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Step 1
Allocate one area in your home for your business. This can be a room or a section of a room, just as long as you use it only for your business. This is especially important if you plan on taking advantage of the home office deduction on income taxes. Additionally, keeping your family and work lives separate will boost your productivity.
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Step 2
Ensure that your family and friends know your work hours so that you can work without distractions such as personal phone calls and unexpected visits. This will help you stay on schedule.
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Step 3
Clean your desk so that it contains only the essentials. File all paperwork you need to keep, and throw away items you no longer need.
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Step 4
List all tasks you must complete each week. Keep this list near your desk so that you can check off tasks on a daily basis.
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Step 5
Use a calendar or reminder service to keep track of your appointments and assignment deadlines. Consider using a service that integrates with your email, such as Remember the Milk.
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Step 6
Allot one day each week to handle basic administrative tasks such as updating your financial books and filing receipts. Do this on the same day each week.
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Step 7
Maintain a clean work environment. In addition to cleaning off your desk and staying on top of administrative tasks, make sure that your work area stays clean. This will help you feel more organized and prepared.
