Home Sweet Office

Being your own boss comes with plenty of perks, not the least of which is working from home. In this post we’ve compiled some insider tips on making the most of your home office, so if you’re already a Franchisee, or simply thinking about heading your own business operation, you’ll want to pay close attention.

Privacy please. We all treasure the comforts of home and our loved ones, but during work hours you’ll need to stay focused. Be sure to establish a private area for your desk and materials, and remind family or housemates that you can’t be frequently interrupted.

Tune out. If being in the same room with the television is a temptation, find another place to set up shop. Without the tension of an office setting, it can be easy to forget you’re at work at all. During work hours don’t turn on the tube, excessively browse the net, nor answer personal calls if it can be helped. Reward yourself with short breaks for lunch and coffee, but don’t forget that your job is still serious business. On the bright side, if you can work while you listen to music, there won’t be anyone around to poke fun at your choice in tunes (and you can sing along as loud as you please).

Everything in its place. An organised workspace is a functional workspace so keep it tidy! Have any information you need neatly filed and easily accessible, and try keeping all office supplies in permanent places. Giving every item a ‘single home’ where it always sits ensures you never have to go scrambling for a pen or stapler. Have a phone nearby to take calls from clients and employees, and set your web browser to open on your company homepage. You may also want to post favourite inspirational sayings or pictures of loved ones to keep you motivated—anything that creates the atmosphere of a traditional office will help keep your mind in work mode.

Indulge a little. All work and no play would make your life rather dreary, and as your own boss you ought to order yourself to enjoy life a bit more! Working from home means you can make your office just the way you like it, so say goodbye to cube claustrophobia, and introduce yourself to the office of your dreams. Celebrate your new business venture with a super comfy chair (you know, like the one your old boss had) and buy yourself some gourmet coffee or tea. You are officially the most important person in the office, so go ahead and act like it!

Keep on schedule. Your schedule is entirely up to you, but try to set it up ahead of time and then stick to it. You will almost certainly be more productive if you work a set number of hours at set times each week, especially if you tend to procrastinate. Fancy sleeping in? Go ahead. Even if you decide to start work at 8am, you won’t have to wake up before sunrise to make the commute—with your office across the hall, time is now on your side.

Get out and about. Hopefully your job gives you the chance to meet up with people and get out of the house, because working alone to begin with may seem a bit isolating. Fortunately, TopMatch Franchisees don’t have to worry about this because a big part of their job is meeting and getting to know new clients in public. In any case, it is important for you to get out each day, even if it’s just for a quick walk around the neighbourhood. Our minds and bodies can both become sluggish if they aren’t adequately stimulated with social interaction and physical activity.

Try not to brag. Don’t brag too much, anyway. You’re going to love being in control of your own schedule, salary, and responsibilities. Don’t be surprised if your friends get a bit envious! Of course, as your business grows, you might just be able to offer them success of their own, as your happy employees!