Facebook – Social Media and Marketing AU

Or on LinkedIn as Jenn Donovan