Simple Works: Home Business Tips That Will Save Time and Money

Raising seven kids has taught me well in life and business. My husband and I each brought three kids to the table (his three boys, my three girls) and we shared an extra child we couldn't love more. To get along as full siblings is nearly unheard of, but as step siblings? Nearly impossible. Yet, they got along well. Very well.

People complimented them often and would ask us the secret; it was always the same:

Be consistent, accountable, and follow through.

Like raising good children, you could not choose a better formula for business success, in fact, it's so easy, people overlook it. And wonder why they fail.

Working from home is a blessing, but also a curse. You may find yourself putting off something until "later" and later forgets to show up. The next thing you know, you're searching for your receipts to show the bank that there was supposed to be a charge reversal or your phone service is disconnected but not because you have no money--because you forgot to pay the bill you can't find.

Being thorough and consistent can save on late fees, lost accounts, looking immature as a business, and a huge amount of stress. 

No matter what kind of home business you run or how much your business earns, these tips can change your life as you know it and keep in mind, I've cut it to the bare bones. Seriously, just do this if you are not already doing it.

Put your paperwork away in the same place. Every time. 


Use file folders, even if you keep it in a cardboard box. You may end up with more folders than you really need, but as you are consistent in using them and putting them away, your mind will automatically be on the lookout for the best way to do this for you and your needs.

Your filing system is too elaborate if paper is piling up; don't work hard and loathe doing it, simplify. Some small businesses have only two files: IN and OUT. Whatever works BEST for your business and for the least amount of effort is exactly what you need.

Keep LIKE things together. Bills with bills. Receipts either stapled to bills or with other receipts divided only if you have so many it's necessary. Pens with pens all in the same place every single time. Get it?

Do not fight yourself. If you work better on the computer, scan your bills and keep in folders on your computer. Find an app for your phone that works with you. If you are a paper hoarder as I am, then stop trying to force making everything online. Go with what will make you get things done.

When you tell someone you will call... call. Follow through.

Work hard to make your day-to-day "normal" things--like filing and return phone calls--take five minutes or less. 

If you have someone else working with you, learn to delegate and only work on the more difficult things that must have your attention.

This is enough to get you going. Do you know why? Because simple works.

Simple Works: Home Business Tips That Will Save Time and Money

Raising seven kids has taught me well in life and business. My husband and I each brought three kids to the table (his three boys, my three girls) and we shared an extra child we couldn't love more. To get along as full siblings is nearly unheard of, but as step siblings? Nearly impossible. Yet, they got along well. Very well.

People complimented them often and would ask us the secret; it was always the same:

Be consistent, accountable, and follow through.

Like raising good children, you could not choose a better formula for business success, in fact, it's so easy, people overlook it. And wonder why they fail.

Working from home is a blessing, but also a curse. You may find yourself putting off something until "later" and later forgets to show up. The next thing you know, you're searching for your receipts to show the bank that there was supposed to be a charge reversal or your phone service is disconnected but not because you have no money--because you forgot to pay the bill you can't find.

Being thorough and consistent can save on late fees, lost accounts, looking immature as a business, and a huge amount of stress. 

No matter what kind of home business you run or how much your business earns, these tips can change your life as you know it and keep in mind, I've cut it to the bare bones. Seriously, just do this if you are not already doing it.

Put your paperwork away in the same place. Every time. 


Use file folders, even if you keep it in a cardboard box. You may end up with more folders than you really need, but as you are consistent in using them and putting them away, your mind will automatically be on the lookout for the best way to do this for you and your needs.

Your filing system is too elaborate if paper is piling up; don't work hard and loathe doing it, simplify. Some small businesses have only two files: IN and OUT. Whatever works BEST for your business and for the least amount of effort is exactly what you need.

Keep LIKE things together. Bills with bills. Receipts either stapled to bills or with other receipts divided only if you have so many it's necessary. Pens with pens all in the same place every single time. Get it?

Do not fight yourself. If you work better on the computer, scan your bills and keep in folders on your computer. Find an app for your phone that works with you. If you are a paper hoarder as I am, then stop trying to force making everything online. Go with what will make you get things done.

When you tell someone you will call... call. Follow through.

Work hard to make your day-to-day "normal" things--like filing and return phone calls--take five minutes or less. 

If you have someone else working with you, learn to delegate and only work on the more difficult things that must have your attention.

This is enough to get you going. Do you know why? Because simple works.

Before the Tired Sinks In

Let's quickly check up on you all:

Did you use your five minutes wisely today? Have you checked and tweek-ed your calendar? Are you up to date on what you need to do and what you can do tomorrow? This sounds a tad tedious, but it's just five minutes or less to deal with your calendar, which in turn will find you a thousand times what you spend on preparing/organizing/understanding for use in any way you most need. 

You gain time when you know where your tickets are, where the theatre is located, by having the address to the gym, having the names of everyone involved at your fingertips, the dates and times for an event... everything you do, need to do, and want to do at your fingertips. 

Think of it as giving three minutes to go over your calendar once at night and three more minutes to reread in the morning to gain a day where there is less confusion, stress, lateness, there is punctuality, meetings are quicker, energies are higher, you start taking an hour of smart dedicated organized work instead of the three hours it took for the same thing when you were not consistently calendaring your work and life.

Alright, I've not been sleeping all week. The doctor gave me a sleeping pill today and it's starting to do it's magic work. Tomorrow, I'll reread this to make sure it will look more like ramblings than like drunken ramblings, LOL. If you see some funnies or have questions and comments, please do leave us feed back in the comment section.

And before I go, I did come here to complete my five minutes of calendaring and to remind you to do the same. This is my third day-only 27 days left for me to continue so my good habit will follow. What day are you on and how's it working for you so far? After our habit is made (30 days to a habit), we'll go farther on how that five minutes can boost your business sales, income, etc.

Have a great Friday!

~Teraisa

And What Has 5 Minutes Done for You Lately?

I challenged you, and myself, to see what five minutes can do for you. Has it helped?  Does it work for you? Can it work for you?

For me, it's helped me get letters into the mail, email potential hostesses for At Home America, I've written a "filler," and though I've finished half of my script thanks to the 5 minute rule, it's going to help me start it OVER because I goofed.

Today, it's written this short piece.  Come on, you have five minutes to spare, even if you are trapped in Christmas shopping lines. Take out your smart phone and write something, call a client, search for a missing child.  Smart phone on your wish list?  No problem, a napkin, gum wrapper, receipt, anything can work.  Write a list, write a thank you note, write your dreams and goals.  Five minutes can make a difference.