How To Get More Out Of Your Working Day

I’ve been my own boss and worked at home for many years. Trouble is, I have to kick myself in my own butt occasionally if I’ve been procrastinating and not getting the jobs done. That’s a mental picture I don’t want to formulate very often. Getting yourself and your office organized so you can go to an item, or location in your office even if blindfolded (not recommended but offered up only as imagery to help you focus), will help you operate at peak efficiency.

I’ve divided some tips into useful (hopefully to you!) packets of info that will lead you into what can be the nirvana of owning your own at-home business.

Get Organized – Get The Right Software

Below is the software that I find to be particularly effective. I’m a PC user so all this software can be used on PC and most of it on Mac as well, where it can’ be used on Mac I have supplied a Mac alternative.

1. Skype — This software allows me to speak with anyone, anywhere in the world for free if they also have Skype and at a very reduced if they don’t. International news organizations use this a lot now. You can download it for free. For videoconferencing you’ll need a camera that will operate through an Internet connection.
2. Pamela — This is a Skype add-on, besides myself over 4 million people use it. You can record all your important conversations – its easier than taking notes. A voice recorder like this can create a message, and be a reminder for important dates such as anniversaries.
3. SnagIt — I love using this as you can capture screen shots and add captions. If you have your own website this software is a must. Share this with a collaborator and your presentations to clients will be superb!
4. Google Calendar — This is a great tool from that uber-search engine Google. It enables me to grab calendar info from any computer, anywhere.
5. RoboForm — This program has been a life saver for me. It stores passwords and important info like usernames so you can enter a password protected websites on the click of a button. Much better than using your email program or address book to store this info because its password protected and a USB version exists for people who travel.
6. Google Documents — Allows me to share documents anywhere and on any computer with an Internet connection and its free.
7. Carbonite — Not a weapon from Star Trek but a backup for your important stuff on a server that’s secure, and away from your computer. It runs in the background automatically saves your data via encryption on another server. I have not suffered a computer meltdown to put it to the test yet but I do know that it does not slow down my PC while its running.

Keep Energized

Working around laptops, desktops, smart phones and the like can be more tiring that many people can imagine. Here are some tips I use to keep productive by keeping my energy levels high.

1. I stick to healthy snacks, preferring fruit and vegetables to cakes and biscuits. Its easy to skip meals when working from home, I always take my meal breaks. If you eat healthy and don’t make yourself overly full, then you will be able to get the most from your working day.

2. I Keep a bottle of water handy all day. Being hydrated makes me feel less sleepy, and I always drink some water around thirty minutes after I get up, even if I have coffee.

3. I try and stretch and take a walk and a few deep breaths, outside as much as possible, I find that this makes my energy last longer.

I’ve incorporated all of these tips into my home office life and business over the years and I can say that they have all contributed to my productivity. Passing them along to others is a way of saying thanks to people who have helped me along the way. I love doing business at home, and making a good life for myself and my family — follow my tips so you can get more out of your working day .