If you are self employed or working at home for a corporation there is a work at home protocol that will insure personal & corporate success…. 7 Tips for Working from Home
Number One: Set your agenda/schedule and follow it.
Number Two: Dress the part. If you wouldn't do business in your husband's boxers or your wife’s robe then don't wear that when you start your business day.. Dress in a professional manner.
Number Three: Be careful of snack attacks, taking little bites here and there add up- the freshman 15 doesn't look good or sit well on any us.
Number Four: Beware of activities that are dressed up like business opportunities. Things such as emails, texting, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn- all of these are important, yet must be utilized in a limited fashion. Set time parameters and follow them.
Number Five: Keep your professional persona; don't relax your professional boundaries and or personal screen. You’re in your home office-not on the Jerry Springer show… so comments that are of personal nature should be kept out of business conversations. People don't want to know you haven't brushed, had a fuss with your spouse or changed your clothes in 2 days.
Number Six : Set Boundaries with your friends, animals, children, husband, & neighbors. They need to know you keep a tight office schedule and that they can't just stop by and plunk down for a 20 minute coffee klatch.
Number Seven: Open and close shop at the same time every single business day. 15 minutes before closing time, read over your list of things to accomplished; check off things completed and start a list of things to complete the next day.
Working from home can be most satisfying and successful for both you and your family if you keep these simple steps in mind!
PATRICIA ROSSI is the Nationally Syndicated Manners Correspondent for NBC’s “Daytime” where she hosts the popular Manners Minute segments. Patricia is a renowned etiquette consultant and author of “Everyday Etiquette Made Easy”.
Visit PatriciaRossi.com to browse manners clips, find her event appearances and workshops in the Tampa Bay area or to order your book! Contact Patricia directly at: 727-457-0070
Enjoyed your article and the structure list! need to start that tomorrow! SB
Thanks for the 7 tips, Patricia.
I wrote a post today inspired on your post. I had to do all this adjustments few years ago when I started. Thank you for sharing Patricia.
Ric
This the second reference in so many days about women wearing their husband's boxers?! Women actually wear their husband's underwear? That's really gross. And I take it the next thing, because men are always wearing their wives' bathrobes (who knew?), they're also going to be wearing their wives' underwear. I realize the Ms. Ross may be joking to add a colorful picture to her article, but frankly, this was a distracting addition and considering the state of life among people today, I wouldn't be surprised that some people think this type of behavior is common, acceptable or even shows how "close" two people are.
Good article otherwise!
thanks Patricia, great advice!
Greetings Jordan,
Appreciate you reading the Post on Home office Success.
Hugs to your bride.
Best,
Patricia
Hi Patricia and Happy New Year!
This is Great! It does take dicipline to work from home and be productive…but it is oh so rewarding. I’m fortunate enough to work in and out of the house as I generally work from home unless I’m going to see a client, doing a speaking engagement or hosting my networking group so I get a good mix of both. I learned long ago to get up, shower and dress as if I was going to a job. You never know when a potential client may call and be able to fit you in at the last minute for an appointment. Thanks!
HI Barbara,
Thanks so very much. Happy you liked the Work at Home Success Post.
Have a beautiful and successful New Year..
All my Best,
Patricia Rossi
Have any advise for an individual agreeing to work from home for a corporation that does not have a home office in the state, and would it be fair and reasonable to expect compensation in some way for turning one of my two bedrooms into an office?
Is there a protocol for such an arrangement to be compensated for electricity, telephone, space, etc.?
Thank you for these brilliant tips, especially the part of dressing for the job.
Hello Amanda~
YOu are most welcome.
Patricia Rossi