Are you planning on working from home? Are you finding it challenging to complete tasks without being distracted? Is time management a challenge for you?

When I started working from home with my internet marketing business, I found it easy to get distracted and lose my focus. I am disclosing some of my best tips, so that you can learn from my mistakes-which brings me to tip #1!

1. Leverage your time by finding a mentor – The easiest way to get good at something is to find somebody who is good at it and copy them. There are many ways to find a mentor. One is by searching online for your business and see who comes up. Read recommendations and download free offers from their site to see who might be the best fit. Check out people who have written good articles about working from home.

Another way is to ask friends who are in the same or related business. If they are very successful, take them out to lunch and ask questions. Most successful people truly enjoy mentoring others, so don’t be afraid to ask.

2. Make a schedule and stick to it – When you worked for a boss, did you have certain hours that you had to be at work? Did you have certain tasks that you needed to accomplish? Now that YOU are your boss, create your own hours and tasks and treat your business like a business!

3. Cut out distractions – Are you distracted by email and social networks when working from home? So was I and I still am if I don’t take steps to avoid it. When I first boot up my email for the day, I delete everything that is not related to what I am doing. This includes offers for the next shiny object and the next magic software. Today, when I booted up my gmail account, I deleted 111 emails and kept 4. If I can’t see it, it can’t distract me.

4. Set a timer – Set a timer for 25 minutes and work with intensity. When the timer goes off, take a 5 minute break and begin all over again. This creates an artificial deadline and it really works. I use a clever little iPhone app called “Pomodoroplus”. It basically is a timer that shows me how much time I have left for my task and how many tasks (called “Pomodoros”) I have accomplished for the day. Currently, I have 5 minutes to go while writing this article so I know that I have to keep focused.

5. Don’t answer the phone – When you were working for a boss, you were probably asked to not take personal calls. Your family and friends have to be trained to understand that this is a business like any other, even though you are working from home. Even a quick phone call will lead to distraction, so turn your phone off while you are working.

Well, I have 75 seconds left and have managed to write an article from start to finish in my 25 minute period. Try these tips and you will be accomplishing more that you ever thought possible while working from home.

For years I was a head-down, “git-er-done” sort of chick. If I’m totally honest, I still have a lot of that girl in me and I honestly fight against her fairly often. Let me explain. While it’s great to have that type of drive and determination, what I learned a few years ago was that never getting off the tread mill to look at the bigger picture and create a long (and short) term plan for my business would hinder my growth in the long run. Once I finally lifted my head long enough to realize that I was working much harder than I would be if I actually had a clear plan, setting aside and honoring time for planning in my business got easier.

Consequently, I’ve done quarterly and annual planning for my life and business for the past 3 years and it’s absolutely made a difference! The thing is, next year is almost here, and now is the time to really start thinking about making a plan for 2012.

Let me lay out a few tips and tricks that may make it easier (dare I say even fun) for you. This is what’s worked for me (and I have to give a shout out to my sweet, amazing, rock-star friend Krista Clive-Smith – formerly Krista Green – for teaching me most of what I know about planning. She’s still one of my planning partners).

Plan Time to Plan (and stick to it!) – First and foremost, you have to actually make time to sit down and go through a planning process. That means putting at least a half day on your scheduled dedicated to annual planning sometime before the end of the year, and then scheduling in at least a half day at the end of each quarter to solidify your plans for the next quarter. I’ve actually spent the last three years at a weekend retreat with my mastermind group dedicating an entire two days to this. For the first time this year, I won’t have that luxury so will rely on planning sessions over the phone with a few strategic partners as well as a full day I’m planning to hole up somewhere quiet in December where I’ll unplug and plan. Bottom line – put it on your calendar and honor that time, no matter what.

