Pro Tips for Working Remotely

Remote Work tips from LBC

If you're new to remote work during the coronavirus pandemic, it can be difficult to transition without preparation.

I launched LBC from my kitchen table in 2011 with a handful of clients and boundless optimism. Working remotely (formerly “working from home”) is not for the faint of heart. It requires guts, discipline, motivation and, most importantly, a true love of your chosen career. Today, LBC has seven full-time crew members - top pros in the business - who all work remotely, every day. We’ve built a strong culture and thriving business with this model.

Enabling employees to work remotely is one way companies, organizations, schools, and government offices are staying productive while disrupting the spread of COVID-19. We’re happy to share some tips from the LBC Crew for our clients and colleagues who are newbies at working remotely.

- Laura Bishop

LBC CREW TIPS

Renee’s Tip: My computer station does double duty for business and home tasks, so I try to keep those worlds separate by putting business notes on the left and home-related paperwork on the right. That “home” stack is often covered up Monday-Friday, when I need to limit distractions. On my browser toolbar, I keep bookmarks for social media, personal banking, etc. in a folder so those icons don’t easily catch my eye.

Tip from Lauren: I thrive on routine, so I take the time to plan out personal and work needs to stay consistent and productive. Though we work from our homes, our schedules and locations often flex to meet at client sites. That's why I specifically plan for gym time, pet care, and chores prior to starting my workday. Once those things are done, I’m less likely to be distracted and can completely focus on the workday ahead.

Phaedra's Tip: Preparedness is key for me, and that means starting each morning with a clear plan of what I want to accomplish. Since each member of the LBC Crew manages several clients, I list mine with everything I need to do for them. Stars mark anything that is urgent. Staying organized helps when there’s so many distractions at home, and crossing things off of that list feels SO good!

Tip from Allyson: Keep your expectations realistic for what you will accomplish in one day. You won’t always think to account for small talk with coworkers, a neighbor’s knock at your door, or your very active kids deciding your schedule doesn’t suit them. With realistic expectations, you can prioritize, knock those highest priority items off the list, and then end the day feeling accomplished, and hopefully, zen!

Sheri’s Tip: One of the best things about working in a creative field is being able to consult with innovative colleagues. But when you work at home, you can’t just walk over to the next cubicle. I make a conscious effort to reach out through calls, text or email, and my daily to-do list includes topics that I’d like to brainstorm about. I always come away from a co-worker chat with more answers and ideas – and feeling as if I have company in the “office!”

Tip from Kathleen: I’ve been doing this for eight years, so though it comes naturally now, it was so hard at first. Make sure you get up and move around – sometimes, on extra busy days, I make sure my Fitbit gives me an alarm! Look away from the screen often, too. I always make sure I talk to colleagues and my officemate – the dog!

Marnie’s Tip: Sometimes "I work from home" inadvertently comes across as "I can lend a hand or an ear during the day." All those "just-a-moments" can quickly add up to lost productivity. I set boundaries with family and friends, and I let them know the blocks of time when I am (and am not) available. I also create an atmosphere in which I prefer to work, with relaxing music and a diffuser for focus-based essential oils. People who know me know: If it sounds and smells like a spa, stay away from my work zone!