10 New Year's Resolutions for Home Businesses & Telecommuters
McLean, VA (December 21, 2007) – The new year brings fresh opportunities for home-based professionals to reassess their business structure and organization. Here are 10 New Year's resolutions to help organize home businesses and telecommuting centers, improve performance and achieve goals more effectively in 2008.
Resolution 1 – Demand a separation. (No, not from your significant other.) Rather, it is time to separate your home office from your home by having a clearly designated, inviolate work area. The kids should not use your business computer for homework, and your husband should not use it for his fantasy football league. Similarly, your desk, files, books and records should be completely separate from personal or family materials. And by the way, this separation will make it easier for you at tax time when you need to identify at-home business expenses.
Resolution 2 – Try a makeover. (No, not your wardrobe.) Now that you've created a workspace, determine if you need to revise the layout and update the equipment to make sure the office isn't getting in the way of the business. For example, is there adequate, uncluttered workspace on your desk, or do your computer, printer, lamp, stereo and phone take up so much space that you have to place papers on the floor, and balance hot coffee on your lap? Do you have to become a contortionist to reach a file cabinet, printer, or fax, or worse, do you constantly have to trek to a different room to retrieve a document?
Resolution 3 – Get in shape. (Not at the gym.) Studies show the most effective layout for a desk and computer is "L" shaped; if you're right-handed, the "L" should be on your left side, and if you're a south-paw, vice versa. So shape your work area for maximum efficiency, convenience and comfort.
Resolution 4 – Lose a few pounds. (Of paper.) Get rid of old papers and make 2008 the "year of the shredder" by purchasing a shredder and learning when and how to use it. As a general rule, documents with personal information, credit card or social security numbers, health information and other private matters should not be retained any longer than absolutely necessary. So shred it and forget it.
Resolution 5 – Back up. (Your data on a regular basis.) Turn Key recommends weekly back up, but some organizations back up daily. Use a designated back-up server, or simply burn a back-up CD or DVD. But please store CDs/DVDs properly and test them to be sure the data you need is there when you want it.
Resolution 6 – Become obsessive and compulsive. (Regarding financial records.) For many professionals, billing, accounts receivable, logging business expenses and other financial record keeping are diversions that take them away from their primary business activity. The best way to break the bad habits of tardy billing, expense reporting and tax filing is to replace them with good habits – compulsions – regarding timeliness, efficiency and effective record keeping. Not sure how to do this? See Resolution #7 or contact Turn Key.
Resolution 7 – Get with the program. (That is, a new business program that will help you be more efficient and effective.) Software may not solve every problem of office organization, but today, there are many easy-to-use options for everything from accounting to customer relationship management. So smart business people try to learn at least one new program every year to improve their work flow.
Resolution 8 – Conserve energy. (Your own.) Stop wasting time, effort and business resources. Energy "conservation" requires careful organization, easily understood procedures regarding paper flow and document handling, and simple steps that can be followed even on difficult days. There are many ways to achieve this organizational clarity and focus, and Turn Key can help identify what's right for you.
Resolution 9 – Go shopping. (Now that's a resolution!) Office supply stores, like other retailers, have large sales after New Years, creating the perfect time for home business owners to indulge a little. Check web sites and ads for price breaks on everything from color printers to that ergonomic chair you've been eyeing. These items may even be tax deductible (especially once you designate them for the office rather than the home).
Resolution 10 – Get a life! ("You are what you eat"? ) Maybe, but "You are what you do"? No way! Home business owners are complete human beings with all the needs, desires, strengths and weaknesses associated with this condition. So set time limits, walk away from the office, turn off the computer, shut the lights and close the door. Then, go to the gym, meet a friend, or take the dog to the park. Read a book – for fun. Plan a vacation. Live and enjoy!
Happy New Year from Turn Key Office Solutions
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Turn Key Office Solutions helps professional firms, businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies achieve optimal performance from their personnel and information and records management systems to ensure organizational issues do not impair performance and service.
For more information contact:
performance@turnkeyoffice.com
Call 703.538.2866
Or visit Turn Key on the web at www.turnkeyoffice.com