Hanging on my wall is a large dry erase marker whiteboard that is overlaid with a calendar grid. You can buy one of these at any office supply store. When I take on a jew project, I note down the key dates.
For example, if I have a job writing twenty web-content articles about cars that is due in two weeks, then I will write, "Cars - First Ten" on the square for a week from now, and "Cars - Finished" on the square for two weeks from now.
As you are working on the internet and just about all of the details of your work will be stored on your computer, its not necessary to go into detail on your calendar, simply note reminders of the important deadlines.
When I started I used a regular calender, but as I took on more projects, Isoon ran out of room in the boxes and I find being able to erase a task makes me feel as though I have progressed.
It may seem like a small thing, but finding a way to physically display your progress can be a great motivator. I also keep a running tally of my earnings in the upper corner of the board. Whenever you get frustrated or bored with the work, just look at that number and think about how great your vacation is going to be this year, or whatever your motivation is.
Pick Your Method
It doesn't really matter what method you use in order to keep yourself organized. Some people use calendar programs on their computer, others simply write out a list on a piece of scrap paper. One person I know puts post-it notes along her desk and moves them around as priorities change. A system like that would drive me crazy, but it works for him.
There is no problem in experimenting, but always keep your deadlines on track. Once you have this sort of system worked out, you'll be amazed at how easily other things fall into place.
As in any other work situation, when you have established a system that works, you become able to take on new challenges.
Organize Your Work Day
After much learning and experimenting I was able to find what works for me.
Here are some suggestions that I have found useful. You will find what fits your needs and business as well. Try out the tips below, figure out what works for you. Only you will know what works and doesn't work for you.
1. Have a planner.
2. Have a notebook just to jot down ideas real fast.
3. Have pens and pencils at the ready.
4. Have an area to hold all your CD Roms that you use.
5. Have a file cabinet to hold all your files, sales receipts, etc.
6. Have a HUGE wall calendar to look at in a glance.
7. Have your phone near your computer with the answering machine on it
8. Have Caller ID, WHY? So you can glance at your phone and decide if you can answer the phone. I hate it when I am in deep thought and I get bothered by a non-important call, such as the newspaper salesperson or a recorded message that I could have listened to later.
9. Keep your printer supplies in reach. If at all possible, keep an extra ink cartridge, extra printing paper and extra highlighters, etc., so you don't run out.
Check in your area to see if Office Depot or Office Max will exchange your ink cartridge for paper. I never have to buy paper, as I have so many ink cartridges saved. I take one cartridge to one store and go to the next with another and thus have two reams of paper sitting at my table at all times.
10. Keep any books you refer to for work on or near your computer table for quick reference.
11. Have an index box to hold all your customer contact information.
12. Keep track of customer's birthdays and send them cards when it comes around.
13. Keep a diary. Why is this important? On those days you are so frustrated and just need to vent?write it all down! Get it off your chest! Then walk away for a while and do something else.
14. Have a brief case to hold any information for those times you go networking offline. Yep, I said offline.
To be really successful, no matter what you do, you need to do both online and offline marketing.
So keep a brief case or a file folder ready at all times to run out the door, you never know when and where your next client will come from.
Remember to be successful in a home based business you need to be organized. Start out each day knowing what it is you need to do for that day.
Don't spend all your time trying to get organized do it in small steps and soon your business and your life will be running smoothly.
Both James Schramko & Rebecca White are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
James Schramko has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing, Affiliate Programs and Wrinkles. For free advice on working from home by internet marketing, don't miss out on the free report at I. James Schramko's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.
Rebecca White has sinced written about articles on various topics from Work From Home, Advertising Guide. Rebecca White has been marketing online for over 3 years. During the 3 years she has used e-books and software products that she has purchased to help her become the well known WAHM internet marketing expert that she is today.http://www.experts4wahms.com. Rebecca White's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.
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