#Collaborative post
Running a small business from home can be incredibly rewarding. You no longer need to answer to an employer and are now in charge of your own livelihood. The change from working for another person to being your own boss can be fairly daunting, especially if you have no prior management or leadership experience, but that does not mean you can’t find success.
Optimising your processes and learning the ways which work for you can feel like an uphill struggle but, after a bit of practice and alteration, it is entirely possible for you to develop a good working strategy that fits around your life. This can be especially important for those who want to keep a good work/life balance or to be able to run their business around any family or caring responsibilities.
Set up an Invoicing System
You need to be able to claim payments from clients, which is why it is essential that you discover what the best invoice software is for you. This will be one that you find easy to use, as invoicing should not necessarily take an overly large amount of time. You may also find it useful to use a software that allows for payment acceptance, as well as automation, to further make better use of your time.
Use a Calendar
Working for yourself is certainly gratifying, but without an employer dictating your every move, it can be easy to lose motivation or get side-tracked by other things. This can be especially apparent if you used to work at an office with a social media ban in place, but now have the freedom to scroll at your leisure.
To combat this, it can be useful to use a planner or calendar to plot out your day. Using your working hours, you can schedule your tasks, which can help to keep you on track, or at least to know the minimum requirements for work that needs completing on any given day.
- Don’t forget to WOO! Wooing your clients is not a bad idea and it’s certainly not a method of brown nosing. If you’re giving out a winter client gift this year, plan it in advance. You want repeat business, and the best way to do that is show your appreciation for the people who are paying for it. A gift can go a long way and if you ensure that you choose a branded gift option, your business name is going to be in their office or their house, giving you a high level of free advertising at all times. It’s a gift to show your appreciation, but it’s also a way to remind people who you are and what you do.
Allow Breaks
Just because you are working for yourself, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have the usual breaks you would be given in an employment scenario. For those who run their business from home, it can be difficult to put aside time for breaks, or to remember to take them. Without breaks, you run the risk of overworking yourself and burning out, which will be no use to anyone. Whether you choose to take numerous, small breaks throughout your working day, or one longer break akin to regular employment, is up to you.
For those who work outside the home, or at client’s locations, it may be more difficult to spread out breaks, but it is still imperative that you still make time to eat lunch, or simply have a few minutes to yourself, to decompress and prepare yourself for the rest of the day.
Working for yourself can be freeing, and allow you to follow your passions. By optimising your time and making the most of your working hours, you can develop your business and earn your livelihood.