Guest Post by Mary Emma Allen (learn more about Mary Emma at the end of this post)
Many who choose to work from home do so because they can be with their children and are less stressed juggling family, job and sometimes a lengthy commute. However, when they get settled into their home business, they find they have to juggle here, too. Much will depend on the age of your children and what they can do to help.
1. Think of yourself as a business person when you’re on the job, whether it’s working at the computer or waiting on customers in a home shop. How you think of yourself is reflected in the way others treat you.
2. Become organized so you can make the most of every spare moment. (Then remember your method of organization! Do you sometimes try, as I do, to recall the†logical†place you filed something when you organized? Now it seems not so logical!)
3. Delegate work around the home that you absolutely don’t have to do. Even if the children don’t do the chores as well as you would, overlook that and praise their help. They do improve!
4. Post a weekly white board with everyone’s schedule and duties. Let children trade around jobs as long as everything gets done.
5. Include your work time as part of the schedule. (Mom’s not to be disturbed during those times.)
6. Learn to work while other activities are going on around you. I inadvertently block out the sound of the cooking timer, so have burned boiling eggs and overcooked a turkey. (So now my husband has taken over much of the cooking if he doesn’t want too many inedible meals!)
7. Learn to make the most of any spare moments. I’ve discovered with my writing I must write, even if in short bits, whenever I have a chance. My family laughs when I go for a walk and take a notebook with me for jotting down thoughts. You also could use a recorder and speak into this while walking.
8. Hire a babysitter for specific times if you have children that aren’t in school and nap times aren’t long enough. (My daughter gave up napping at 11 months old.)
9. Keep school hours if your children are in school and schedule appointments after your working or shop hours. (No more, “I know you only work at home, so you can make an 11:00 dentist appointment, can’t you?â€)
10. Be flexible. As well organized and efficient as you try to be, emergencies will crop up. (“Come get Benjy,†the school nurse says, “He’s throwing up all over the place.â€) So you may have to work later that evening or get up earlier the next morning to meet deadlines.
Sometimes you may think, “I can’t do this. Nobody thinks I’m really working.†Be firm because you ARE working. Gradually, if you refuse to give in to other’s requests and the housework during specific hours, they should begin to accept this.
How do you find time to get your work done in your home business? What tips do you suggest adding to this list?
About the Author
Mary Emma Allen is a wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as writer and business woman in a multi-generational household. She writes for children and adults and tries to follow the tips she’s given others. Most importantly, she’s learned to be flexible. Blogs: www.quiltingandpatchwork.com, www.onebooktwobook.com, http://gardens-green.blogspot.com, http://tea-time-notes.blogspot.com
Susan Gunelius
Susan Gunelius is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women on Business. She is a 30-year veteran of the marketing field and has authored a dozen books about marketing, branding, and social media, including the highly popular Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing, 30-Minute Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing for Dummies, Blogging All-in-One for Dummies and Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps. Susan’s marketing-related content can be found on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, MSNBC.com, BusinessWeek.com, and more. Susan is President & CEO of KeySplash Creative, Inc., a marketing communications company. She has worked in corporate marketing roles and through client relationships with AT&T, HSBC, Citibank, Intuit, The New York Times, Cox Communications, and many more large and small companies around the world. Susan also speaks about marketing, branding and social media at events around the world and is frequently interviewed by television, online, radio, and print media organizations about these topics. She holds an MBA in Management and Strategy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC).
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