No matter how organized you are, or want to be, it seems like we can all use a little help. Personally, I’d like nothing more than an office fairy to magically visit at night, completely makeover my office, and sprinkle some mystical “productivity dust” on my desk. Since that’s not likely to happen any time soon, I have to stick with making small changes when I can to help my working environment. Oh, the misery. So I thought I’d share some home business tips that seem to help me make big differences. Here are some ideas that you might find helpful: End the writing utensil search. Seems like no matter what I do, my pens and pencils mysteriously disappear into some notepad in the sky. So I’ve found that if I buy a box of my favorite pens and pencils and place them in a special tray (actually meant for spoons, I think), I seem to keep track of them better. I keep them inside my drawer, so little hands (my children) can’t easily grab them on the go. Get out. Even if I’m completely bogged down with projects, I force myself to leave my office for lunch. A change of scenery does a body good. Sometimes I step outside and take a quick walk around my neighborhood (it’s a mile loop - I’ve clocked it). If I’m particularly fatigued, I set my alarm, curl up on the couch and take a quick cat nap. Any of these things can serve to rejuvenate and revitalize. Clear the clutter. When I first started working at home I bought these cute little frames to display my family pictures (they coordinated fabulously with the hardware on my drawers). I also bought a nice little vase for flowers that I never seem to buy. All these things really do is get in my way. So I suggest keeping personal items on the wall or up on the shelves. Items that clutter your desk top only service as frustrations. Set meeting boundaries. How many times do you take a call with a client, only to spend the next thirty minutes hearing about their latest vacation? If you have the time, great, but if you’re busy, it can be frustrating. I often set an end time right off the bat. “Judy, it’s great to hear from you. I have about fifteen minutes before I have another appointment. What can I do for you?” Or when you schedule a meeting, make it clear that you have one hour, or whatever your schedule allows. Meeting under a predetermined deadline increases productivity. Keep a daily action list handy. I have a small notepad that I keep by the phone. Every day I turn a new page and put the date on it. So when I’m on the phone, I take notes and list actions that must be taken. I later transfer that information onto my planner. This gives me scribble room, as well as a way to record thoughts or ideas as I’m talking to someone, without taking up valuable planner room. This also serves as a great “diary” of ideas discussed or resolutions made, in case I need to reference it later in order to verify dates or information. Establish Do Not Disturb signals. In my house, when the door is completely closed to my office, that means that, unless there’s blood involved, do not disturb me. If I crack the door open, that means you can ask me a question or two, but I’m still working. When the door is open all the way, I’m toying with a project but I’m available for hugs and conversation. Develop some signal or system that works for you and lets others know your level of access. Working from home can be so rewarding on so many levels. It can also be tricky, when it comes to getting things done. Maybe these little tricks will work for you as well as they have for me. | 
