Well, you’ve done it. You’ve taken the plunge to owning your own company and taken your great idea to the next level. Maybe you’re at the beginning of your entrepreneurship path, and maybe this is not your first business. Either way, you need to align your life for success. This won’t be easy, but with the right resources, owning a small business can be incredibly rewarding.
Tips for effective entrepreneurship
Get out of your pajamas.
Working from home doesn’t mean working from bed. Getting dressed is a subtle message that you’re shifting gears and entering work mode and reduces the risk of you going back to bed after an hour of work. Even better…
Find a professional workspace.
Forget working from the couch with other tasks vying for your attention or bringing your laptop to a coffeeshop and asking for the WiFi password. Today’s coworking spaces can be the perfect place to build your company. Find a space with the amenities you love and commit to a membership plan. Eliminating the distractions of home can boost your productivity.
Establish a routine.
Even though you work for yourself, you need to create a routine. This doesn’t have to be 9-5, Monday-Friday, but try to determine what times work best for you and schedule the time effectively. Make sure you schedule at least one full day off!
Collaborate
Stuck? Ask your fellow coworkers for input. Don’t be afraid to say, “Hey, can I get your input when you have a moment?” Go over what you’re trying to achieve with them. They may have valuable insight you might have never considered or have been in the same boat with their business. Even if they have no helpful feedback, you’ve taken the time to explain your mission and break down your ideas, which can jump-start your process.
Break down large projects.
Avoid being overwhelmed by your work and break it into chunks. Use a calendar or even a timer and take on the workload methodically, piece by piece. This can allow you to focus on the details of one part of the project, without having to look at the big picture. But don’t forget to…
Take breaks.
Did you just power through a project and create something you’re proud of, or are you stuck and need to stop staring at the screen? In both cases, it’s time for a break. Hopefully, your coworking space or office has some great places to unplug – find a couch, relax on the patio, read a magazine, take a walk around the block. Clear your mind of the work at hand and reset!
Keep learning.
You may consider yourself an expert in your field. But what about the other aspects of running a business? Technology is constantly evolving, marketing yourself may be a challenge, and keeping track of taxes or invoices is often irksome. Stay abreast of these types of changes by attending educational events. Focal Point Coworking hosts monthly educational seminars in their event space, with topics like bookkeeping, marketing, and conflict resolution. The events also provide prime networking opportunities.
Stay hydrated and rested.
Above all, take care of yourself! In a self-owned company, you need to keep up morale by not overworking yourself and succumbing to stress. Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and eat balanced meals. Your happiness is key to your entrepreneurial success.