From day one, establishing your work at home business hours of operation are key to a successfully run enterprise. Your clients need to know when they will be able to reach you. Most importantly, you need "off time" established for your own peace of mind. You will not be doing anyone any favors by working overtime, stressing yourself to the max, and taking your workload "home". Making it a point to separate the office from your home life should be the first priority when they are in the same location.  

Why you should charge for after hour calls:

Your time is valuable and you should be compensated for work no matter the hour. When you have made your hours of operation clear to your clients, it is reasonable to charge for after hour calls. Make certain your customers are aware that payment will be expected. It is an acceptable business practice to set your voice mail after business hours and follow up on these after hour calls first thing in the morning. 

How to work efficiently during business hours:

If you have small children and your main reason for a home business is to be there for them, you will need to make adjustments. Try to carve out some measure of the day for work only, even if it means hiring a babysitter. If finding adequate room for your home office is a problem, think about converting a space in the garage, guest bedroom, or even a large walk in closet.

There should be an area of your home designated just for work. In the best-case scenario, your home office will have a door that preferably locks (deadbolts in some instances) and a do not disturb policy except for emergency only. Avoid placing your home office near distractions such as a big screen television with surround sound. A separate entrance would be ideal if you have clients that drop by. 

Another of the easiest ways to get side tracked at work is by reading and replying to personal emails. Do not let yourself fall in the habit of chatting online or make the mistake of letting friends know you are "available".  Your business should have a separate email account apart from your private email address.

A simple solution to becoming more efficient is by keeping separate communications. Use your cellular phone as the primary work line and do not give out your home phone number. If your business associates do have access to both numbers, install an answering machine or caller ID to avoid those hours' long conversations that can wait until tomorrow.

To make a successful home business you must be a self-motivator. Although curling up with your laptop and never leaving the bed may sound inviting, it is not going to get your business up and running! Stay focused on your goals. If you start to feel tired or bored, go outside for a change of scenery and take a walk in the fresh air.

Remember at the end of the day that you call the shots in establishing your work at home business hours of operation. Once you make this minor change to separate home from the office, you will notice the monumental effect it has on your ability to work efficiently. You will be able to leave work behind more easily when you close the office door and rejoin your family.

"Work is the yeast that raises the dough." ~ Portuguese saying

Tags: Home Business, Work At Home, work at home advice, work at home business, work at home tips

posted by Chris Simpson