Category: Life & Leisure

Working from home (WFH) has been trending for quite some time.

As businesses and offices have shuttered due to Covid-19, remote work has become “the new normal.” That’s likely to backtrack as economies and businesses reopen, but there’s no question that the trend toward remote work will continue.

WFH is everywhere, and it’s here to stay.

For some, working remotely is an entirely new challenge to adapt to. However there’s a lot of adjustment needed even for those of us who work from home regularly. Our home-office sanctuaries have now been invaded with kids home from school, roommates, spouses or life partners, all doing their own version of distance learning or working at home.

Fortunately, we have some great tips for staying focused and productive while working from home (and a few entertaining WFH memes to keep things interesting). Read on to learn how to make working remotely work for you!

1. Set boundaries with a dedicated work space

It’s important to keep your work and home life separate. This is even more challenging if other family members are now at home due to Covid-19. One way to ensure you get work done is to claim a physical space as your own. And no, we don’t mean your bed.

If you have an office with a door, that’s wonderful. If not, there are still ways to designate your own space.

• Set up a folding table and chair in a remote spot in the house.
• Close the bedroom door and use a small desk and chair in there.
• Clear the dining room table of everything but your work items, and inform everyone else that the space is off limits.
• Take over a utility room or extra room in the basement.
• Last resort if you don’t have young kids: Put on headphones and face a window.

I don’t know why everyone is complaining about working from home with kids home.
I can barely tell they’re here. pic.twitter.com/5HBReC3S7V

— Craig Wilkey (@CraigWilkey) March 17, 2020

With your own space, you can limit disruptions and focus. When you have that physical separation, it will be easier to enter your work space in the morning, and shift into work mode.

Now that you have a space for your home office, do what you can to improve that space. Here are some things to add that will make remote work more comfortable and productive:

• Invest in a comfortable office chair, or lumbar support pillow.
• Replace cheap light bulbs with higher quality LED bulbs.
• Add a plant, photos, or other joy items.
• Get a dedicated lamp or overhead light for your desk.
• Buy a wrist rest and gel mouse pad for comfort.
• Work near a window for natural light and fresh air.
• Keep a bottle of water and a healthy snack in reach.

Finally, buy proper office supplies. Dollar store pens and scrap paper may seem okay now, but you’ll appreciate having the nice stuff once you’ve been working remotely for a few weeks.

2. Create morning and evening transitions

Without even thinking of it, many of us do things on our way to and from work to prepare us to start and end our days. When you remove that commute, it can be difficult to make that transition. Try creating morning and evening routines to help you transition between working from home, and living at home.

Do you have a favorite, ‘morning zoo’ radio show that you listen to each morning? Do you put in earbuds on the train to listen to a podcast? Do the same at home. You can also add in other activities to help. Take the dog or the kids for a walk around the block, if you are able. Get in a morning workout.

Don’t forget your evening ‘commute’ as well. The ride home can help you unwind, and improve your mood. At the end of the day, take a bit of time to play a few video games that you like. Read a few chapters of a book. Call a friend for a quick video call. This transition will help you make sure you’re in a great frame of mind for the rest of the night.

3. Be prepared for sharing resources and sending documents

One of the hardest things we have to adjust to when working from home is not being able to work face-to-face to review documents, whiteboards, and other information.

We also lack photocopiers, printers and fax machines that help us deliver these documents in a timely fashion. Therefore, it’s vital that you plan ahead to make sure you can still collaborate, review, and transfer information.

Miro is a fantastic tool for creating remote whiteboards that you can share and work on with other people.

Slack is great for quick communication and as well as sharing of documents of all kinds.

Video and screenshare applications like Zoom and Google Meet facilitate face-to-face discussions and meetings.

In an ideal world all information could be shared digitally and we could encourage our colleagues and clients to go paperless. Of course, physical documents are still widespread, and some businesses are still dependent on faxing for daily communications.

It’s important to find a way to send documents without ordering a brand new fax machine to your house. Faxburner makes it easy to send faxes from your phone or computer, using a mobile app or your email.  If you find yourself needing only a one-off or occasional fax, a free account may be sufficient.

If not, affordable monthly packages are available that allow you to send 500 or 2000 faxes per month. With your own permanent fax numberyou’ll be able to send and receive faxes from anywhere without hassle.

4. Be open, honest, and communicate like never before

This working from home experiment is new for everyone. It impacts you, your family, your roommates, and your coworkers. Expect rough patches and difficult adjustments. Then, use communication to stay on top of things, and make others feel like you are taking their needs into consideration.

