Quick Tip: 3 Common Mistakes At-Home Designers and Writers Make By Krista Jones

When you first start working at home, you run the risk of falling into some very common traps that are productivity sappers. Here are three of the most common – and ways to avoid them:

1. Thinking it's not necessary to set a schedule.

   Just because you work from home doesn't mean you shouldn't have regular office hours. You should also set schedules for your various projects. It's imperative to set time boundaries for your home business. Not only will it help you meet your deadlines, it will also make it easier for you to handle family time.

2. Not carving out a workspace exclusively for your business.

   Ideally, you should have a home office dedicated exclusively to your copywriting or graphic-design business – even if it's in the corner of a family room, basement, or kitchen. When you set up shop, make sure you have a desk area, storage place, and supplies that are yours and yours alone. And tell your family that when you're there, you are at work – and not to be disturbed!

3. Remaining glued to your computer day in and day out.

   Home-based doesn't have to mean housebound. Go to the bookstore or meet friends for coffee from time to time. Join a freelance organization that includes other writing or graphic-design pros. Mix it up. Getting out – on a schedule – will actually increase your productivity by keeping you in touch with the real world. After all, you're marketing to real people, so you must keep in touch with them!