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Expert Answers to Biz Questions

Listen in! Pick up some expert advice to a reader's question that we selected from CyberSchmooz.

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The Biz Question

I need advice or tips on making my home-office a more fun or motivating environment. My business is primarily transacted by the telephone. currently, I have all the necessary tools to do my business. But, I am looking for ways to make my home-business into a more motivating/fun environment. Any and all help is welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

Jerry

Answer from our Guest Expert Lillyvette Montalvo

Hey, there, Jerry!

Home office-based businesses can be tricky sometimes. It's tough for some people to be really motivated to go to another room (office) in the home and call that your "work place." Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that your office has to be viewed as a boring. Let's see what we can do to inspire you and make your home office a fun, motivating place!

Fun Interior Home Office Decor!

Surround yourself with items that make you proud of what you do and who you are. Make that room -- your office -- feel like the place where you're the best in your field, as well as a great parent, fun friend, or well-loved relative. Received any awards or mentions in the local newspaper lately? Well, frame them and hang 'em up! Keep any emails and cards that thank or compliment you for a job well done in a top desk drawer. If you have family or special friends who are an important part of your life, keep mementos of them in your office. Plaster those children drawings all around you. Keep that special photo from last year's reunion nearby. Display your favorite collectibles around your computer/desk. Paint the walls sunshine yellow! The point is to liven up the room with your personality, fame, and passions! Don't make your office seem dry or too mechanical.

Reach Out and Touch Someone

If there are others in your field who work out of the home, make a connection. Communicate with them on a regular basis via phone, coffee, or email. This way, you feel there's someone else in your "office building" who you can communicate and share and exchange great ideas with -- not to mention indulge in some gossip and your latest movie review!

Break up the Monotony of the Day

If you stay on the phone for 12 hours straight , it can lead to boredom and burn out real quick! So take mini-breaks throughout the day to freshen and liven yourself up. Go to the mailbox or post office to get your mail and go through all business-related items there. Get out of your office when you're going to have lunch -- don't eat at your desk!

Network Your Way to Some Fun & Biz

Go out and network! Even though most of your duties are over the phone, I'm certain you could benefit from other referrals within your community. Chambers of commerce are great places to meet other businesspeople in your community and a way to learn about different activities that benefit your community. Networking is great because you get to learn about and meet others and share/exchange ideas and make yourself well-known professionally. Besides, you'll probably be surprised to see how many other people actually work out of their homes too!

Music to Your Ears!

Nothing is more fun than listening to your favorite music. So have some music in your office. Not full blast -- of course --; but as a background sound. If it doesn't distract your train of thought, it's nice to have the low tones filling your office with background noise. And every now and then, when your favorite song comes on, and you're not on the phone, crank it up and dance the song away!

Walk & Talk

Use a phone that you can attach to your belt. This way, you can walk around and not feel like you have a ball and chain attached to your ankle!

Let the Love for What You Do Shine Through!

Always keep a positive and upbeat attitude! That in itself is a great recipe for success. It makes for a positive and motivating environment and is very contagious�even if you're just talking with others over the phone. Others will want to talk to you because of your attitude -- your smile that they can "hear." If you love what you do, it doesn't really matter if you work out of the home or in your home�the deal is that you need to be happy doing what you do best.

These are all things I do myself�in my home office!

Best of success to you!

Lillyvette Montalvo

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