The decision to work at home can bring incredible freedom and flexibility for an online business owner. As often advertised you really can earn money online anywhere with your computer and an Internet connection. What is not often spoken of by business opportunity promoters is that it takes work and often more self-discipline than many would-be entrepreneurs are prepared for. Here are some tips on how to work from the coffee shop which may also be applicable to wherever you wish to run your online business.
Tip #1: Your favorite coffee shop may not be the best place to work on your online business! Think about it. If you are a frequent visitor to a local Starbucks or other popular gourmet coffee shop then there is a good chance you will run into someone you know. This may be a good thing if you are hoping to network with others but if you are needing to focus on your daily tasks then somewhere quieter is likely going to be more productive. Choose a low traffic coffee shop that still caters to all of your online business needs (see the other tips in this article).
Tip #2: Create a “work from the coffee shop kit.” This sounds painfully obvious but I have watched students and business people spend large portions of their coffee shop time borrowing or even running back home to get the tools they should have brought with them. Especially if you are going to regularly work away from your home then giving careful attention to putting together all the tools you may need. Your kit could include: your favorite coffee travel mug for environmental friendliness; your laptop (of course); a USB mouse if you don’t like using the mouse on your laptop or notebook; a headset; notebook and pen for when the computer battery runs low or just to jot down some quick notes; some facial tissues and cold remedies; and whatever is needed for you to connect to the Internet. You can often find laptop carry cases that are already equipped with a variety of accessories and you just need to add the personal items.
Tip #3: Choose a space that compensates for your work habit challenges. Many online business owners working from the coffee shop do not realize how much time they waste just from counterproductive work habits. For some this means sitting at a different table each session while others may need to seek the comfort of routine. If you are distracted by movement of people around you then choose a spot away from the doors and service counter. I personally work better sitting in a comfortable armchair with a coffee table for my laptop but you may be more productive with your online business activities sitting on a hard chair. If you are self-conscious about people you know seeing you conducting online business work from the coffee shop then you need to find a location you are comfortable with and feel inconspicuous or you might as well go back to work at home. Of course if you need an Internet connection then some times you may need to compromise on location to be online.
The freedom to work from the coffee shop or any place that is away from the traditional or home office is wonderful but to use the time productively can require some preparation, attention to location and personal work habits. Finding a good location for you to work on your online business may be an important ingredient for success.