“Life has an interesting way of setting us up. When I graduated college I worked for a call center for property and liability insurance. I kept getting sick and having to go to doctor appointments. I was also in so much pain. It was very challenging trying to get myself to work. My doctor wanted me to stop working but I refused until my body could barely move. The job tried to help me by reducing my hours but eventually I had to resign. That was tough on my family because we went to a one income household with a lot of medical bills.

Fast forward to 2014, I had 2 medical procedures done. Slowly I started feeling better. I was not 100% but I knew I was better than I had been in years. So immediately I told my husband I wanted to get a job. His concern was that I could still have tough days so would that job work with me. Great question.

On December 31, 2015 my family and I were stuck out in the cold waiting on a tow truck (we ended up being out there 8 hours). While we were waiting my cousin called me and said he heard about an opportunity that would be perfect for my situation. Enter: the Arise® Platform. Someone he knew told him and he told me. I looked it up and started the registration process the very next day!

Finally I had a chance to work again but I would be my own boss. If I did have a hard day, I didn’t need to push myself to get dressed, in my car, and walk in to some building. I just had to get down the hall in my home. Perfect!! Starting a mini call center company has given me a chance to feel useful despite my condition. It also allows me to share with others in a similar situation which gives so much hope when you don’t want to be stuck on disability income. And can you guess what type of calls I take? I’ll give you a hint: I don’t like seeing anyone stranded on the side of the road.”

Lisa J., President of AzureWorks Creative, LLC

*Certain Service Partners were compensated for their testimonial. Images used are representations and are not actual images of the business owner being referenced in the story submission.

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1. Get rid of the clutter. Ruthlessly. That includes the magazines you’ll never read; the bills you’ve long since paid; the scraps of paper; note pads; business cards; books that are not relevant to your business; odd knick knacks, index card box (that you’ve never opened)— and how about those post-it notes that have long since stopped catching your attention. Consider moving those sentimental items— the photos, the statues, the stuffed animal you got for Valentine’s Day, to the living room or another place. Your goal is to make space for what is needed and keep space open so you can focus and flow. Be crystal clear: Your office space is about making your work life productive and rewarding. According to the ancient Chinese system of feng shui, a cluttered environment clogs the flow of energy— translating to many factors in your life including prosperity and abundance.

2. What a difference smart shelving can make. Shelves can be one of the best ways to take your office from feeling cluttered to organized in one fell swoop. Once you’ve ruthlessly thrown out unnecessary items, look at what’s left and see how it can work on your shelves. This will free up floor space and desk space and can add an appealing dimension to your office if done with style.

3. More on walls… A great tactic to stay organized and focused is to also utilize wall space with whiteboards, bulletins and a calendar. Keep such items in prominent view as a reminder of your appointments, goals and  “must dos.” Feature your “daily goals” list front and center.

4. Use a proper filing cabinet with an efficient filing system. Creating the feeling of efficiency and effectiveness in everything you do builds the momentum for success. Keep all of your files in a filing cabinet except for the ones you need that day. Consider color-coding your files for easy reference, for example: green for financial, red for personal, blue for medical, orange for home, etc.

5. Light check. Are you happy with the lighting in your office? Is there enough light? Do you like the quality of light provided? Does it feel comfortable and pleasant? Nowadays you can create almost any kind of “lightscape” necessary. A desk lamp allows you to focus on your paperwork, and a floor lamp nearby (with three settings) is great for overall light. You may also appreciate natural light and may want to consider moving your desk near a window. When it comes to proper lighting, you never want to strain and always want to feel comfortable. You also want to make it easy and efficient to turn on and off your lighting, so look for the wireless devices that allow you to do so from one remote or your phone. When you pay attention to such small details, you improve the efficiency in all aspects of your work.

6. Sound check. Noise is not only distracting and unprofessional to clients when you’re on the phone or conducting a computer-based meeting, but it makes it more challenging to focus. If the noise is coming from family members or your dog, you may also feel curious to find out what’s happening. Keep doors closed, boundaries clear, and if you live in a particularly noisy area, consider soundproofing your office with curtains, door sweeps, and materials on the walls that absorb noise. You may even want to consider double-paned windows. There is a plethora of resources on the Internet for tips and advice.

