How to Hustle Your Way Out of COVID19:

COVID-19 is shaking things up for everyone. We're all having to do things a bit differently than we're used to. Like making lines outside Walmart or your local grocery store, witnessing people argue over Clorox wipes or hand sanitizer, homeschooling your kids because schools are closed and even feeling like every square of toilet paper counts beyond measure.

It may be that you are now working from home and that can be a shock on how to stay on task in a new environment that may not lend itself to productivity. But there are ways to deliver results and avoid going stir-crazy, from giving yourself your own space and routine to the way you speak with your team.

Set boundaries between work life and home life

I work from home and trust me, it can be so tempting to just push back what needs to get done. Getting distracted with your kids well in my case my dogs, or the tedious tasks you've had pending since 2018 like organizing the pantry... the list goes on.

This is why it's so important to set boundaries that define a work space and getting organized. So instead of lying in bed with a laptop, try something more deliberate. It can be as simple as moving a nightstand to a corner where there are no distractions, putting down your computer and sitting an a chair as if you are at the office.

This also serves as a signal for those who live with you that you're unavailable and at work. This creates a boundary for your family members, roommates- whatever it may be that they can comprehend. For example; when the door is closed, I'm not here.

Quick tip: don't be afraid to ask your office for supplies you may need to make sure you're 100% productive whether it's a computer, phone, mouse, keyboard, small office desk, printer or even post-its. It's important for you to have everything you need in order to be successful.

Create a Morning Routine

This one is simple. When you wake up, do exactly what you would do as if you're going to work. I recommend you don't stay in your pajamas all day. I get dressed, make my oatmeal and morning tea (I can't drink coffee) and go start at my day in the office.

Take Breaks, Especially for Lunch

Don't short yourself on your usual breaks at work. When I'm in the office I tend to go take a break in my coworkers office. What you do on your break is entirely up to you. I call my coworkers and catch up on how working from home has been for them. I also take the time to pay bills, make myself a snack or even put my clothes to wash or dry (perks of working from home.)

When it comes to lunch- I take my 30 minutes outside of my home office. This allows me to clear my head. But I make sure to not short myself on the lunch or go rogue and take a longer lunch.

It's all about discipline!!

Crank up Communication

Virus or not, the key to working from home is over communicating with your boss and knowing exactly what is expected of you. You're so used to your boss chasing after you or just being around them but right now your boss has a lot on their plate and so do you. So make it easier for everyone and over communicate.

Even if you have nothing important to say but you saw a joke they may like. Send it, lighten the mood. Everyone is under an intense amount of pressure and we're all scared.

Let's talk about it. Let's move passed it and come out stronger on the flip the side!

Reach out to ALL your clients

We're all taking these extra precautions for the CoronaVirus. Make sure you don't forget about your clients. Reach out even if it's just an email blast to let them know you're there to help with anything you can and that you will support them and try to make any transition easier on your end.

Most likely if your customers are going to work from home, they're going to need your help. So stay in constant communication which will help with your leads as well because they may need you to provide them with a specific service or sales component.

Just Because they're Working From Home Doesn't Mean They're Closed

THIS IS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALES REPS-

If you're a cold caller where you knock on doors- you're going to have to change your routine for the time being. Go through your database, make those telemarketing calls. Go through your LinkedIn look at your connections. See who you can reach out to. CREATE LEADS.

I can't stress this enough just because the office is closed- they are still working and right now is the perfect time to deal with tedious tasks like your printer lease, lowering your phone bill or the IT guy who is a trunk slammer and is overwhelmed with work because everyone needs to migrate over to working from home.

I enjoy telemarketing and even if the person says right now isn't a good or they say they're interested but can't make any changes until they get back. Well that's ok, but send that proposal and put it in your pipeline. Create leads!

You'd be surprised how many people are bored at home because there's nothing really to do or so they say. Take advantage of this time! It may finally be time to change/save them some money even if you don't close the deal until May or even June. Put it in your pipeline and that shows your superiors that you're still working.

Video Conferences

The way things are going video conferencing is the new thing. Just like social media marketing.

Download Skype for Business or Zoom. If they have iPhone do FaceTime. But there are ways to be face to face with clients, coworkers and even family without having to be there in person. It will also save you time and money.

Set Goals & Smash Them

I have a tendency to write a little list of my to dos and goals for the week. Even the smallest thing as make 180-200 calls this week or send out x amount of proposals this week, get my pipeline to x amount.

This will help you stay focused and motivated to achieve your goals once you start completing them.

Take Advantage of your Perks

You're working from home. Avoiding the hour to work and back everyday in bumper to bumper traffic. Take advantage of the opportunity this unfortunate situation has provided you.

The two hours I save not going to the office I use one hour to get organized like cleaning the office and making sure I have a set plan and the other hour I use to work out at home for the current moment, bake cookies or something.

Make it your Own

At the end of the day, we all have our own personalities and tendencies. So figure out what works best for you, your routine and stick with it. Sometimes the answer is apparent but other times you need some guidance whether from a colleague, friend or even your boss.

The numbers don't lie. As long as you're putting in the work and hitting the goals, you are bound to have a pipeline and deals fluttering in when we all move through this.

Make those calls, send those emails, close those deals.

Above all else, Stay Positive!

Make no mistake, these are stressful times. Negative headlines, worrying about your loved ones and fighting the urge to go buy more toilet paper when you really don't need it.

Take advantage of the extra time you get to have to focus on what's important in life.

Works during business hours, spend time with your kids/loved ones, ride bike go outside and appreciate nature but stay 6 feet away from everyone and don't go to gatherings that are more than 10 people.

Stay positive. Our government has a plan and our nation is more united everyday. We are stronger together and we will all get through this.