Because we work from our homes, the rest of the world seems to have a sense that we are “not really working”!
You probably hear from time to time, as I do “How do you like retirement?” I want to scream when I hear this. My response , usually with a smile is, “Oh, I am far from retired! Conversation goes on, the listeners still don’t really get it. They see us about during the day and they see that we have some flexibility, but they don’t really get it. Get what you say? The fact that I may have started writing at 6:00 am or, that I am still working at 10:00 pm. That I may be just starting a nationwide or international conference call at 9:00 pm. So, how do we deal with this misconception that we are probably working ten times harder or more than ever;and the disruptions or the expectations that are thrust upon us by those who believe us “retired” just “dabbling in a business”, or not working.
We do it by standing up for ourselves, by not answering every phone call as if it were necessary, by planning our days with focus on the job or tasks that must be completed to reach our goals. We do it by respecting ourselves, and the mission hat drives us. We do it through good old fashioned will and determination.
We tell people we are busy and can’t talk to them at the moment; we refuse the lunch invitation if it is not moving our business and ultimate goal closer to fruition, and we do it by leaving a note on the door that asks that we are not to be interrupted during certain times. Sometimes we can be graceful, but, many times we will have to be just plain blunt!
Try putting a nicely designed sign on the door that states, your business hours, and unless you have an appointment – please do not disturb unless it’s an emergency.
Have a voicemail message for callers that states that unless they have a telephone appointment your call will be answered with 24-48 hours. Do the same for your e-mail messages.
As entrepreneurs we need to focus on activity that is income producing. We need to establish our priorities based on our mission and our goals. We need to buckle down and behave like the business people we are. In doing so we earn the respect that we want and deserve as work at home business people as successful entrepreneurs.
You probably hear from time to time, as I do “How do you like retirement?” I want to scream when I hear this. My response , usually with a smile is, “Oh, I am far from retired! Conversation goes on, the listeners still don’t really get it. They see us about during the day and they see that we have some flexibility, but they don’t really get it. Get what you say? The fact that I may have started writing at 6:00 am or, that I am still working at 10:00 pm. That I may be just starting a nationwide or international conference call at 9:00 pm. So, how do we deal with this misconception that we are probably working ten times harder or more than ever;and the disruptions or the expectations that are thrust upon us by those who believe us “retired” just “dabbling in a business”, or not working.
We do it by standing up for ourselves, by not answering every phone call as if it were necessary, by planning our days with focus on the job or tasks that must be completed to reach our goals. We do it by respecting ourselves, and the mission hat drives us. We do it through good old fashioned will and determination.
We tell people we are busy and can’t talk to them at the moment; we refuse the lunch invitation if it is not moving our business and ultimate goal closer to fruition, and we do it by leaving a note on the door that asks that we are not to be interrupted during certain times. Sometimes we can be graceful, but, many times we will have to be just plain blunt!
Try putting a nicely designed sign on the door that states, your business hours, and unless you have an appointment – please do not disturb unless it’s an emergency.
Have a voicemail message for callers that states that unless they have a telephone appointment your call will be answered with 24-48 hours. Do the same for your e-mail messages.
As entrepreneurs we need to focus on activity that is income producing. We need to establish our priorities based on our mission and our goals. We need to buckle down and behave like the business people we are. In doing so we earn the respect that we want and deserve as work at home business people as successful entrepreneurs.
by: 
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