Let’s start with your boss and coworkers. Here, clear expectations are the best thing. Get and give very clear feedback from your boss and underlings as to how often communication will happen, and when. Come to an agreement on the tools and technologies you’ll use to communicate as well. As time passes, you will likely need to make adjustments, but getting everyone on the same page will help you maintain positive working relationships.

Don’t forget that communicating with members of your household is also important. When you work at home, your schedule impacts everyone. Be sure to keep one another informed of various activities, and schedule changes. Consider using a shared calendar or other tools to ensure that your home life runs smoothly. It only takes a little time to update a calendar or send a text.

5. Get dressed for work

During your first few days of working remotely, you might be tempted to live in your pajamas. Unfortunately, you might find that’s a bit too comfortable. It’s easy to relax a bit too much, and have a slower start to your day. When you work remotely, try dressing for the job a bit.

That doesn’t mean you have to wear business attire. More than anything, it’s the ritual of changing into designated work clothes. These can be anything you might wear to go out and be productive. Comb your hair and wash your face while you’re at it. You’ll feel awake, confident, and ready to work. It’s also a good way to restore some normalcy that you’ve lost.

There’s another benefit to this. Do you really want to be in your grubby clothes when people from your office suddenly loop you in for a video conference? If nothing else, make sure you’re wearing a decent shirt.

6. Stick to a clearly defined schedule

When you’re working from home, day and night can run together if you don’t have a schedule. Yes, working remotely usually means a flexible schedule. However, as you learn how to work from home, you’ll realize that time management is important. This is especially the case if your work is collaborative in nature. Stick to a similar schedule as your coworkers to make sure you can communicate effectively.

Many people find that the accountability of a time schedule works well for them too. Having a designated time for getting up and going into the office can really help. Conversely, having a clear end to your day is also important. It clearly designates when it is time to stop work, and enjoy some hours with the people you care about. Burnout is a legitimate concern when it comes to remote work. You need time off each day.

But in between is where the magic happens. Use a calendar to block off meetings. Give yourself set times for lunch and breaks (see tip 7). Then organize the remaining hours in a way that maximizes productivity and flow. Consider when you are most productive and prioritize high-value, high-focus activities during those times.

Your predictable schedule not only helps you, but the people in your household as well. If they must avoid disrupting you, or entering your work space, it’s important that they know when those restrictions are in place each day. If you have younger children in particular, it’s good for them to know what time you ‘get off of work’.

7. Take breaks

People who work in an office need breaks. That’s equally true for those of us who work from home. Give yourself the freedom to take a mental vacation every now and again. Without a commute, you probably need some extra physical activity as well.

Get up. Listen to some music. Stretch. Dance. Play a game. Meditate. Unwind. Then get back to work with a clear refreshed head.

8. Don’t let distractions become too distracting

Breaks are one thing. Unplanned intermittent lapses are another.

Inexperienced remote workers are often surprised at how easy it is to get distracted. That’s why one of the key tips for working at home is learning to avoid and eliminate temptations. Avoid the call of cleaning, social media, or catching up on the news – as tempting as that may be during the Corona-virus pandemic. Leave these distractions for post-work time instead.

One tool that might help while you are working remotely is a timer. Considering downloading a Pomodoro app for example, which helps you practice the Pomodoro technique. Twenty-five minute periods of work are followed by 5-minute mini breaks. After four work periods you get a longer 15-20 minute break. It’s pretty effective.

Of course, you can alter the technique or time to suit your style and workflows. As long as you’re systematic about avoiding distractions you’ll be ahead of the game.

9. Social interaction is key to remote work success

We’ve provided plenty of tips for working from home successfully. This one is just as important to your productivity and well-being as any other. When you go home to work, you miss out on many of the day to day social interactions that you enjoy at the office. At the time, these short interactions in the break room or passing coworkers in the hallway don’t seem important. In reality, it’s a way to feel connected to others.

You can help meet your need to connect by finding other ways to reach out to your coworkers. Use Zoom, Skype, phone calls, text, slack, FaceTime, and other tools to stay connected. Even just reaching out for a five-minute chat can really help.

Do you have a work best-friend? If so, try to carve out even more time for someone on one connection with them. Meet over zoom for lunch. If you’re in an area that allows it, you can even have a social distancing meet up in a parking lot or your driveway.

