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In my years of operating a virtual company, I’ve come into contact with a few people along the way who did not know how to work virtually from their home. I thought this odd, as I don’t ever remember having this problem. Since the beginning of my business I have always been able to focus on the things that needed to get done within my office. I’ve never found myself distracted by household chores, running errands or personal phone calls from family or friends. When I’m in my office I know what needs to get done and I focus on getting those things accomplished. What is it that motivates me? It could be the fact that I love what I do, I always have. It could also be the fact that I love the challenge of growing my company and love the challenge of marketing. If you’re new to working from home and are finding it challenging to stay on track, try the following:

• Set a set schedule for your work hours. Designate set hours in which you will work in your office each day and stick to it. Be sure and provide these work hours to your family and friends so that they will know not to disturb you during your work hours.

• If you don’t have an office, designate a quite room to work. It’s great to have a room designated as your home office; however, it that’s not possible, choose a place in your home where your family doesn’t congregate and set up your home office.

• Set up a dedicated business phone line. It’s imperative to have a dedicated line for your clients and potential clients to call you. It’s much more professional and it will ensure that your family doesn’t answer any of your business calls in an unprofessional manner.

• Do not answer your home phone during your work hours. If you have children in school or daycare, be sure and provide the school or daycare with your home office and or cell phone number.

• Don’t give your extended family or friends your home office number. If it’s an emergency, they can reach you on your cell phone.

• Be sure and schedule doctor’s appointments at the beginning or end of your work hours.

• Perform any errands or household chores before or after your work hours.

• If you have small children find childcare if at all possible. In my experience, I’ve found that it’s hard to stay focused with your work while you have a child under the age of four in tow. If your child or children fall under this age bracket, you may find it easier to accomplish your work day by obtaining some form of childcare.

Working from home is great, and following the steps above will help get you on the right track to making your working from home experience even better. Take these steps into account and you will be well on your way to achieving a good work/life balance.