Small Business

Get Work Done When You Work From Home

By Rick Broida

Updated on: September 27, 2007 / 3:00 PM EDT / MoneyWatch

So you finally talked the boss into letting you telecommute a few days each week. Or you've chucked the daily grind altogether and set up shop in your basement. Whatever your work-at-home scenario, you may discover it's tougher than you think to be productive. Wired's How To Wiki offers these and other tips for actually working from home when you work from home:

Switch into work mode. It's hard to feel like a productive professional with flannel jammies, fuzzy slippers, and bed head. Get up, take a shower, and dress like you're actually going to work (because, hey -- you are).
Separate your workspace. If your computer is in the living room, you're more likely to succumb to the Xbox, Oprah, or the bong. Section off an area of the house, preferably a room with a door, to be your home office. Spend time there only when you're working.
Firewall your attention. Let's face it: You're not going to get that presentation together when the kids want lunch, the dog needs a walk, and your sister-in-law keeps phoning about your nephew's birthday party. Get a babysitter, turn off the ringer, and shut the door to signal you're off-limits.

As a long-time home-office worker, I can tell you this is all sound advice. I also recommend writing out a daily to-do list with no more than five items, and making sure you get each one of them crossed off by the end of the day. This helps you stay focused and gives you a deep sense of accomplishment when your workday's done. Any tips of your own to share? You know where: the Comments!