5 Productivity Tips for Home-Based Businesses

Running a business from your home offers many benefits, but there are pitfalls as well. Distractions abound, and family and other responsibilities can intrude on business time.

But the productivity lessons you learned in the outside world still apply to a home-based business. A well-organized and well-managed business is a productive business. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time and keep work and home life separate. 

1. Prioritize your tasks ahead of time.

By scheduling your tasks in order of importance, you can devote more attention to your most pressing tasks. You can prioritize your day so that you do not spend five hours answering email, while the rest of your duties slide. 

2. Set goals for your day.

As you plan your day, set the goals that you want to accomplish. Although you may not get through your entire to-do list, try to set and meet reasonable goals each day. 

 

3. Instruct your family.

"Family interference" is one reason some home-based businesses are unproductive. Your family must realize that even though you are at home, you are still “at work.” Sit down with your family and make sure they understand you need this set amount of time each day to run your business. 

 

4. Do not avoid overtime.

When you first start your home-based business, you may need to work extra hours to get it to the point of running smoothly. If you have to work ten hours a day instead of eight, do not be afraid to invest this extra time. 

 

5. Turn off distractions.

If the television or radio lures you away from your duties, turn it off. If you cannot avoid these distractions, try moving your office to another location in your home.