7. Ergonomics. Is your office chair comfortable with proper back support? What about the placement and height of your computer screen? Details like these make work more of a pleasure than a pain and can also help you prevent health problems from occurring down the road.

In addition to getting more work done, these home office makeover suggestions will also help you FEEL better about showing up at your desk every day, providing you with a deeper sense of work-life well-being. 

Click here to find out how you can win your very own home office makeover!

The post OH THE WONDERS OF A HOME OFFICE MAKEOVER! appeared first on Arise Work From Home.

As the first article in our Home Based Business Best Practices Series, we’re delving into a deeper look into the best practices of operating out of your own home office.

When it comes to achieving home office bliss, below are a few of the best techniques we’ve gathered:

Stake Your Claim
One way to ensure you’re focused is to have a designated office space, and work at that same spot every day. It could be a spare bedroom turned into a home office or a desk in a rarely used area – anywhere that’s separate from your home life. Create a place where you can concentrate without distractions. The kids should know that when that door to the space is closed, it’s a “No Kids Zone.”

Maintain Regular Hours
Fortunately for business owners and their agents, scheduling and sticking to regular hours is super simple. Setting a schedule and sticking to it is an important part of a successful work-from-home arrangement. It is the best way to maintain a healthy work-life balance by having clear-cut guidelines for when it is time to work, and when it is time to enjoy your life.

If Motivation is a Challenge, Get Dressed for Work
Some people who work at home consider the ability to wear pajamas to their “office” as one of the many benefits of having their own home office. However, if you struggle with getting motivated to start your work day, getting dressed for work changes your mindset and helps delineate working hours from home and life.

Use Technology
Have the tools you need to do your job effectively: high-speed Internet, a good computer, comfortable headset (no resting the phone between your neck and shoulder) and updated software.

Be Comfortable
Your workspace should function efficiently for you. Make it a place you enjoy going to each day. One of the best things you can do is to invest in a comfortable, ergonomically designed office chair. Avoid using a backbreaking, pain-inducing, kitchen chair. The wrong chair can cause back problems and other health issues.

If You Aren’t Working From a Home Office, Start Today!
Working at home is on the rise, and it’s one of the main reasons to register to use the Arise® Platform. As a home-based business owner using the Arise® Platform, or an agent working for one of them, you can experience the life-changing benefits of working from home while servicing prestigious Fortune 500 companies.

There are countless reasons to turn in your suit and commute for a home-based office– from flexibility and freedom, to financial opportunity. Begin the registration process today and start your journey to a more balanced life and endless possibilities.”

The post HOME BASED BUSINESS BEST PRACTICES: YOUR HOME OFFICE appeared first on Arise Work From Home.

We’ve scoured the internet for some of the most exciting and refreshing home office decorating ideas and we’ve gathered them here to share with you. When you work from home, you spend a lot of time in your home office, but can you honestly say that you love it? That’s where these home office decorating ideas come in.
Creating a beautiful space to work in will keep you inspired and motivated. Instead of spending your day in a boring room, the home office decorating ideas we’ve collected will get you excited about your work day.
Proper Lighting is Your Friend

One of the most crucial home office decorating essentials that often gets overlooked is lighting. Insufficient lighting can cause headaches and can damage your eyesight in the long run. Instead of relying solely on a single light source like your ceiling light, invest in a floor lamp and a desk lamp. This will give you plenty of lighting to work with. When it comes to creating a beautiful and functional space, don’t underestimate proper lighting. While lighting is a must for your visual health, it will also boost your creativity!

 Storage Space – You Can Never Have Too Much
Plenty of storage space is a given when it comes to home office decorating ideas. A cluttered and disorganized work space leads to an overwhelmed mind and an inability to focus. It might take some time to get some proper organizational units and put everything in its place, but this is one of the home office decorating ideas out there that will not disappoint. Luckily, there are many ways that you can accomplish a tidy and operational home office and you can get as creative as you like.

