How to Be More Productive

An office or workplace is more than just a bunch of people. It's a support system for every individual that works there. Some people are good at some aspects of business and others have different skills. Nobody is good at everything. When you work for yourself, you need to look outside of your office-of-one to get the resources and support you need.

Good Information Websites

A good place to look for help and support is the Internet. Find information sites that provide real advice on running your type of business. Look for professionals in your industry from whom you can learn. Online forums and professionally-oriented social media sites, such as LinkedIn, offer a great way to connect with others in your field and get support from them. Question and answer websites can also be helpful. Whenever you get information online, make sure you know who it's from. You need to be able to tell good advice from bad.

Mastermind Groups

No, a mastermind group isn't an underground secret society, even though it sounds like it. Mastermind groups consist of like-minded entrepreneurs who help each other out. This was an idea from Napoleon Hill's book Think and Grow Rich. The idea behind it is that a group of minds together create a 'mastermind' that's bigger than any individual. Group members offer each other different perspectives, valuable feedback and inspiration when it's needed. You can find industry-specific mastermind groups online or in your community. If you don't find one, you can form your own.

Accountability Partners

Accountability partners keep you on track through a buddy system. They coach you and make you stick to your word. Accountability partners give you advice, but for the most part, they just listen. They provide a springboard for your ideas and support when you find yourself slipping. You'll also feel a bit guilty if you go back on your word. Accountability partners meet on a regular basis and discuss plans, and then follow up with each other to see how things went.

A Coach or Mentor

For anyone who works for themselves, it's a good idea to have a coach or mentor. This is someone more experienced than you with no vested interest in your results. They help you by sharing their long years of experience and they help you keep the big picture in sight. Your coach or mentor can tell you what your choices are and, like an accountability partner, help to keep you on track. It takes a bit of time and searching to find a good mentor, but it's well worth it.

Knowing When to Ask for Help

When you work for yourself, never be afraid to ask for help and never beat yourself up about it. Don't be stubborn and try to do everything yourself. Realistically assess your abilities to see where you're lacking and enlist help in those areas. Once you start working for yourself, you'll learn exactly what those areas are and when you need support.