Choose a Theme For Your Year – This might seem sort of “woo woo” but it’s probably had the greatest impact on me. I get quiet, check in with my higher power, and “ask” for my theme. It always comes through loud and clear. This year, it was “Relax and Receive the Blessings.” That’s fairly counter intuitive to my “go, go, go!” energy, and has transformed my life and business as I’ve stopped trying to push and control and instead moved where I’ve been lead.

Choose Your Major Areas of Focus – I outline at least three to five major areas of focus for the coming year, making sure not to neglect anything in my life or business. This supports the harmony in your life and keeps your “eye on the prize” in all areas. My areas for this year were:

• Direct Sales Training
• Spirituality
• Home and Family
• The Undivided Divorce (a new project I’m starting with my ex-husband that’s just about ready to roll out)
• Self Care

Notice that there’s a balance between business and personal. Strive for that.

Identify The Projects In Each of Your Focus Areas – For those of you who, like me, are all about the action, this will be your favorite step. Decide on three to five projects in each of your areas of focus that will move you toward fulfillment in each area. These will truly become the vehicle for getting your goals. Be as specific as you can and take some time to really let this flow.

Make an Action Plan – Now break down your major projects into smaller chunks. Which project will you work on each quarter (maybe all of them, maybe not), and then decide what you’ll do in each area. That way, you’re working intentionally throughout the quarters of each year, the months of each quarter, and the weeks of each month. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll actually come up with when you take the time to sit down and plan your action areas and steps. Then make sure you’re doing short monthly planning at the beginning of each month and weekly planning every Sunday. The more specific you can be with where you plan to spend your time, the better. I use a brilliant free tool called Workflowy for this. Can’t beat it.

Make a Plan and Be Willing To Be Inspired – One last thing…make sure you stay open to inspiration. Even the best laid plans sometimes need to be ignored if you have an inspired idea or a circumstance presents itself that you just can’t let go by. So make a plan and then be flexible and open to take inspired action as well. I hope this excites you and makes you eager to actually plan and implement for 2012?

Storage is always at a premium no matter how big of a home office space you have. It seems as though the clutter grows to meet the size of the room. It is not always easy to wrangle it back in and get your things organized. That is why finding and organizing your things in the proper storage solutions from the beginning is essential. If you are trying to get organized, check out the five do’s and don’ts before getting started.

Size Matters – The size of the containers that you use to organize your home office space matters. If you only have a tiny closet to keep organized, you want to make sure that the pieces fit inside and are easy to remove.

Do: Choose containers that fit the size of your storage area and are easy to put in and take out.
Don’t: Buy the biggest containers you can find just because they will hold more “stuff”.

Clearly Thinking – Not only is the size important, but so too is the color of the containers. Colorful containers might be pretty, but they are not see-through. If you cannot see what is in a container, it is a lot harder to find things.

Do: Choose clear containers with lids for your storage needs.
Don’t: Pick containers that you cannot see through, because you will have a hard time remembering what is in each container.

Label Master – Become a master of labeling and label every bucket, bin, and tub that you use in your home office storage. It is important to keep track of everything and clearly printed labels will help you do that.

Do: Separate the things that need to be stored and clearly label all of your containers. Keep items organized by grouping like things together.
Don’t: Do not assume that labeling is not needed. Your mind goes a million different directions each day and it is important to have a reminder of what is in each container.

Keep It Covered – One of the keys to successful home office organization is keeping items out of the way. If you only have an open bookshelf for storing your things, put items in labeled baskets or bins and cover the bookcase with a neat pair of curtains. This will help to reduce the visual clutter and help you feel a lot more organized.

Do: Be prepared to cover and close the bins, tubs, and baskets that you have things stored in to help reduce visual clutter.
Don’t: Leave everything out in the open. If there’s a door to the storage closet, shut it. If there is not, create a covering to keep things neat.

Get Creative – One of the most challenging parts of having a home business is that sometimes there is not a lot of extra money for important things like storage containers. Instead of lamenting the fact that you have none, get creative and re-use containers around the house – just be sure to label them.

