How to "Positive Work Space" for your Home Business

In my work space

Get Your Work Space Right

Your home is where you live so it is an added challenge to set up and work your business from your home. This will require you to be flexible, have dedication, self discipline and ambition.

First, get the right “space” for working your home business. This will help set the right mood and atmosphere so you can concentrate on your business. It is preferable to have an area of your home that you can dedicate exclusively to your business. From a financial standpoint, having a space that you can use just for your business allows you to take the home office deductions on your taxes.

I have my own home office room now, which is great. I enjoy working in this space. Over the years, though, I have had to run a home business from my bedroom, a cupboard, the kitchen table or wherever I could find space to operate. None of these areas were ideal, they were all I had available to use at the time and so I learnt to be quite flexible.

Having a separate space for your home business is not always possible for everyone. It certainly adds a challenge carrying around your business files etc and setting up each time in a different area.

I have learnt a few useful tips over the years to help.

•  If you do have to move your business effects around then develop tidy habits so it is easy to find and open your files that you need next time. Nothing is worse than spending time looking for things. Even now when I work, I tend to have papers spread all over the place but I pack everything up at the end of a work session.
• It is best to have all your information stored in boxes or files. Make sure it is easy to move and set up. Have all your pens, staple etc, in a separate container.
• It is preferable to have natural light or try to get good lighting. It will save straining your eyes. I had a portable side light for night-time use which made all the difference.
• Try to insulate yourself from surround noise especially if you require quiet to work, I have used ear plugs in the past.
• Ensure your family/friends know to leave you alone. When you sit down to work you are to be uninterrupted!
• I had a work colleague in Insurance years ago; who was a very successful agent  and when at home would work out of his car in the garage, because he could make phone calls in the quiet and be undistrubed.
• To help you take ownership of the space use positive photos, awards, quotes, affirmations or objects that will uplift and inspire you.

The most important thing to get in your head that where-ever you set up this area becomes work space. When you have opened up your computer, set out your papers, think of yourself in a work capsule. Insulate your mind from your surroundings outside your work area. This is very much a mental thing.

Now focus on what you have to do because at the end of the day, it is up to you. Go for it!