When you get off of work, you also need time to socialize with the friends and family members you can’t see in person. Use the same technologies mentioned above to connect with one another. Create a group chat. You can even use JackBox to get everyone together for a great game night. Of course, you can create a watch party to catch up on your favorite show together. Making the effort makes isolation that much more manageable.

10. Stay flexible

Keep in mind that working from home is an adjustment, for everyone. Understand that things won’t go perfectly. People won’t always cooperate. Things will go wrong.

Try to stay flexible with your expectations for yourself, your coworkers, and those around you. It might take some time and getting used to, but you’ll find your happy place.

Parting Thoughts

Hopefully these tips will help you make the adjustment to working from home. That’s a major adjustment to tackle, and the addition of Covid-19 related stress can make things seem more overwhelming. Fortunately, with a good plan, some ways to relieve stress, and a commitment to productivity, you should be able to find your stride as a remote worker.

When you think of an entrepreneur, do you think of an intense, type A personality who is relentless about success? Do you think of someone who is fiercely independent? You wouldn’t be entirely wrong. There are certainly entrepreneurs who fit that description.

What you may not realize is that there are many others who do not. As it turns out, entrepreneurs vary widely when it comes to goals, working styles, and personality types.

Here, we’ll explore six different types of entrepreneurs, and how each can use their talents to succeed.

Which one are you?

1. The Opportunity Seeker

Opportunity seekers are predictors and trend-watchers. They know what is likely to be popular with customers in the near future, and are able to rush to market with products and services that meet those needs.

Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean capitalizing on the emerging trend itself. Many good opportunists have found ways to cash in by starting businesses in complementary industries.

For example, as smartphones became more popular, and more expensive, people began to realize that there was a big market for accessories and repair services. Today, you can find stores in every city that will replace broken smartphone screens, and sell you a variety of accessories.

In addition to being able to sniff out great opportunities, these folks are experts at sales and promotion. They enjoy the process of marketing their products, and engaging with potential customers.

There are a couple of potential negatives though. Many opportunity seekers tend to be a bit impulsive. In addition to this, not all opportunities pan out.

This is an entrepreneurial type that should be prepared to temper excitement with thoughtful planning. Or simply be prepared to absorb some losses alongside your successes.

2. The Serial Entrepreneur

Some people are in love with being in love. Serial entrepreneurs are in love with launching new enterprises.

While many start a business with the dream of growing it long-term and passing it onto their children, serial entrepreneurs have a different plan. They will grow a business until it’s a success and move on to start another company.

In many cases, the serial entrepreneur earns their money by selling the companies they start. Others create long term profitability by positioning their companies for franchising. Some simply build a powerful team to run things while they busy themselves with their next venture.

If this resonates with you, that’s wonderful. You’ll just need to be aware of a few things. Serial entrepreneurs have to be relentlessly honest with the people they work with. Even if you aren’t one for long term commitment, chances are you will work with people who are putting their hearts and souls into your business.

When you are ready to move on to your next business, be certain to do so in a way that is ethical and considerate.

3. The Multi-Talented Entrepreneur

Some people are drawn to the idea of starting a business because it allows them to learn new things, and engage their talents in many ways. These are the entrepreneurs who are heavily involved in every aspect of their business. They are truly, hands on business owners.

The multi-talented entrepreneur can do a little bit of everything. They make it their business to be able to jump in and help with any problem. People who work for a multi-talented entrepreneur can count on them to stay and work late when the going gets tough.

Just be aware that there’s a fine line between being willing and able to help, and micromanaging. Use your skills to hire great people, train them well, then trust them to do their jobs!

4. The Hustler

Fubu founder Daymond John created his company with a collection of sewing machines in his mother’s apartment, and marketed his business via graffiti. He’s the classic example of a hustler entrepreneur. He started small, worked with what he had, and built his company from the ground up.

Hustlers are talented at getting friends and family members to pitch in, and help them with their budding enterprises. They are the entrepreneurs who will take on second jobs, cut expenses, and bootstrap whatever funding they can to move forward.

In addition to this, they are great motivators. Nobody works as hard as a hustler, and that makes a big difference when it’s time to ask the rest of your team to put in extra effort.

There are a few risks though. Hustlers are prone to burnout. They can also overwork their team members, or leave them feeling unappreciated. Finally, there comes a time when a good entrepreneur should focus on getting funding from investors, not simply by working harder.

5. The Buyer

Some people start businesses, only to realize life as an entrepreneur just isn’t for them. Sometimes, they simply close up shop. In other cases, they seek out a buyer to take on their company, and continue making it grow. They buyer is on the other end of these deals.