Do: See possibility in every empty container in your home. Wash and dry all containers and decorate them before putting them to use in your home office. Left over wall paper, contact paper, even scrap book paper and paint can be used to turn ho-hum cardboard containers into chic storage.
Don’t: Throw away containers before deciding if they can be used in the home office.

Organizing and storing things in your home office can be tricky, but with the right tools it can be done. Take the time to find containers that work for you. Before you know it, your office will be the neatest area in your home.

This article was written by Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com – your best online source for decor and abstract metal wall art.

There are many ways in promoting a business: the use of huge billboards, the frequency of TV commercials, massive PR campaigns and a lot more. This is likewise true for an individual. To be successful in one’s career, you should wisely promote yourself using effective marketing techniques.

Self promotion is not just 15 minutes of fame. Self promotion is building long term relationships and a good reputation, lobbying for a promotion, as well as positioning yourself as a subject matter expert in your area.

The following are the keys to successfully promoting yourself:

1. Network. – Networking means building relationships and getting to know other people, their abilities and interests and by doing so this may provide mutual benefit in the future. Do networking NOT for the sake of “doing networking” but do it because you learn something from everyone you meet. You will never know when you can help someone or when she or he can help you. You can network by joining organizations and doing some volunteer work.

2. Go out of your way and meet people in other departments. – Do not confine yourself with just your department. Go out and meet other people in other areas of your company. Even though your job has no connection whatsoever with their job, just meet and build relationships with other people. Show interest in them. The more people you know, the more visible you are.

3. Be a resource for people. Volunteer to be a resource person and speak to groups. Public speaking is a sure way to let other people know your expertise so they can be able to benefit from the information you are going to give them. Communicating and presenting to groups establishes you as an expert in your field. This also gives you an avenue to network and increase your visibility.

4. Promote Your Success.  Let people in your organization know about your success. Send out an email, memo or a report detailing how you did it and what process you used. Do not forget to state the measurable results you have attained. However, a word of caution, never disseminate proprietary information or divulged any company secrets when you promote your accomplishments.

5. Document Your Success. – Translate your success stories into a document for others to refer to in the future. This paper can strongly enhance your credibility, creating awareness and highlighting your professional standing. If possible, create a personal website that can serve as an online portfolio. At the very least, leverage your profile

6. Keep agreements and commitments.  Whatever you say or commit, honor it, no matter what. Nothing makes a more powerful statement of integrity and reliability than doing what we say we will do.

7. Give away Business Cards.  In any appropriate occasion, be ready with your business cards. Bring your business cards at all times. It is the most common method of self promotion. Be certain that everyone you know knows exactly what you do and how to locate you.

8. Stay Connected always.  Always stay in touch. Send appropriate notes of congratulations, thank you letters and news clippings on topics of interest to friends, clients and colleagues on a regular basis. Make possible referrals to clients and colleagues whenever possible. Return phone calls promptly. Stay connected always by make your presence felt virtually through social networking sites.

Suzanne has been writing articles online for a couple of years now. Not only does she specialize in writing on Everyday Practical Tips, you can also check out her latest website on fry pans at stainless steel fry pan which reviews the best and most affordable stainless steel fry pans.

Motivation is a fundamental requirement for us to achieve our goals. How well and fast we achieve our goals is based on how motivated we are. When a person is trying to achieve goals it is important to try to find the motivation to attain them efficiently and effortlessly.

1. When changing your lifestyle do not make too many changes at once. Start gradually and get used to those changes. It is much easier to give up smoking or drinking, than to give up both at the same time. Or it is much easier to exercise twice a week rather than setting an initial goal of exercising 4-5 times a week.

2. When you are making a lifestyle changes try not to leave gaping holes within your lifestyle. If you are giving up smoking or drinking, try to occupy your time doing other things to take your mind off the cravings.

3. If you find it difficult to keep with the new lifestyle, rather than give up and go back to your old ways, try something else. It is not a crime to get bored of something. Only when you are happy and satisfied with what you are doing will you achieve your goals.

