What Do I Know About Improving My Workspace? – Spark an Idea!
Kelly McCausey just told me about Sparkplugging’s Spark An Idea Thursday. It’s an opportunity to share new ideas on a specific business topic…each and every Thursday.
I thought I’d chime in today and ironically, it’s on a topic that I definitely don’t have the traditional advice for. This week, the folks at Sparkplugging have asked us to share tips for improving our workspace.
The topic was inspired by this really great post of some of the authors and interns at Sparkplugging. Well, I could show you a picture of my home office (I’m not using the out of home office anymore as things have settled a bit more at home, so I can some work done!)…but it wouldn’t really show you my work space.
Yes, I have my very own room/office in the house where I can get my work done. I have a nice big desk and plenty of light that comes into the room. I have nice shelves, filing cabinets, white boards, printers, a fax and all that good stuff.
But I pretty much NEVER work in there.
Honestly, I don’t need all that “fancy” stuff while I work. Most of the time, all I need is my laptop and my day planner (for scheduling, to dos, etc.). And sometimes my pink notebook (ideas and notes) comes along. I like to keep things simple and I like to work where I’m comfortable.
In fact, I’m pretty sure I break a lot of productivity rules. Some of my favorite places to work:
- Sitting on my bed with the TV on.
- At a Starbucks or a noisy restaurant.
- On the couch, with the TV on.
- And sometimes at the kitchen table.
…and you know what? I get a LOT done when I set down to work. All the distractions around me, I can handle. In fact, I’ve always worked with noise in the background since I was in high school – it’s almost a necessity for me. I think for an online business owner, it’s the distractions on the SCREEN that can be the real downfall to productivity. When I’m armed with my to-do list (always recorded in my planner)…I’m ready to stay focused and roll.
Now, I don’t suggest that my workspace is the ideal set up for anyone else. It works for me…find what works for you and don’t worry if you don’t seem to jive with the typical and traditional advice on workspace productivity.
About: Alice Seba
Alice Seba earns a full-time online income as an entrepreneur and loves to help others achieve the same. With a focus on using content to create relationships, loyalty and results from the written word, she co-owns both a ghostwriting service and a private label content business. To get more tips for your content marketing, visit Contentrix.com - your free resource with plenty of tips and strategies.Freebies
Business WorkbookEssential Biz Notes
Free Resources
Learn to Sell More
Learn to Earn More
John Soares
I’m like you — I do a lot of writing and work outside of my home office, frequently in coffee shops — especially Starbucks.
I’ve also been taking advantage of the beautiful weather to work outside on the back deck in the afternoons. I live in a rural part of northern California, so I get to see deer, jackrabbits, squirrels, and birds.
Tanya Watson
I am still trying to figure out my workspace. Alot of times it’s in my bedroom with the door closed.
When I get to come home full time I hope to make a good spot to work. If it’s still summertime I know I’ll be sitting out on my deck.
Kelly McCausey
Twitter: kellymccausey
Thanks for Sparking an Idea Alice!!
I’m wish you – unless I’m power writing, I have something going on whether it be TV or a podcast. I love keeping my eyes and ears busy
jillflorio
I have an office area in my RV, which is about the size of a studio apartment (300 sq feet?), but while I use this area I often unplug from it and drag the laptop outside (on cooler days) or into the bedroom with the blinds shut and AC on (on hot days).
I used to play music a lot but lately I just let the fans run as white noise. I really have gotten out of the habit of having music on, which I hadn’t noticed before!
Between my laptop, a doodle pad and large wall calendar, I’m pretty much set, office-wise.
My one other important office item is my timer…I set it to go off each half hour, to remind me to get up, stretch and do something quick offline, like walk a dog, wash a dish, or pay a bill.