Laura Colar

The topic of tips and tricks to work virtually as well as the challenges that can create is a popular one around here. Many of our employees work more than your average 40 hour week and maintain regular office hours from the comfort of their homes on the weekends. Some Milestone Advisors staff have even started separate business ventures in their precious little free time, making most of us more than familiar with the benefits and pitfalls of working remotely.

When we first heard the entire staff of Inc. Magazine was going to work from home for a month in an effort to understand how many small businesses operate without meeting face to face daily, we were thrilled. Let's see how someone else does it. We're looking forward to the issue where they all share their individual experiences.

Until then, the article '8 Work-From-Home Rules' will do.

1. Language is important.
Say home office don't say I work at home. It simply sounds more professional and inspires confidence.

2. Change clothes.
Staying in your pajamas or sweats all day can lead to your feeling tired earlier. Getting dressed for a normal work day has an energizing quality.

3. Talk to someone from the office at least once a day.
Not doing so can lead to feeling disjointed or isolated.

4. Carefully spend your breaks during the day (i.e. don't gossip, shop or watch TV rather do something useful that won't distract your mind for extended periods of time).
It's normal to do those things when commuting to work and being in an office to decompress. At home, you don't need the release and it will be more distraction than anything else.

5. Explain to your kids why the door is closed.
If you're answering questions, looking at their creations or moderating conflict during the day, you're bound to miss a deadline.

6. Keep a flexible schedule that's in line with other people's work hours.
Some people prefer sleeping in and working late into the night, others the opposite. Simply be mindful that many people you're dealing with daily still run on a regular 8-5.

7. Have a designated work line.
Do you want your four year-old fielding clients calls?

8. Stay decaffeinated.
I don't think this one needs explanation.

A lot of things can be accomplished from home offices. They can be written into a business plan or business strategy to save money and reduce overhead. It can be incorporated into a strategic HR plan. But first establish some rules and guidelines to be sure it's effective.