4. When changing your lifestyle, try to get a friend or loved one to do it with you. A problem shared is a problem halved. It is much easier to start an exercise program with a friend; you have someone to talk through your experience with and what you are achieving.

5. If you have a particular interest or hobby, try and base the changes around something that you like doing. If you want to get fit then this method will not only help you achieve your goals but increase your skill level as well.

6. Reward yourself for achieving short term goals along the way. There is nothing more satisfying than going to the shops and treating yourself.

7. With certain changes, you can allow yourself to indulge so that you’re not cutting everything out of your lifestyle right away. You can indulge your passion when you have achieved short term goals.

8. If you have many changes that you would like to make to your lifestyle, then choose one that is most easy to achieve first. Many of us have a number of things we would like to change about ourselves. Take the easiest one first and work your way up to the most difficult one. Achievements come in small steps until you start to get going and build up motivation.

9. Focus on the positive aspects of what you are trying to achieve and not the negative aspects. When you feel yourself starting to flag or get bored, reflect on what you have already achieved.

10. As with everything, achieving change is not easy. The better you research and plan how you are going to change, the more you will know and the easier it will be. When planning a lifestyle change it is important to look at the way you are going to achieve your goals.

One of the main factors in a lifestyle change such as getting fit or losing weight is the major change to a lifestyle that we are happy and comfortable with. To sustain a change takes determination, but when you have achieved your goals you feel as if you are conquering the world.

One of the questions I’m frequently asked by women entrepreneurs is, “When I meet someone who is a potential referral source and/or ideal client, how do I mention my business without feeling pushy?”  Great question!  Being able to communicate your marketing message with confidence is key to attracting more clients, increasing your income and becoming known for your expertise.

The idea of “self-promotion” or “selling” leaves some women feeling like they are bragging, being pushy or not considerate of others.  It can create anxiety and fear which in turn keeps you stuck and unable to reach your business goals.  Women are nurturers by nature and the thought of putting their needs in front of someone else’s may feel unnatural.

I understand the feeling (I’ve experienced it too), however if you are determined to achieve your business goals, it’s essential you communicate your message about what you have to offer and how you help people.  Do so often and to as many people as possible (otherwise, you will remain the best kept secret in town which in this case, won’t serve you). People are super busy and can’t read your mind so it’s up to you to take on the responsibility of creating interest in how you support people with your product or service.

When I have an opportunity to share how I support women entrepreneurs, I use the R&R approach (Relationship + Results).  It feels both authentic and comfortable for me and I think it will for you,  too.

1. Cultivate a Relationship – Whether I meet someone at a networking event, through social media or through a mutual friend, my first desire is to build a relationship and discover how I can be of service.  I’m truly interested in people and enjoy learning about others.  My goal is to find a common ground with people and if I can offer some advice or perspective on their current situation, I’ll share it with them right away.  This is a good time to showcase your expertise and also show the other person you are genuinely listening to them.
2. Share Results – When it’s your turn to share more about who you are and what you do (if you’ve truly shown an interest in the other person, this happens organically) share the results you’ve had with your clients through telling stories.  Storytelling is engaging.   People will lean in and listen intently to what you have to say.  Rather than talking about the name of your company and the services you offer, concentrate on someone you’ve worked with that had award-winning results.  Talk about where this person was when they first began to work with you and the benefits or transformation they received after working with you.

This approach takes away the “heavy” feeling of self-promotion that women sometimes experience.  It has a feminine feel to it.  Women create relationships better than anyone I know and sharing the results others have had when they work with you eliminates anxiety.

I invite you to get out of the office today and try the R&R approach.  It’s simple, easy and feels authentic to women entrepreneurs.

© 2012 Joy Chudacoff

Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your coaching business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report, FREE MP3 and be the first to hear about my exciting new program for coaches and consultants at Smart Women Smart Solutions Coaching.