Working from home as a virtual assistant definitely has its advantages. You can make your own schedule, work any hours of the day, and work around your family responsibilities. Although it seems like the perfect option for those who dislike the 9-5 lifestyle, it takes dedication, commitment, and hard work to make it a productive venture. Implementing these tips into your daily schedule will help you build and grow a successful business.
1. Set a Schedule
Set a daily schedule and stick to it. Obviously, things happen. Emergencies arise, clients reschedule, and family members become sick. You will most likely need to deviate from your schedule at times, just like you would if you were working in an outside office. When this happens, there’s no need to panic. Simply rearrange your schedule in order to meet your deadlines as needed and continue working as usual.
2. Create a Routine
When you worked outside your home, you had a routine, even if you didn’t realize it. Creating a consistent morning routine will help make a smooth transition between waking up, getting ready for your day, and beginning your work each morning.
3. Choose a Workspace
Having a dedicated workspace will help switch your mindset from “working hours” to “home hours”. The type of workspace you choose is completely up to your personal preference. It can be a desk in your bedroom, the dining room table, or even a completely separate home office. The point is to provide yourself with a physical space where you can completely separate your at-home responsibilities from your work responsibilities.
4. Consider Telecommuting
It may be helpful to add telecommuting to your weekly work schedule. Getting away from your home office may help get those creative juices flowing or keep you from getting distracted by home or family responsibilities. Plan on spending a day or two at a spot that is away from home, such as a coffee shop, local public library, or a co-working space. Be sure that the location you go to has reliable wireless Internet so you can keep up with your work schedule.
Our Goal is Your Success
Our goal here at VA Biz Lady is to assist you as you navigate your way through starting or growing your virtual assistant business. The tips above are sure to give you an advantage as you implement them over time. In the next blog post, we will share four more tips for successfully and productively working from home. Be sure to also check out our free and affordable resources such as our Done-for-You social media graphics, free business forms, and new client welcome packet.