I’ve been running a successful e-commerce business for over 10 years from home. Working from home isn’t as easy as it looks, right? I’m sure lots of folks are learning this as offices and schools shut down while the government tries to get a handle on COVID-19. Take it from someone who’s been working from home for years now, the best way to be productive at home is to create a routine.
Effie’s Paper :: Stationery& Whatnot is a lifestyle brand setting the trend for the cool accessories to buy, how to travel in style and how much coffee it’s chic to drink on a daily basis. We sell lots of products! I know, you’re trying to figure out how I’m able to run a product-based business from the comforts of my home … and you’re trying to figure out how I can do so without an office? Truthfully, all I need to do my job is a laptop, thankfully I’ve segued out of working in the trenches! So, yes, we have an office that my team works out of, but honestly after working in a law firm for many years, I prefer the ease of working from home.
Working from home means that my commute is very short; it gives me the flexibility to set my schedule and manage my life and family. But, let me be candid, it is very easy to get distracted when you work from home if you’re not disciplined . . . So, I’ve instituted a pretty strict routine.
MY TOP 7 TIPS FOR WORKING AT HOME:
- SET YOUR ALARM. Daily, I wake up between 6:30 and 8, check emails and our various social media accounts. Then, I go over my calendar to get a sense of what my day will entail and create my day’s TO DO list.
- GET DRESSED. Next, I get dressed. Getting out of the bed, showering and getting dressed makes the day real.
- GO OUTSIDE. Then, I head out the door. Sometimes, I go out to get a latte and grab a bite to eat. Other days, I put on my work-out clothes and go to the gym or my favorite barre class.
- ARRIVE AT YOUR DESK. I’ll be honest, some days my bed is my desk … I have been known to be Team #pjsallday, but arriving at your desk just as if you were arriving at the office lends a bit of legitimacy to what you’re about to do – WORK.
- SCHEDULE YOUR DAY. Just as if you were in the office, schedule calls, meetings and times to tackle your deliverables.
- MAKE TIME TO EAT. I used to be horrible at this. I’ve gotten much better. Salads, sandwiches and leftovers are my go-to’s.
- LEAVE YOUR DESK. Sometimes I go for a walk, run a quick errand or just walk around the apartment. Get the blood circulating!
It may take a minute to get into a groove … working from home without colleagues and bosses down the hall holding you accountable might be hard at first. But, like anything, with practice you’ll get the hang of it!
Stylishly yours, Kalyn
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