Three things that separate freelance work at home writers from those who work for a corporation outside the home is the ability to work independently, keep track of our work projects and manage our internal and external resources.
However sometimes we need a bit of help in these areas and when we don’t get it soon enough, our work can easily suffer.
Don’t let this happen to you, below we highlight four key things you can do to stay on top of (and maybe even conquer) the work at home productivity blues.
Let us know below in the comment section – how you do things better, faster and or simply complete what needs to be done by sharing your feedback in the comment area.
1. Delegate/Outsource -
This is supremely important if your service or products are gaining in popularity and are exceeding your available supply. As soon as your business begins to grow, first congratulate yourself on a job well done, then it’s time to begin looking for help to improve your productivity. This could be in the form of an intern, full time help, part time help and or simply an occasional dip with a VA.
Whichever avenue you decide to take, make sure you realize how important delegating and outsourcing is to the future of your company. Without the needed and appropriate help, you will not be able to grow the business in the first place, so this is a crucial step and one that should not be taken lightly. Look online, offline and in your social networks to scout out potential good help.
2. Use Tech -
You might be surprised to learn that a few iPhone, iPad and Kindle Fire apps could possibly aid in your productivity. There are apps for keeping track of time, apps for good note taking, for keeping a writing journal, client project management, payment apps and so on. Think of what you need, then do a search or ask around to see if an app exists which will make the task at hand; faster, better and or easier to manage. Some will be FREE, while others will be paid – regardless grab a few and see your tasks magically disappear into your DONE pile.
3. Exercise Journal -
If you missed the infographic which made the rounds all over the web on the ill effects of sitting, here is the link – so you can take a look. Essentially this infographic had details on how sitting for extended periods of time each day is more detrimental than almost all other forms of activity including standing all day every day at work. This was a huge revelation and the reason this graphic made quite the splash when it came out is that we’ve been hearing for years and years how standing is harmful, yet along comes this whammy of health information on how sitting is even worse. As writers, this is big news that unfortunately can’t easily be dismissed.
So we advise you to create work environments where the sitting is minimal, where exercise is a part of the overall equation and where movement is key. You can walk each day for 40 minutes several times a day and incorporate this into your daily writing routine. Take a break during lunch and go out for a nice walk, take a break in the afternoon and walk in place for another 30 minutes and then again in the early evening. You heart and your productivity will thank you.
4. Timer System -
Many swear by this method and the reason being is because (for some) this technique works. What you do is you keep a timer literally by your desk and this could be an old fashioned kitchen timer, a virtual desktop timer or a fun wacky gadget timer you found on Think Geek. Whichever type you end up using, the key is to set it at different internals, say 30 minutes for social media, 2 hours for writing, 15 minutes for bathroom breaks and you can even include time for exercise breaks. If you need structure in your daily routine, the timer system might prove to be quite helpful.
That concludes our four productivity tips for work at home freelance writers. Hope these have been helpful, and do give us your feedback below in the comment area. We love comments and will reply to each one.
Guest article entry by: Missy Diaz, who spends at least 60 minutes a day in various fitness routines so she doesn’t get unproductive or stale at work. When she’s not running, walking or jogging, she writes on behalf of a life insurance quotes provider on the web.
Hi Vickie,
LOL! Yes, outsource to your kids, I love that idea. It helps you out and it also keeps them occupied. Thanks for the great feedback
I also use the timer system. If I don’t, I would never get anything done as I get sidetracked so easily. The outsourcing idea can be expanded to household needs as well. For instance, I am a stay at home mom. You would be surprised what a difference it makes to delegate a few chores to the kids so you can finish up a current project.
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A fine blog which talks about important topics apart from benefits or losses of being a freelance writer. Very often we loose track of time and keeping a timer handy is a great idea. And although freelancers can have flexible hours, its always advisable to follow a daily routine for maximum productivity.
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Outsourcing is definitely important for those who work online. It allows telecommuters and home business owners to free up more time to focus on their job or business.
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Twitter: epidotisimag
on May 4, 2012 at 10:29 am said:
great advice. I would also add “don’t forget PR” and expanding your business network
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on April 24, 2012 at 12:01 am said:
Managing Free Lancing with an existing job is never been easier. Your trick with the smart phones works definitely as I myself utilizes my mobile’s To-Do list to prioritize my tasks accordingly & it works like a charm. Thanks for sharing your experience about Free Lancing.
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I’ve never heard of the timer system technique but I can see how using a virtual desktop timer and working at different intervals can be useful. I also find getting up from my desk and taking a breathe of fresh air to walk my dog or to just take a walk clears my head and helps me to refocus on the project I’m working on. Taking a quick 5 to 10 minute break is always important.
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Mercedes, yes, I think we always wonder when working on our own at home, what the future will bring. We like to know that there’s some permanency. But you could think of it this way, even with an outside job, nothings really permanent
I’ve been working as a home base assistant for almost 4 years.The career path is pretty good but i am not sure how permanent it is.
Hey Missy, Working at home isn’t always what people expect. You’ve provided some great tips and advice
Twitter: SuperBlogga
on April 19, 2012 at 9:36 am said:
Hi, Liz:
More than ever now, individuals are working from home. So I hope my tips above help someone in finding a good balance between work and play. Thanks for letting me guest post.
Cheers!
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