Distractions are a challenge for home-based travel agents.
There may be family or pets fighting for your attention. The kitchen, the refrigerator,
the TV or the outdoors beckon. Most likely, however, the biggest distraction is
the Internet and the temptation to read, watch or aimlessly wander online.
To help combat distractions, Emily Peters, business
development manager for Los Angeles-based Montrose Travel's host agency,
recently outlined some steps that agents can use to work more efficiently from
home.
First, said Peters, make sure that you schedule your work
time and stick to it. Fix a time for work, meals and relaxation and make sure
that you stay on schedule for those activities.
Then, make sure you have a designated work area that is well
lit, comfortable and as far away from the noisiest spot in your house as
possible.
To lessen the distraction of the Internet, Peters suggests
that home-based agents create a second profile (user) account on their work
computer and block any websites that may distract them.
In an email
interview, Peters explained how this works.
“You can
control which files and programs can be accessed when logged into this particular
account. For example, if I’m constantly distracted by iTunes, editing photos,
surfing the web, etc., I can set up that user account so that it has no web
browser loaded, no access to photos or music files, etc.,” she said.
“If you need Internet access on that user account but you're constantly
distracted by Netflix, Facebook, etc., you can change the parental controls or
use a site-blocking app (Freedom, Cold
Turkey and
similar) just for that user account to limit the websites you can have access
to. Setting up user accounts like this can easily be done on Macs and PCs.”
Peters added: “Obviously, getting to that stuff is as simple as logging out of
one account and logging into another, but it can help prevent the instinctive
desire to start clicking around your computer looking for distractions.”
Another tip is
to determine what time of day is best for your productivity. Experiment with
scheduling your most demanding tasks in the morning or afternoon to see when
you are in top form. Then reserve minimal tasks for other periods of the day or
night.
Peters also
says that getting dressed is important to home-based agents, even if no one
sees them.
“We’re
not saying to don a suit and tie at the breakfast table, but show your
home-based travel business the respect it deserves. Dress appropriately, just
as if a client might suddenly stop by.”
Peters
suggests that home-based agents who find themselves distracted and unable to
focus find a “buddy” to help keep them on task. Another home-based business
owner who understands the industry's challenges is ideal for a regular talk
about goals and sticking to them.
Peters
said it's also important to establish a distinction between work and personal
lives, including not using your business credit cards for personal purchases.
Leave work-related materials in your office, outside of your household personal
space, she said, and make sure to have an active social life and not devote such
long hours to your work that your personal life suffers.
Finally,
acknowledge that there will be days when your home is just too distracting.
“A
change in scenery every now and then can actually make you more productive,
especially if you’re brainstorming new ideas,” she said. “Head to the park,
coffee shop or a late-night diner to stay focused. Treat yourself to a piece of
pie as a reward.”