Thanks to advances in technology, an increasing number of workers in the United States are opting to work from home instead of in a traditional office setting. In fact, as of June 2020, over 40% of American adults work remotely full-time. 

Working from home can be an incredibly enriching experience. You’re afforded the opportunity to create your own schedule, spend more time with your loved ones, even work in your pajamas if you so choose. 

That said, working from home isn’t as easy as you might think. And without the use of some of the best practices for working from home, both your productivity and your overall mental health will suffer.

To help you find success while working from home, we’ve put together a guide including everything from scheduling to ergonomics to productivity hacks. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

1. Set Office Hours

One of the toughest parts about working from home is that it becomes difficult to switch off “work mode” in your mind. This can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. So to avoid it, it’s important that you create a daily schedule and stick to it.

Even when working from home, you need to have office hours. Don’t feel that you have to work during the traditional hours of 9 am to 5 pm. If you’re an early bird, consider starting and finishing early! Or, if you prefer to sleep in, you can begin your workday at 10 or 11 am and finish later.

The hours in which you work matter very little and should be chosen based on personal preference. What matters is that you start work at the time you’ve chosen and stop when the workday is over.

There’s nothing wrong with working for an extra hour or so every once in a while, but do your best not to stray from your schedule. Allowing yourself to accept appointments outside of your working hours will prevent you from taking the time you need to relax and recharge.

2. Create a Schedule

Having office hours isn’t enough if you truly want to get the most out of your workday. You need to have a work from home schedule as well. Let’s say you’ve decided to work from 8 am to 3 pm. Within those hours, you need to plan when you will do which task.

Now, don’t be afraid to make changes to your schedule over time, as you learn your body’s natural rhythms. Throughout the day, your energy level comes in waves. You’ll experience peaks and valleys, and then for a couple of hours, usually in mid-afternoon, you’ll have a drastic dip in energy and focus.

Typically, it’s best to get your toughest task out of the way first. This is known as “eating the frog”. You’re your freshest and most motivated first thing in the morning, and even the most difficult tasks will be easier to complete in this window.

Save mindless and less urgent tasks for the afternoon, when you naturally have less energy and are less productive.

3. Only Work in Your Designated Work Area

Did you know that you get more restful sleep if you use your bedroom only for this purpose? This is because your brain creates associations with certain spaces and becomes confused if you use a space for more than one activity.

If your workspace is in a room that you also use for playing video games, for example, your brain will have a harder time deciding between “work mode” and “play mode”.

Ideally, you should have an entire room of your home dedicated to work and work only. However, if you don’t have the budget or space for this, you can set aside the corner of your living room or even use your dining room table for work.

Just be sure that you only work in the space you set aside. Humans are creatures of habit. If you sit down at the kitchen table every morning at 8 am, open your laptop, and begin working, you’ll find it becomes easier and easier to focus over time.

It’s a good idea to make this space as welcoming as possible. You want to cultivate positive feelings around your workspace to help you get into the right mindset for productivity. Add inspiring decor or a few of your favorite knickknacks to a nearby shelf and play music to help yourself get focused.

4. Set Up an Ergonomic Workspace

As tempting as it may be to work from your couch or bed, it’s vital that you create a workspace with ergonomics in mind. Ignoring this concept will lead to conditions such as chronic back and neck pain and can ruin your productivity.

There are entire websites dedicated to work from home ergonomics, but we’ll go over a few of the basics here.

Posture is Paramount

When you work on a computer all day, you’ll likely begin to lean forward or allow your head to droop toward the screen without realizing it. But maintaining proper posture is crucial in avoiding chronic pain and other conditions.

Make a conscious effort to remind yourself to keep your back straight, with your shoulders rolled back and your ears inline above them. The goal is to keep your spine in alignment all day.

Work at the Right Height

While seated at your desk, you should be able to comfortably keep your elbows and knees at a 90-degree angle. It can be tempting to tuck your legs beneath your chair, but your feet should rest flat on the ground.

If you can, invest in an adjustable chair that both swivels and moves up and down. This will ensure that you stay comfortable all day.

Don’t Buy a Cheap Chair

Staying on the topic of your office chair, if you can only splurge on one thing, let it be your chair. Look for one that supports the natural curve of your spine, preferably tall enough for you to rest your head on as well. 

An ideal office chair will also have armrests. You’ll be able to keep your elbows at that 90-degree angle while resting them at your sides.

Don’t Work on a Laptop

Many of us are virtually attached to our laptops, however, it’s best to not work from your laptop alone. When you work on a laptop, your head is held at a downward angle for most of the day. Working from a desktop is best, as it will allow you to have a separate screen and keyboard. 

Now, you can find some great deals on laptops, and they offer a much greater level of convenience. So it’s understandable if you prefer them to desktops. In this case, consider purchasing a separate monitor.

