Bev's 11 top tips for flourishing as a sole franchisee

ACCOUNTABILITY

Working from home means you are only accountable to yourself, so don’t let this be the case. Partner with another remote worker or colleague and have weekly calls to hold each other accountable. Share (and report back on) your targets, goals, to-do list and essential actions. Also have a pact with each other and agree to be the “virtual co-worker” to call each other if things are tough. Knowing someone is there to contact eliminates the need half the time, but don’t be scared to take each other up on it when you feel you need to.

MENTOR

Enlisting the help of a mentor is something that made all the difference to me and my business. Set goals and actions together, and always aim high. Never underestimate the power of the right mentor; they will give practical advice, encouragement and support, share experiences from others. They can help identify which areas need improvement and how to improve, and address your personal and academic skills.

MOTIVATION

One thing I regularly do is listen to motivational and learning audios. You can stream free podcasts on your phone but I also find some of the best books are available on YouTube; some of my favourites are Tony Robbins, Dale Carnegie, Brian Tracy and Zig Ziglar.

Feed that motivation bucket daily. Just as you are what you eat, you are what you listen to and read. Use these sources as they will help you keep focused and on track. And have yourself a happy playlist of upbeat and cheerful tunes for those tough times.

MEETINGS

Always hold a weekly meeting with yourself. I know this sounds a little crazy but it really helps summarise and clarify your activity and direction. I find this is best done on a Monday morning, away from your working space.

Sit at the kitchen table and literally have a meeting with yourself to discuss and review how the last week went. What went well and what didn’t? Did you achieve your tasks and goals? What is it that stopped you, and how can you avoid this happening again? Then, finally, plan the week ahead.

SET STRICT TIME BLOCKS

This is essential so you do not lose time working on unimportant tasks. On a weekly basis set your major goals and actions in your personal (or peer) weekly meeting, then each night review what you have achieved and what needs to be done the next day. Set and update your to-do list and schedule those time blocks for the following day.

Do not change them for anything other than emergencies. Remember, new non-urgent tasks will be addressed on your to-do list at the end of the day. Be firm.

USE YOUR EXTRA TIME

One way to help increase productivity is making the most of extra time you do not spend commuting. If you previously left for work at 7.30 am, start work at 7.30, or use the time to learn and develop. If you didn’t get home until 6.30 pm, the same theory applies.

It doesn’t have to be always work but spend it wisely – maybe share that extra time with the kids, or a loved one. Just don’t waste it, make the most of it.

KEEP LEARNING

Attend every relevant conference and course that you can. Not only does this increase your learning but it also breaks up the monotony and solitude. What skills do you want to develop? Enrol in a course! It could be a one- or two-day course or even just a few hours. Conferences are a great way to interact with peers, build a network, learn new techniques and pick up ideas. You might even find new customers on the journey too.

SOLITUDE AND LONELINESS

Yes, being lonely is a reality of working on your own from home, especially if you are single or live alone. So this is where you need to plan and ensure that you have a social life … and customers do not count! Plan two nights out each week socialising or participating in an evening activity away from home.

Which friends can you catch for a quick dinner? What can you do during the day to shake things up and have a change, but still be productive? Do you have a coffee shop near you, or a park? Can you work for a few hours in a different space? It really helps to just escape the same walls even if just for a few hours.

Which brings me to the next point.

TAKE A LUNCH BREAK!

And driving to or from a meeting does not count as a break. Move away from your desk – ideally right out of the house. I find a gym session helps my mental state. The lunch break doesn’t have to be a full hour; commit to a minimum of 30 minutes, take a walk, sit in the garden or on the balcony ... just get away from the computer, your desk, your work.

CREATE A HOME OFFICE

Always have a work space separate to your living and sleeping area, ideally in a room where you can close the door at the end of your working day. If it is in the same living area, close the laptop and put it in a drawer out of sight. No cheating or sneaky peaky, and if your business model allows it, do not check your email at night. Separate free time (and the work space) as much as you can.

TAKE A BREAK

My mentor taught me to plan a few days break away from home every three months. Apart from having something to look forward to, a break encourages you to actually take some time out. After all, you have earned it. And if you can, try not to work on your days off; set yourself free time and stick to it as much as possible. Before anything else, always focus on being kind to yourself!