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Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Boss is Looking over Your Shoulder


One of the not-so-fun things about being an employee is that there is often someone looking over your shoulder. Your employer may even give annual performance reviews. 

It has been about a decade since I last had a boss.  I’ve worked for myself, and I am actually tougher on myself than any employer I ever had. 

It can be challenging for those just starting out with their own business to complete all their daily tasks.   Many home business owners have difficulty with time management.  I often suggest that my team members write out a work schedule to help them accomplish everything each day, week or month. 

I recently read an article that basically said the same thing, but the terminology they used was better than mine.  In the article, the home business owner suggested that we follow a routine each day.  Just getting started each day (going “to work”) can be difficult for some.  If we have a regular routine, however, it is less challenging.

I never thought about it before I read the article, but I have a routine that I follow nearly every work day.  My morning routine is about the same as if I was working a “job.”  I am an early riser and get up and have breakfast with my husband while we catch up on the TV news.  I then shower and get dressed.  I don’t wear heels and a dress, but I dress neatly, fix my hair and wear makeup. 

My husband and I then go to our local mall to walk for 30 minutes.  This time together with no phones, no email or other interruptions is physically good for us; and it is our “alone time” when we discuss various topics and connect.  It is a good way to start the day.

We arrive home at about 8 AM, and it is time for me to “go to work.”  I go to my home office, and my work routine begins.  I read and respond to my email first.  I write a blog five days a week after processing my email.  When I have new team members who need training, I schedule training sessions for late morning if it works for them. 

I do not “advertise” my business very much, but I participate quite a bit on forums and network marketing websites.  I’ve been in my current business over two years and have accumulated a variety of networking sites that are good places to “brand myself.”  I also enjoy visiting and sharing information with other members on these sites.  The forum members learn from each other and help one another promote their businesses. 

I spend time daily on three sites.  I visit a few others less frequently, a couple times a week.  My business is network marketing, so I must be flexible.  I sometimes receive calls from prospects and team members. I handle the calls and return to my routine. I won’t go through my entire day, because I’m sure you get the idea.

Home business owners who are disorganized and cannot manage their time are unlikely to be successful.  Self-motivation is also required since there is no boss looking over their shoulder to be sure they are working.  Working a home business is not for everyone, but for those of us who are able to “be their own boss,” the rewards are many.

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