That way, you can use your laptop as a keyboard while you work, keeping your neck at a neutral angle as you look at your monitor screen. Then when your workday is done, you can disconnect your laptop and take advantage of its portability.

5. Take Frequent Breaks

As we discussed above, your body has a natural rhythm when it comes to your energy level and ability to focus. One of the best productivity tips for working from home we can give you is to take advantage of this rhythm and take a break when you’re finding it difficult to focus.

During your break, don’t remain at your desk, browsing the internet or social media. Instead, get up and walk around your house or stretch. Better yet, go for a walk around your neighborhood.

Trying to force yourself to work non-stop will not only lead to burnout but you’ll notice more aches and pains, as your body was designed to move. Every two hours or so, leave your desk and do something you enjoy for a few minutes, whether that be calling a friend or picking up a musical instrument.

In between these larger breaks, you need to practice the 20-20-20 rule. This is a concept that will protect your eyes from strain and eventual damage that comes from staring at a screen for hours at a time. It’s simple – every 20 minutes, stare at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Use the Best Practices for Working From Home to Maximize Productivity

Making the transition from a traditional working environment to working from home can be tough. However, if you put the best practices for working from home to use, you’ll never want to go back to the office again.

The most important thing you can do is cultivate self-discipline by creating a daily schedule and sticking to it. The key is to create an association between your workspace and productivity.

In search of more tips for getting the most out of your workday and your business? Take a look at our blog!

It’s no secret that food trucks are big business! In fact, according to mobile food truck industry statistics, around 2.5 billion people purchase food from food trucks and street kiosks every day! 

The shrinking global economy and desire to avoid closed spaces puts food trucks in an exciting position for growth right now – but there’s also a lot of competition. If you want to succeed, you need to get creative and stay a step (or three!) ahead of your competitors. Here are three ideas to consider.

1. Differentiate Yourself

The food truck industry growth rate is expected to continue rising. As more people start to open food trucks, everyone will need to find some way to make their truck unique and memorable. If all you’re doing is slinging burgers and hot dogs, you’ll likely see your business start to go down.

The three things you can focus on are:

1. A clever name
2. An established brand
3. A unique offering

Food trucks with funny or memorable names are already a step ahead. Next, you’ll want to make sure you have distinctive logos and branding and a cohesive menu that strongly reflects your brand.

2. Embrace Events and Festivals

Taking your food truck on the road is a great way to increase your business. Attending local festivals, fairs, and other events will help you maximize your visibility and reach large crowds at once.

Catering weddings, parties, and corporate events is another incredible opportunity! Since COVID-19 has most people staying home, many food truck owners are also doing great business by contacting local homeowner’s associations and setting up at their clubhouse to serve residents.

It’s important to note that everyone is concerned about safety right now, so you’ll want to make sure you’re going above and beyond with cleanliness and food safety. Getting the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) certification is a great way to show that you take food safety seriously and may improve your chances of getting more bookings.

3. Grow Your Social Media

Every business needs a social media presence, but the fast-paced nature of the food truck industry makes it even more important. It’s always a good idea to promote where you’re going to be and when, but that’s not quite enough.

To really find success, you’ll want to engage your followers and have fun with it. Consider polls, quizzes, and, of course, lots of photos. Having contests that help you gather a lot of user-generated content is also a great idea. 

The point is to make your food truck look fun, exciting, and make your followers feel like they must visit or they’ll be missing out.

Learn How to Thrive in the Food Truck Industry

These three tips are key to surviving and thriving in the food truck industry today. They’re a great start, but it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also need to stay on top of topics like marketing, finances, and business best practices.

We have lots of blog posts on our site to help you grow your business. Take a few minutes to scroll through some more of our posts today!  

Running your own business is one of the most rewarding experiences but it also comes with tons of expenses. Luckily, there are easy ways to reduce these costs and give your business budget a boost.

From finding great deals on utility providers to finding more affordable suppliers, you can save money and stay profitable without worrying about every penny.

Read on to discover the best strategies to reduce the cost of running a business and save money in the long run.

Revise Your Business Budget

If you have a business budget, it’s a good idea to revise it once in a while to make sure you’re not spending money unnecessarily. You might discover new ways to save money and reduce costs, but also see if some expenses can be eliminated or reduced. For some business expenses like accounting, you can use apps and software that costs less than hiring someone to do it for you.

Find Better Deals on Business Utilities

The best way to cut back on spending is to find better deals on business utility providers. If you have a contract about to expire, negotiate better renewal terms with the provider. You can also save money on electricity by installing solar panels from high-quality solar providers.

Find More Affordable Suppliers

The main way to save money is to find more affordable suppliers or make a better deal with your current suppliers. If you’re getting a new supplier, make sure the quality of your goods stays the same. Customers will notice even the slightest changes in quality and might stop buying your products.

