How To Be Productive When Working Remotely

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A remote position is a dream job among many of those who desire a flexible lifestyle. You can work whenever you want and wherever you want.

Remote jobs are becoming more prevalent in United States. In 2017, 43% of Americans reported working at least part-time remotely.

As the owner of Get Global Marketing, my work is completed remotely. I love the flexibility but there are hurdles. Remote work can be lonely with frequent distractions. If you do not know how to deal with these challenges than your productivity level can decrease greatly. There are many techniques to fight these challenges. Turn remote work into a dream job with these tips:

 

Have a Designated Work Space

Distractions escalate without a designated work space. Get a desk and create an office space in your home. The space should not be used for anything except work.

You can also rent shared office space. I rent a desk at Bend Tech. The shared office space provides a stimulating environment of business owners and freelancers who need a space to focus.

 

Take Breaks When You Cannot Focus

Sometimes, it can feel impossible to focus on our work. Our minds might begin to wander or the weather is so beautiful that we need to get outside. Take a break when you cannot focus. Your work will take double the time if you continue to sit in front of your computer.

When I started my business, I would try to push through every task. Now, I take a walk when I feel myself getting restless. Since I started taking breaks, my work days became shorter.

 

Workout in the Morning

Your body should be a top priority. Workout in the morning to get energized and improve your mood at the beginning of the day.

I practice yoga almost every morning. Sometimes, it can be difficult to drag myself out of bed but I find myself happier every time I do it.

Benefits of Working Out in the Morning

  • Working out speeds up your metabolism
  • Working out improves your mood
  • Working out helps you sleep better
  • Working out increases motivation

 

Create a Daily To-Do List

Sometimes, we start our week with an overwhelming amount of work. We might wonder how we are going to handle all of this work.

I outline my tasks at the beginning of the week in a planner. Yes, I said a planner. You heard right. This technique might sound old school but it allows me to visualize my week and cross off tasks as I complete them.

For example, if I have to post a blog article by Thursday, I schedule it into my planner for Tuesday or Wednesday. Website work is scheduled within the tasks that have strict deadlines.
My tasks seem more manageable from the beginning of the week.

 

Plan When You are Going to Start Working and Stick with It

It’s easy to get distracted and postpone our work days. After all, who is going to yell at us for being late? Our dog?

Unfortunately, this mindset will not set you up for success. Create a plan of when you are going to start your work the night before. Stick with that time when you start your day.

Remote work can create a flexible lifestyle. Incorporate these tips into your routine to establish productive work days.

How-To Prepare for a Client Meeting

client meeting

Client meetings can be nerve wracking for many of us. If you are new to your business, you could be insecure in your services.

What do I say? Will they think I am weird? Am I too expensive?

If you have doubts, fears, or concerns when you step into a client meeting than you are not alone. The best way to get over your fears is to prepare yourself well for presenting your products and services to your client. Don’t let your phobias kill your chance of making sales! Below are some of the best preparation techniques for a killer client meeting.

Confirm the Details

Being late to a meeting is one of the best ways to lose your potential client. If you are late then you convey that your client is not a priority.

Before I attend a meeting, I usually have reviewed the meeting time and location 10 times. I might be obsessing but the time that I don’t check is the time that I will be late or miss the meeting altogether. Avoid missing a meeting by setting an alarm on your phone. Also, call and confirm the appointment the day before.

Dress for Success

When you walk in the door, you want to make a great first impression. The way you dress can influence the way your client perceives you.

I always compare my attire to how I would dress for a job interview. Your potential client is putting their faith in you to provide an outstanding product and could be paying a hefty amount of cash. Dress in a professional way that earns respect.

Professional Attire

  • Button-up and tie
  • Jewelry that complements your look
  • Slacks or knee length skirt for ladies
  • Professional briefcase

Prepare Your Sales Materials

Meetings usually never go exactly by planned. Seasoned professionals know that you need to prepare your materials so you can keep the meeting on track in any situation.

Materials to Prepare for Meetings

  • Create primary questions that you will need answered to complete their project
  • Preload website or digital portfolio on your website or tablet
  • Make sure you have paper and writing utensils to take notes
  • Be aware of your potential client’s business and competitors

Practice Your Pitch

In the grande situation that your potential client is interested in learning more, you will need to have a well-practiced pitch. If you are aware of your client’s business then you can tailor your pitch more for what your client needs. You can also suggest alternative services. With Get Global Marketing, I often suggest alternative SEO or social media marketing services to clients that want to improve their presence online.

What to Include in Your Pitch

  • Prepare pricing sheets
  • Suggest additional products
  • Prepare your portfolio
  • Leave a business card

Act Like Every Meeting Is the Only One You Will Ever Get

Treat your client meetings like gold. Every client meeting can impact your sales and professional reputation. Your team should prepare thoroughly for every client meeting. Get to understand your potential client’s industry, competitors, and prepare a strong pitch. You can’t expect every client meeting to be perfect but preparing yourself can turn your client meetings into investments!

I remember my first client meeting. It was with an innovative solar panel online directory. I rode my bike to the client meeting – first mistake.

The bike ride was supposed to be a fast ten minutes. Thankfully, I left a half hour early because the road I was planning to take was closed. The detour that the construction workers told me would be quickest was through a graveyard. Unfortunately, I got lost in the graveyard!

On top of getting lost, it started to rain! I showed up wet, late, and confused. For some reason, the business owner liked me. I think it was because he owned a green company and I rode a bike.
I am not saying that you should not ride a bike to a business meeting. You might want to consider an automobile if it’s raining though.

No matter how insecure that you feel, act like you have done this 1,000 times. Confidence can close a sale. Not every client meeting will go perfectly but if you prepare, you can improve more every time!