Home based businesses are tough to run

There is always the distractions with the kids, dog, phone, TV, or just about anything you want to be a distraction. You have to make the time for your business, and commit to it every day. Between the hours of A - B you are at work, and you should not be disturbed (for any reason) so you can concentrate on growing and building your business.

It is easier to give in to the distractions, but at the end of the day, you have done little to grow your business.

By commiting yourself to your business, and treating it like a business, you will succeed.

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Permalink Reply by e-presence Consultants Inc. on December 13, 2010 at 2:00pm

This is very true! I have been running my own business since 1991 and I find the days where I designate time and carefully plan my day I usually achieve the most.

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Permalink Reply by John Wright on December 13, 2010 at 4:19pm

What is that saying:

"If you fail to plan, you are planning on failing"

If I don't have a "TO DO" list for every day, then I just don't get things done.

e-presence Consultants Inc. said:

This is very true! I have been running my own business since 1991 and I find the days where I designate time and carefully plan my day I usually achieve the most.

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Permalink Reply by Wendy on January 3, 2011 at 7:42am

This is so true. When you run your own business you must be organized and focused. I love having my own business, I don't know if I could ever go back to a job where I have to be there at a certain time. I feel very spoiled and blessed.

Wendy Okkema

Personal Trainer/Lifestyle Coach

http://www.yakshealthylifestyles.bravehost.com

ryakattack@aim.com

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Permalink Reply by Wendy on March 30, 2011 at 8:57am

These are great suggestions and I will definitely try to implement them. It's so true that there are times when you think to yourself, what did I do today. It's good to have something to look at to see that your day was not wasted.

Have a good one!

Wendy

Fish Solutions said:

I think careful planning is great. Not only doesn't it make you focus, it allows you to look back on your day and see what you actually did accomplish. Even if it isn't all of your list for the day, you will see that you have accomplished something. What I find that goes hand in hand with the planning is a timesheet of what you worked on when. Also mark down every time that you are distracted and how long it was for, and by what, and how long before you got back on track. It will be a good indicator of where your time is going and what to avoid so you aren't wasting time. Somedays it is just letting every call goto voicemail so I can stay focused on my work, and then check messages at certain times.

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Permalink Reply by Mary Juffs on May 27, 2011 at 9:59am

I totally agree;

I have a routine where I get up at a certain time; get dressed in my work outfit; Then I go into my Studio; turn on the computer; then go and make my coffee; when I return to the computer it is ready for me to start the day!

I look at my Calendar for any appointments I have for the Day, then Check my email; spend 1/2 -1 hr. doing my email! then I look at my To Do list that I made the night before;

If I have some projects to work on at my Table I do those for about 2 hrs, then I have another small break check emails and have another coffee; then I do any paperwork that needs doing for the business; check my to do list again; then if I have any business arrends to do I do that in the afternoon for an hour or so, come back home and finish up projects and check emails do a to do list for the next day, and mark any appointments in my planner; the clean up the Studio and finish for the Day around 6 pm!

Mary Juffs

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Permalink Reply by lesleigh hunter on August 9, 2011 at 10:37am

This is so true! It is very difficult to own your own business for the simple fact that you are your own boss. I always ask myself one question at the end of the day. " Would I fire myself today?" this way I always have to answer the question honestly. Trust me there are days that I would most likely say "yes" and then there are others when I would totally disagree. I am a mother of 5 children and not getting distracted is very hard. I have a set time that I work and I have to keep with those hours and not divert from the plan. This way I feel I can keep an adequate balance between my family and business.

One thing that rings true everyday is "Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven't planted. ~ David Bly"

http://www.myinternetceomama.com

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Permalink Reply by Wendy on August 9, 2011 at 10:56am

Hi Lesliegh

I don't know how old your children are but mine are school age. July was good, I prepared my newsletters and articles in June but I must say nearing the end of the summer I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.

Looking forward to my routine. I'm very fortunate that my clients are very understanding and know I'll be back on track soon.

Wendy

Personal Trainer/Lifestyle Coach

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Permalink Reply by Mary Juffs on August 9, 2011 at 10:59am

I like what you said about your question you ask yourself everyday;

I worked for a company for 13 years then last Nov. was told my Job was restructuring; and that my services we not needed any longer;

I had started my Part time business while still working; and now that I don't have that Job to go to everyday; I am trying to focus on my Business Full time now! I do not have any small children or those distractions at this point in my life any longer, but I also do not have the finances that I had when I was working (out side any longer) I am learning so much now; about Marketing and Networking and trying to Promote my Business! big difference doing the Physical Promoting; and doing it online through social media etc, and right now I do not have a Website so it is hard to get to show people what I create and sell!

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Permalink Reply by Wendy on August 9, 2011 at 11:13am

Hi Mary

Wendy Okkema here. I've had my own business for almost 17 years now. I had heard and I find this to be true. Focus. You have your product great, but 85% of your time needs to be spent on marketing.

I have a website. My host is a free one. I'm quite computer illiterate so if I can do it anyone can. My host is bravehost.com

You can check out my website at www.yakshealthylifestyles.bravehost.com

Once you start working on your website it's actually kind of fun.

Good luck.

Wendy

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Permalink Reply by Marine Caro on May 23, 2012 at 3:53pm

Hi John!

What you're saying is so true. But, did you see the New Feature at Fiitfu, that allows you to track your success?

High-lightening all you have accomplished during the day to focus on the positive is a healthy way to keep you motivated and moving forward in your business.