A buyer seeks out businesses to buy, and grow. They are talented at assessing a business, and determining its growth potential. They can spot undervalued assets and opportunities. Buying is often low risk, as long as there’s a proven market, and the existing business is stable.

There are a few potential drawbacks here. It takes quite a bit of capital to purchase a business that has potential. It’s less expensive to buy a struggling business, but also significantly riskier. Unless of course, the buyer has a track record of turning around struggling businesses – perhaps in a particular niche.

6. The Expert

The expert works hard to develop their talents, then they use those skills to launch a successful business. The expert is the talented software engineer who goes on to launch her own tech startup. They’re the master woodworker who goes on to build a company making custom furniture.

Because they are so good at what they do, the expert is often able to grow their business through referrals and recommendations. Many prefer to keep their businesses small in order to provide the best possible service. When they do hire employees, they tend to keep training in house. This helps them to ensure consistency.

One issue is that experts can sometimes be resistant to business growth. They want to be successful, of course, but they are driven more by their love or passion for their craft, than by pursuit of profit. This is admirable, but can be frustrating to investors and partners.

Summing up types of entrepreneurs

Which entrepreneurial type describes you? No matter which one (or ones), successful entrepreneurs have all kinds of personalities, backgrounds and talents. Knowing your type simply provides insights into the ways in which your style can work for and against you. With dedication, any entrepreneurial style or spirit can make the future bright.

There is an overwhelming percentage of people who are unsatisfied with their jobs. With so many people working jobs that have nothing to do with their interests or passion, it’s no wonder that this is the case.

Of course, while everyone wants to work a job they love, the immediate need for money to pay bills forces most of us to settle.

And so we dream of a better job, or often the ability to start a business of our own.

But that’s expensive right? And hard to do?

Actually, it doesn’t have to be.

If you’re among the many people who have thought about starting your own business, this article is for you. Read on to find out a proven plan for starting a business with little to no money.

1. Start with belief

The first thing you need when starting a business is belief. You can do this. People do it all the time, often with little to no resources. As long as you are willing to put forth some effort, and face challenges with grit and positivity, you can succeed.

2. Find your expertise

While it helps in some instances, you do NOT have to have a graduate degree to start a business or even a degree at all. The only thing you really need is advanced know-how in whatever it is you’re trying to do or sell.

Ask yourself, “what am I good at?”

Or “what am I interested in, that I could be good at?”

You might be good at writing, or graphic design, or interior design. You may be able to build things, or fix things.

Skills range from common (ie. working with computers) to obscure (baby-proofing a home). So think both inside and outside the box when brainstorming ideas.

3. Start small

Understand that any kind of business you start based on an expertise, you can start small. Even a single client can catapult your career. People refer others. Your reputation builds. With a success story and a good marketing message, suddenly, you’re in a position to promote yourself.

Once you have a small but loyal group of clients, you can grow bigger as a business.

4. Keep your day job

Have confidence in your ability to succeed, but don’t expect to be an overnight sensation.

That’s why it’s important to keep your job as you’re starting out. You have to be able to take care of yourself in order to take care of your business.

Don’t see this as a bad thing. Rather, think of your job as a stepping stone to help your business grow. The money you get from your day job can be invested into your business until your business is making money for itself.

5. Think minimal investment

Service-based businesses are one of the best types of businesses you can start if you don’t have much money to invest. For example, babysitting or nannying, blogging, photography, dog walking, graphic design, house cleaning, lawn mowing, the list goes on and on. Each of these businesses requires a level of investment that almost anyone can afford.

There are many more services that are in demand, but these three are good places to start. Know your skills and create a business that works for you.

6. Make Use of Free Business Tools

When starting your business, make use of every free business tool that is available to you, especially ones that will help to expand your business.

For advertising, there’s Yelp and Google My Business. Both are places to collect reviews, list your hours, location, contact details and website.

There are free tools for building your website like SquareSpace, free tools for hosting online meetings like Zoom, free tools for email marketing like Mail Chimp, free contact management solutions like HubSpot, and on and on.

Summing up starting a business with little to no money

Starting a business with little to no money is not impossible. In fact, it’s something people just like you do every day. Start by believing in yourself and finding an expertise that you can bring to your local community (or online community) that requires skill, but limited investment. There’s demand for it. Keep your day job, but start exploring opportunities to go out on your own – starting today.