Designated Work Time for Our Make Money Online Business In 2008

Well it’s the end of 2007 and my thoughts are on how I can improve my online work schedule and tune out distractions.

I have found online business to have a lot of advantages.  The first is the fact I work from an office in my own home so I save a bundle not buying gas to commute to a day job.

My wife and I love to travel being baby boomers and with our own online business we can just plain take it on the road with us, pretty darn cool. Well as long as we can get internet access when we need it. Sometimes we get in some pretty out of touch places when traveling.

As great as working from home or the road is there are a few pitfalls just like those real world jobs.

For me personally one of the biggest challenges I face is staying on task and focused.  I can get distracted so easily at times that hours just disappear with little or no results. I have to constantly tell myself how important it is not to let distractions affect my productivity.

NOTE: Even if you’re not getting paid by the hour, time is still money.

Set Hours and Stick to Them

Another great advantage to being your own boss is the ability to set your own hours. Setting your own hours can also be a double edged sword. It is easy to become a workaholic or too be a slacker and never get anything done. It’s important to set a schedule for work as routines are beneficial for the mind.
During designated work time, avoiding Internet use for non-work related activities is essential.  Here are some ways you can help yourself do that:

• Keep one email address for your personal emailing and then your business email address. This will help you sort your email using filters. You will be able to put your personal emails on hold until your work is done or you have a scheduled break time. Don’t take work time to catch up on personal stuff. That’s A Big NO NO.
• I always have a notepad beside me when I work so that as things pop into my head I can write them down and continue working. Then I can deal with what ever it was later, after my work day is complete.
• Write yourself a note reminding yourself that work time is for work only, or put up an “Open” sign.  It can serve as a gentle reminder that business is the only thing that should be taking place.
• Don’t be afraid to tell your friends and family you have a work schedule to maintain. They shouldn’t call or they can just call back later, after the work day is complete.

Use Flexibility Wisely

Another great thing about working as your own boss is the flexibility.  There are times when something comes up and you need to attend to it right away, you can drop what you’re doing and attend to it.  But it’s crucial to only use that privilege when absolutely necessary as your mind can come up with an endless list of urgent things that aren’t really urgent.

When you have an unexpected interruption, you lose working hours.  If you were working at a regular job, you would have to either take sick time, vacation time or lose pay.  When you work for yourself, you can make the hours up at a time that is convenient for you.  It is, however, important to make them up at some point.

An online business is one of the most convenient and flexible ways to work from home and make money online.  It also presents more opportunities for distraction than many people imagine.  Online business success requires a lot of discipline, but the rewards are many.

Happy New Year