By Jennifer Goldberg, mom, writer & editor of The Cultured Bohemian
When I finally decided to take the home-based business plunge, I knew there would be certain things I had to do to in order to stay focused. I believe the key to any successful endeavor is staying organized. Truthfully, organization is something I struggle with personally. I’m just not that type of personality that has a place for everything or who actually owns a label maker. 
However, the business side of me needs to be organized. The first thing I did when I started working is that I dedicated a space in my house as my home office. We have a small alcove with a window on our lower level and it was the perfect space. When you choose a space of your own, make sure it is set up in such a way that you have a real office space and it is separate from the rest of the home. This way, you will be able to leave “home” and go to “the office,” even if it is just going downstairs from one room to another like I do.
I also keep track of schedules and follow them as best as I can. I have a work schedule, kids schedule and personal schedule. One effective way of managing your business schedule is to have an updated planner for your appointments, orders and deliveries. Some people tack calendars on their walls and mark the dates accordingly while others write down schedules on a white board. Some find online calendars useful as well as ones on PDA phones and other handheld devices. I think I have tried everything and the best type that works for me is the calendar on my phone. It is the only way I get anywhere on time or remember anything.
Your office also needs to be set up as an efficient work environment, free from distraction and clutter. I’ve mastered keeping the distractions at bay but I can’t say the same for the clutter that creeps in now and then. To help me stay organized and help keep the clutter manageable, I keep records of everything and file them comprehensively. This includes all daily transactions – be it in orders, sales or purchases. Other important documentation would be your detailed business operating expenses and other similar costs. It is also very important to keep and file receipts because you will need these for tax purposes.
I believe the secret to a successful business and career is in time and stress management. Business hours are strictly for business just as family time is strictly for family. Unwind at the end of every work day and keep your thoughts business-free!
