Working from Your Apartment

Have you always wanted to work from home? All you need is to find something you’ll do well and for which you will be paid on an ongoing basis. The amount you’ll be able to pull in depends on the skill sets you parlay and the hours you put into pitching, publicizing and producing.

Some work-at-homers (like busy stay-at-home moms or dads) choose a work-at-home job to help make ends meet.

However, some people manage to turn their avocation into a full-time job. You, too, might eventually be able to pay all of your bills by telecommuting from your apartment. You’ve got to put in the hours, ‘though… to set up the proper foundation.

Keep “Regular” Hours

Apartment dwellers don’t have a whole lot of space and they don’t really have the luxury of burning the midnight oil (both in consideration of their roomies/fellow tenants and because they need to keep bankers’ hours, to be competitive in business.) So for many work-at-homers, it’s up with the sun and lights off at 8 or so. This takes seamless planning and hardcore discipline, but for you, it just might be worth it!

You might actually choose to get up before sun-up if you have tasks you need to do first – or if you exercise early in the day. Get your shopping out of the way early in the day, too. Then freshen up, comb your hair, put on a jacket and start sifting through your mail and e-mail. You can do this in your stockinged feet, of course! The aim is to get yourself in a productive, no-nonsense mindset.

Here’s what you need to know to start your work-at-home job from your apartment:

Make Connections

1. Before your official open-for-business day, you must position your products or services to get the attention of businesses (or consumers) that need what you’ve got to offer.

Draw up a list of what you’ll be offering, highlighting what’s unique about your skill sets. Do online research to see where the next business symposium or fair will be held in your town. Check with the local library or Department of Economic Development for upcoming events.

The companies that attend these business rallies are the businesses that are moving money; that are creating campaigns and are focused on attracting new clientele. Those are the contacts you want.

2. Put together a mailer that is aimed at these businesses and attend the gathering. Commandeer your own booth or stand near people who are milling about. Hand out your mailer to as many folks as you can.

3. Collect brochures and business cards. At home, study how you might best help these businesses with what you do best. Are you a web designer? Do they have a website? If so, can you think of how your knowledge would benefit them? Are you a graphic designer? Can their advertising piece use pizzazz? Either mail them out some information on your services or call them up and see if you can make a presentation to them in person.

Marketing

4. Decide if you want to market yourself locally, regionally, nationally or globally. This will inform your outreach efforts. If it’s nationally or globally, social media has really expanded the reach of web contact. Rather than send out e-mail blasts or put up an announcement or two on YouTube, or pay for a local TV, Radio or newspaper spot, letting the word seep out on Face book or Twitter might do the trick

5 Don’t ever forget to include up-to-date contact information. Have the e-mail, phone and website monitored by professionals who will jump on any call or e-mail or web form inquiry that comes in.

Never forget to thank the would-be customer for getting in touch.

6. If you’ve decided to build a local customer base, consider posting a promotional mailer in the laundry room of your apartment building or in the gym. (Ask your landlord or landlady for permission.) Don’t overlook your church and supermarket bulletin board, and your yellow pages.

What Sort of Work To Do?

7. Not sure what sort of work to do? Job forums like Upwork.com and Workathome.com are invaluable when it comes to spreading the word about the wide array of jobs that are looking to connect with qualified freelancers. In a nutshell, do what makes your heart sing – and charge enough to meet your needs.

What Sort of Environment Do You Need?

8. Set up a quiet work environment, one with a door. When you’re in the “office” you will let the rest of your apartment-mates know that you are not to be disturbed. You’ll need a special line that only rings with business-related calls. Some phone companies offer a second number with a distinctive ring. This will help you identify which calls you should answer in your business voice and with your business greeting. For instance: “Good afternoon. Evelyn’s Voice-overs. May I help you?”

Keep It In Perspective

9. Finally, extend the same courtesy and consideration to your apartment mates that you’d like them to extend to you. Don’t hog the phone line – get your own – or computer – ditto – and keep decent hours, or stay as quiet as you can. Don’t abandon caring for your pets, and have a balanced work/relaxation life.

Get up every hour or so to stretch and walk around. If you were in a large office you’d take a water cooler break. Go outside. Do some gardening. Walk the dog. Pet the cat. You’ll get a fresh perspective on your work.

These ideas should motivate you to get creative, be persistent, and follow through on your dream, so you can move one or two steps closer to working from home!

Think positively.