Tips and tricks for optimizing your remote workflow
OVERVIEW
Whether you are a seasoned freelancer or just starting out in the gig marketplace, here is some helpful advice to aid in upping your productivity while taking care of your mental and physical health. One of the most alluring aspects of remote work is the ability to work from anywhere, at any time. However, this freedom can easily become a double-edged sword without the structure of a workplace or boss to enforce reasonable breaks and stopping times. While there is no “one size fits all” method to succeeding at anything, including working from home, we have compiled expert-backed information to help you find your own personalized work routine.
BENEFITS
Whether you are transitioning to hybrid or fully-remote work from a traditional corporate job or a brick-and-mortar small business, you might be wondering what the benefits to a home office are. The first, and for some the most important, benefit to working from home is the ability to customize and design your workspace in a way that is maximally ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing to you. Have you longed for a way to be more active while answering emails or creating a sales proposal? When your workspace is your home, you can choose to bring in features like a standing desk, walking pad, or even a desk-cycle. In addition, you can pursue most lines of remote work from anywhere in the world, allowing for flexibility in your schedule without having to sacrifice pay or take time off work in order to travel. Working from home can be a perfect way to run a business if life changes like illness or pregnancy necessitate the ability to take frequent breaks and prioritize home life. Additionally, almost any small business model works with a digital storefront, no matter what goods or services you are providing.
IDENTIFYING YOUR NICHE
Before starting to pursue the freedom and ease that comes from working remotely, it is important to consider what field would suit your skillset best. If you already have a thriving in-person business, you can begin taking steps towards reducing your reliance on a brick-and-mortar store by investing in web design and content creation. If you provide services in person you can also begin the process of making that content available online (i.e. personal training or yoga sessions) or setting up your home office to accommodate those services from home (i.e. tax preparation or massage therapy). If you are transitioning from working under a corporation to freelance, it is important to invest your time and energy in bolstering your resume, collecting references, and developing a portfolio. When creating a portfolio, prioritize showcasing your skills in real-world situations, such as documenting articles or successful marketing campaigns on a website. Now, with your motivation and direction aligned, you can begin your remote journey with confidence and ease.
PRODUCTIVITY AIDS
A wonderful tool for success when working from home is the ability to use productivity aids to support your day-to-day list of tasks. The simplest and most universally beneficial focus tool is using a pomodoro or focus timer, which limit your ability to use other apps during work, to divide up your day and keep you from reaching for your phone as a distraction. You can also download similar browser extensions that limit tab visibility or allow you to set timers and create to-do lists.
If you are looking for assistance with writer’s block, or cutting out superfluous work, Grammarly and Paperpilot help create outlines, break down lengthy paragraphs into bulleted summaries, and generate writing prompts. Additionally, you can incorporate a scheduling app or virtual assistant to cut down on time spent organizing your clients and calendars.
The most effective way you can boost your impact on the market and up your monthly productivity is by investing in a web designer and/or content manager. In this digital world, online marketing and sales are key to a thriving business. However it takes a lot of research and knowledge to adequately tackle things like search engine optimization, known as SEO, and creating a cohesive brand. You can take all of that extra work off of your shoulders and still scale your business by utilizing the support of a web design and content management service.
CREATING BALANCE
One key to longevity when it comes to remote work is to plan your approach to a healthy work/life balance and sticking to that routine even when the week might seem especially busy, or when you feel overwhelmed by deadlines. When combating burnout, a multifaceted and holistic approach tends to work best. Take time to find an outlet for movement, ideally one that allows you time out of the house such as joining a gym, finding a local run club, or signing up for a classpass subscription which allows you to take standalone workout and wellness classes at many different studios and gyms. In addition to scheduling time for your physical health, plan for times of high stress by investing in a meditation app, therapy, or a regularly scheduled massage appointment. Lastly, it can be quite easy to slack on reaching out to friends or making time for community when you work alone and remotely. Set a standing date on your calendar for weekly friend meetups, or join a local community in the form of taking up a new pastime such as crafting, cooking classes, or going to church. By keeping these elements of rest in your routine, you can avoid falling into stress or burnout.
CONCLUSION
Working remotely can be very financially, mentally, and physically rewarding. The crucial steps to act on are taking control of your schedule to set clear work/life boundaries, prioritizing showcasing your skills, and cutting back on unnecessary obstacles and menial work. With this comprehensive guide for freelance, gig, and digital work, you have all the best tools at your disposal to succeed in your business. If you have any questions regarding web design, marketing, content creation, or any other ways to grow and support your online business, do not hesitate to reach out to our qualified team at Davis Designs.