Color: A Tried and True Home Office Decorating Idea
Choosing the right color is one of the simplest home office decorating ideas, as well as one of the most important that you can employ. The colors in a room can influence your mood, so you’ll want to pick colors that will inspire you and that you’ll enjoy looking at every day. Each person has a unique relationship with certain colors so it’s okay to choose something that speaks to you. Sticking to calming neutrals is one of the go-to home office decorating ideas if you’re not sure where to start when picking a new color for your office.

Bring Some Life To Your Office With Greenery
This suggestion isn’t one of the more obvious home office decorating ideas, but it will certainly make an impact. Live plants can decrease your stress levels and therefore increase your motivation. Adding one or two plants to your office space can also transform the room without doing anything drastic to it. This is one of the more unusual home office decorating ideas that is worth a shot.

Ready to Rejuvenate Your Work from Home Sanctuary?
With these home office decorating ideas, you can create a beautiful and functional room that you will look forward to spending the day in. Some of the home office decorating ideas mentioned here might seem obvious and some might not have crossed your mind, but each one will be a valuable improvement to your work-space. Unfortunately, the home office is often left out when it comes to decorating, but if you add a few aesthetic and practical touches, you will discover your home office’s potential to motivate you and enhance your productivity.

#GetMobilized!
Are you a business owner using the Arise® Platform?  If so, your business can enter to win a Home Office Makeover by enrolling in the Major Telecommunications program, now through Friday October 31^st  . The company that wins the grand prize will receive a $300 Staples gift card toward bringing their great home office decorating ideas to life! This promotion is open to call center companies in an active and good standing status in the Arise network.

The post HOME OFFICE DECORATING IDEAS THAT MATTER WHEN YOU WORK AT HOME! appeared first on Arise Work From Home.

So…what are some of the most important things to keep in mind when you are going to work from home?

1. Have a designated room or space that will ONLY be used for work. If you are fortunate enough to have a room that is only used as an office – that’s great.  But even if you use part of your bedroom or living room as your office space, it is extremely important that you clearly define the area.  This will allow you to focus solely on work when you’re there and vice versa.  The proper lighting and temperature are also very important.  You should consider where the windows are and think about placing your work area along the same wall, or adjacent to the windows, so you do not have a glare on your screen as you work. If there is an area of your house that is warmer, such as the back, it might be best to set up your office towards the front where you will be cooler throughout the day.

    

2. Desk Ergonomics.  A well-designed and appropriately-adjusted desk provides adequate space for your legs, allows proper placement of computer components and accessories, and minimizes awkward postures and exertions.  If you are working on a basic table, chances are the monitor is much lower than it should be.  This can cause headaches, backaches and other issues.  Most recommend that your monitor be at eye level and at a distance of at least 20 inches.  It is better if frequently used devices like your keyboard, mouse and phone are located within comfortable reach. In addition, some desks have hard edges that come into contact with a user’s arms or wrists.  Over time, this can affect nerve and blood vessels, possibly causing tingling and sore fingers.  A desk with rounded edges can help prevent this – or at the very least, use a wrist rest.  Maybe even more important than your desk… you should definitely select a chair that is ergonomically correct and has some type of lumbar support.  Most people feel better if their feet can rest comfortably on the ground and their knees are about level with their hips.

    

3. Avoid a cluttered work space.  A cluttered workplace is depressing.  Your best bet for having a clear desk and optimum working environment is to have a place for everything.  You can add shelves above or next to your desk to gain more storage space and to reduce desktop clutter.  Organize drawers and invest in an inexpensive USB hub or something similar to keep cords, wires and cables to a minimum.

    

4. Decorate – at least a little bit!  You don’t have to spend a lot to make your home office comfortable and inviting.  The right touches like artwork or displaying family photos can change the look and feel of your space.  A little bit of greenery is always nice.  It has been proven that plants in the workplace can reduce stress levels and increase productivity.

Search online for more tips on how to optimise your workspace and if you are thinking of using the Arise® Platform, please review the helpful information available in the Business Owner Reference Guide.

Remember… “If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs.” Dhirubhai Ambani.

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