Working for yourself can be fantastically rewarding. No-one telling you what to do, choosing your own deadlines, taking your lunch whenever it takes your fancy etc...but after a while, the excitement begins to pale...

Slowly but surely the business starts to become 'work' again, and soon you're staring aimlessly into space, desperately searching for the next job while trying to maintain momentum. And during all this, you still have to balance the needs of both business AND family!

Sound familiar? The following tried and tested tips are the gems you need to maintain your mental stamina in the world of owner-operated businesses. As in all my articles, it's not a list of 'Do's and Don'ts'. Think positively. Just do the 'Do's'!

Do: Schedule your day

A common misconception about home-based businesses is that you have all the time in the world...after all, the PC's just there on the desk, you can always come back to it after dinner...right? Setting a working day schedule eliminates the need to work harder. Work smarter, start at the same time each day and schedule breaks. Give yourself a full hour for lunch. And when the working day is over, leave the work behind.

Do: Give yourself rewards

A happy worker equals great productivity. If you were employing someone, and they did a great job for you, you'd make sure it was recognised...right? Treat yourself like your best worker; when you've done great work, give yourself a reward - something specific to you that isn't an everyday occurrence. It might be as extravagant as a night in an up-market hotel, or as simple as a stroll along the beach. It's up to you.

Do: Get a fresh perspective

The overwhelming truth about home-based business is that it's incredibly insular. If the only people you deal with are customers and suppliers, it's easy to take on their needs and wants as your own. Instead, look at your friends and colleagues - think of them in terms of the business skill-set they hold. Choose successful people and make a date to catch up once a month, perhaps a breakfast meeting, and share ideas and skills. A fresh look at your business could be the difference between good and great.

Do: Offer your time gratis to help other businesses

Often, the person that sticks in your mind most is the one who went out of their way to do something nice for you without thought of reward. This works in exactly the same way when you perceive a need in someone else's business, and you offer to make a difference to them, gratis. Not only does it mean you get to feel good, but you'll be amazed at the goodwill it achieves in terms of future business, however altruistic your intention.

Do: Shakeup your environment

Look at your workspace with a fresh pair of eyes. File away all that past paperwork and remove the clutter from the office. Hire a rubbish truck if you need to! Now, physically turn your desk around and give yourself a new view. Take down old pictures and put up new ones. Whatever it takes, change your space.

Do: Make your goals a constant reminder

An oldie, but a goodie! The archer can't hit the target if he can't see it. Whether its sales figures, No's of calls or whatever your goal is, print it out on a large sheet of paper and stick it on the wall directly in your field of vision. It's amazing how quickly you begin to achieve them once they're sitting in front of you.

Do: Make yourself accountable

When you and the boss are the same person, it's easy to let deadlines, targets and the like become...shall we say...flexible. Success comes from consistently finishing what you start. So, tell someone a specific goal you have set for yourself, and have them make you accountable. Ask them to call you a day before your deadline...then again on the day itself. I guarantee you won't want to disappoint them. But in actual fact, you won't want to disappoint yourself.

Bonus 8th Tip

Do: Celebrate your team

"What team?" I hear you cry. Sure, you might be working all alone day to day, but I guarantee you've got a wonderful group of people around you without whom your business would not be anywhere near as good. Your husband/wife/partner/children/parents/friends/pets and more whose actions, ranging from seemingly insignificant to in-your-face overwhelmingly helpful keep you moving forward with purpose and passion. Go Team!

Home-based business sure beats the pants off working as an employee and with the above tips, you can immediately begin to bring back the magic of what makes it so special. And remember...take time out to celebrate your successes and to re-ignite your passion for your work.

May all your work go smooth!

Article Source: http://www.Go4yourMoney.com/articles

Greg Ward is a professional MC, speaker and entertainer with over 11 years of experience working as a sole-trader. To obtain a free copy of his 'Greg Ward's Smooth Awards' format , contact him at greg@gregward.co.nz or browse the website at www.gregward.co.nz

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