Use More Effective Marketing Methods

Modern marketing can be practically free if done properly. Leverage the power of social media, email marketing, and word-of-mouth instead of expensive commercials, billboards, and print materials. Develop a strategy for building strong customer relationships, as people buy from businesses they trust. 

Turn Off Non-Essential Machinery After Hours

A huge portion of your business spending might be due to leaving all the lights, machinery, and appliances on after hours. Make a list of the things you don’t use or don’t need to be turned on after closing and make sure your employees turn them off before leaving.

Use Bartering

Bartering is becoming more and more popular as a way of reducing business costs. When done right, this basic exchange of goods and services between two or more businesses can save everyone some serious money.

For instance, if you sell services like graphic or web design, you can always offer them to a local business in exchange for the products you need. You can also strike deals with other service-based businesses and help each other out.

Reduce the Cost of Running a Business With These Money-Saving Tips

Whether you’re a new startup or an existing company, the cost of running a business can take a toll on your budget. With these money-saving tips, you’ll cut down your business expenses and take control of your finances once and for all.

Interested in more ways to save money? Check out some of the other articles we’ve written on this topic and come back often to discover more finance news and trends.

Never assume your logo or brand is going to tell your story about your business. 

You still need to do the work when it comes to creating a logo or a business sign. In fact, sign design can say a lot about your business. It can tell your customers something immediately, helping them solve a problem. 

You may not want a sign that has eon lights that send mixed messages about your business. 

You want to communicate an effective message by creating a sign design online that helps you win over consumers, having them stop at your business, and eventually making a sale. 

If you want to know the 7 best sign design tips, this guide can help you out. 

1. Think About the Color

Different colors symbolize different things. For example, blue can symbolize empathy, compassion, or a more conservative approach. 

While red can be more of a symbol of aggression. It can be a symbol of strength. 

Figuring out what color represents your brand and what you are trying to convey to your consumers is important in the color you choose for your sign. You have to figure out what your business represents before choosing a color. 

You want your consumers to feel like you understand them, which is why choosing a color is important. It can speak directly to them. 

2. What Does the Audience Think? 

Another tip: when it comes to creating a sign consider what the audience thinks. You have to think about what message you are sending with your sign. 

If you have a niche business, you need to consider what your ideal market thinks about your sign. Does it cause them to take action? Does it cause them to think about a problem they have and how you have the solution? 

That’s why your brand needs to be a part of your sign. You want people to feel something when they read your sign. Your ideal market should see your sign as something that can help them. 

It should remind them of what your business can do for them. That’s why you have to consider the messaging, the color, and ultimately what your brand invokes on your target market. You have to consider what action you are trying to get them to take. 

3. How Readable Is the Sign? 

While having a fancy sign may look cool, it may not produce the best results. It may be difficult to read. 

It doesn’t matter if it’s a business card, an outside business sign, or another form of a business sign, you have to make sure what you are saying is clear to the target market. 

You should have a font and size that is readable to everyone. If someone can’t read your business cards, it’s usually to give them away. You have to be clear and to the point with whatever signs you create for your business. 

Consumers want to understand what your business is and not be caught up by the fluff and uniqueness of your signs. 

If you want to learn about business cards and how to make them readable, you can learn more here. 

4. Create a Simple Message

Creating a simple message for your business is vital if you want to get your point across to your consumers. 

For example, if you’re a plumber, you want to show consumers in your business card or outside sign what kind of services you offer. You don’t want to get caught in the non-essentials. 

You want to provide essential information that is helpful to your market so they know exactly what you do without any confusion. 

5. Include a Photo

If you are learning how to create business cards, you should consider adding a photo. This can make your business significantly more appealing. 

If you have an outside sign at your store, you can also have a photo of yourself helping customers. 

When you add a photo to your business, it can make you appear more authentic and personable rather than someone who just has their business name. 

6. Does It Communicate Your Brand? 

Another tip to consider when you are designing your sign is how it communicates your brand. 

Your brand is the story you are telling your customers. You want consumers to understand the problem they have and how you can help them overcome that problem. 

It doesn’t matter if you have a business card, an outside physical business sign, or an online website sign, you need to make sure your brand is communicated. 

You want to make sure consumers understand what your business does for them.

7. What Does It Accomplish? 

Lastly, you want to make sure your business sign is accomplishing something. 

It could be awareness or it could be more website traffic. The goal of a great sign is that you want people to be introduced and remember what your business offers. 

You can always give surveys to your consumers asking them what they think of your sign. This can provide some feedback if you need to change it. You can also ask how they found your business, which can be insightful when it comes to seeing what customers found your business based on your sign. 

Now It’s Time to Create a Sign Design

Now you know all the best tips to create a sign design. You just have to remember that you want to have a target market in mind and you want to make sure your sign is clear and easy to understand.

If you liked this article, you can check out more like it by visiting our website.