So it's onto planning my next presentation, memorising a speech, writing an article, a LinkedIn Pulse blog, my blog or a bit of admin. I won't bother writing anymore books as sales have become non-existent in this day of people being to busy and thinking they can find their answers with Mr G (Google).
By 8.00 am Steve's gone and the university exodus has completed. It's me and the dogs. It's time to open Outlook. 50ish emails deleted straight on. Tasks reminds me of the follow ups I need to do. I take care of the ones by email, and make a mental note of which to call.
Guilt again. Heavier now. I'm torn between 'I should do a search and find some prospects to cold call'. This battle is always lost. 'I should call some of my older clients and have a schmooze for an opportunity or two.' This battle is lost 99.9 per cent of the time. ' I should work on my website revamp'. But that isn't a huge priority now. "I should have gone to the 6am pump class at the gym'. Should have, could have didn't. 'I must walk the dogs'. Later. 'I should plan dinner'. Later. You'll notice the tune of housework isn't calling. That is because this is the only permanent part time help I have.
If I don't have appointments, the morning is spent with a mix of personal and business activities. 9 or 10:30am gym classes at Contours. Then if no appointments - a coffee and more computer work straight after as a wee reward. It seems I can accomplish much more out of the house/office focusing on work than trying to do it in situ. If there isn't a gym class, then it's walking the dogs on the beach (weather permitting) with my speech or article print outs in hand. Life is a continuum of multitasking.
This little intimate look at most of my mornings highlights the dilemma of the home based self-employed.
The many hats you have to wear; and be good at: Marketing. Bookkeeping. Administration. Sales. Design. Copywriting. Promotion. Social Media. Technology including software, smartphones, databasing and documents / documentation.
You live with the struggle between being productive for business and trying to run the thing called daily family life. Being alone (by this I mean self-employed without staff to talk to). Keeping everyone happy, fed, walked (i.e. your pets).
If I were to give advice to someone starting out, or improving their self-employment opportunities, it would be this:
1. If you have a partner, they must be supportive.
2. Use of wireless technology. It allows you to be connected to your work/clients anywhere you are. At any time with minimal effort or cost.
3. To be religious (establish a routine that is non-negotiable) on your business marketing and promotion strategies.
4. Never let opportunities fall by the wayside by always following up - especially incorporating the Task/To Do feature of email software. I have had prospects I've followed up with for eight years - until they finally became a client.
5. A monthly newsletter which you promote everywhere and try to incorporate value in receiving it.
6. Good customer service and adding value
Written by Debbie Mayo-Smith, One of New Zealand's most in-demand speakers, trainers and bestselling authors. Debbie works with companies that want more effective staff. For more tips and business ideas sign up for her free monthly newsletter. 
