Life After Lockdown: How to Start a Business in the ‘New Norm’

Don’t let the uncertainty of the ‘new norm’ put you off enjoying a successful end to the year. If you want to start a business in the closing months of 2020, go ahead and do it!

No matter how hard working and determined you are, starting a post-lockdown business isn’t going to be easy. If you’re to stand a chance of embarking on your own entrepreneurial endeavor in the foreseeable future, you’re going to need to put the following advice into practice.

Here’s everything you must do if you’re serious about starting a business in the ‘new norm’:

Provide a service that consumers need now

The coronavirus lockdown has changed the world of consumerism as we know it. Some services have been rendered obsolete by the enforced period of isolation, whereas others are now thriving due to the way in which they cater to the needs of today. If you want your business to attract customers, you need to start a business that does the latter. You cannot afford to hold onto a past business idea if it doesn’t have a place in the ‘new norm.’ You need to provide a service that consumers now need.

If you find yourself struggling to come up with an entrepreneurial endeavor capable of turning over a post-lockdown profit, be sure to consider the following business ideas:

• Virtual assistance
• Online tutoring
• Freelance digital marketing
• Dropshipping

Hone in on your digital marketing efforts

No matter what type of business you decide to start, you need to hone in on your digital marketing efforts if you want to spread the word about your latest venture. Some of your target audience members will still be tentative to re-enter society and some might even still be in a mandatory lockdown. These homebound consumers do, however, still have the capacity to access the web, which is why you must actively attempt to reach them through their computer screens.

There are a plethora of pathways that you can take to improve your online presence. One of the best routes that you can take in this instance is link building. This will enable your website’s pages to climb the Google search engine results pages (SERPs), which in turn will result in more consumers coming across your brand online. 

How To Be Successful With A Remote Work Business

As the world increasingly moves towards working remotely, many people are wondering if this is the right career choice for them. After all, what if something goes wrong and you can't access your work computer? Or what if you're travelling and can't get online? But whether you're deciding to start a remote work business or expand an existing one, there are a few things you need to know. Now, let's outline some of the key tips for being successful with a remote work business.

What is a remote work business?

Remote work usually refers to a type of work where employees are located remotely from their employer. But freelancers also run their businesses without attending their clients' premises. This can be done in a variety of ways, working from home or a remote location and only communicate with their clients via emails or video chat such as Zoom and Skype.

There are many benefits to working from a remote location, including reduced commute time, more freedom and flexibility, and the ability to work from anywhere in the world. However, working from a remote location can also be challenging. Here are some tips for successful working with a remote work business:

1. Establish clear goals and objectives. 

Without clear goals and objectives, it can be difficult to stay focused and motivated when working remotely. Set specific targets for your business and make sure you are always striving to achieve them.

2. Keep communication channels open. 

It’s important to have regular communication with your employees, whether you are working remotely or not. This includes communicating important updates, goals, and objectives, as well as offering feedback and support when needed.

3. Make use of technology tools and platforms. 

Technology tools can help you stay organized and efficient when working remotely. For example, using a platform like Slack can help you communicate with team members easily, while Google Calendar can help you keep track of deadlines and events.

4. Encourage creativity and innovation. 

Working remotely can be a great opportunity to encourage creativity and innovation. Encourage your team members to come up with new ideas, experiment with new technologies, and push the boundaries of what is possible.

5. Believe in your successes. 

Absolutely believe that you can have the successes of your remote work business, both individually and collectively. This includes rewarding team members for their hard work, as well as acknowledging the contributions of all team members.

The benefits of running a remote work business

Running a remote work business is a great way to improve your work-life balance, have more control over your schedule, and make more money. Here are some of the benefits of running a remote work business:

1. You can have more control over your schedule.

With a remote work business, you can set your own hours and work when you want. This can give you more flexibility in your work life and allow you to take care of your personal responsibilities while still being able to earn a living.

2. You can have a more flexible work environment.

If you are working from home, you don’t have to worry about commuting or dealing with other people in an office setting. This can give you the freedom to be more creative and productive since there are no interruptions.

3. You can make more money with a remote work business.

Since you are not tied down to an office, you can earn more money by working from home. This means that you don’t have to spend money on office supplies or travel expenses. Additionally, many businesses offer flexible payment options that allow you to earn income from home without having to take on additional debt or put up with any restrictions.

4. You can have a more relaxed work life.

Since you are not in an office environment, you can take your time getting to know your colleagues and working on projects that interest you. This can give you more peace of mind and help you to focus on your work instead of worrying about other things that may be going on in your life.

4. You can have a more relaxed work life.

Since you are not in an office, you can take more time for yourself and relax during your work day. This can give you the energy to be productive and achieve your goals in the long run.

How to start a remote work business

There are many ways to start a remote work business, and the best way for you depends on your skills, goals, and business model. Here are five tips for starting a successful remote work business:

1. Figure out your strengths and focus on what you're good at. 

If you're an excellent communicator, focus on working with clients over video chat or email. If you're a great problem solver, focus on working with clients over phone or in person. This will help you specialize in your field and find the right clients.

2. Be willing to take risks. 

If you're hesitant to take risks because of fear of failure, remember that most businesses fail within their first few years. It's all part of the learning process. Jump into new things with confidence and learn from your mistakes.

3. Set up systems so that everything is easy to manage from wherever you are. 

For example, create a filing system for client files, set up automatic reminders for scheduled meetings, and track your time using a timer or calendar application. This will help you stay on top of your work and avoid micromanagement from home.

How to grow a remote work business

If you've ever considered working from home, there are a few things you need to know first. Here are the basics of setting up and running a successful remote work business.

1. Figure out your priorities. 

Before starting any business remotely, it's important to figure out what's most important to you. Do you want to work from home full-time, or do you want to split your time between office and home? Do you want to work flexible hours, or do you want an exact schedule? Once you know your priorities, it'll be easier to figure out how much time and energy to allocate to your remote work business.

2. Invest in the right tools. 

Setting up a remote work business doesn't just require time and effort - it also requires some investment in tools and software. If you're planning on working from home, for example, you'll need a good internet connection and a computer that's capable of working remotely. Additionally, make sure to invest in software that will help manage your business (like an accounting or project management tool). Without these tools, running a successful remote work business can be incredibly challenging.

3. Get organized. 

One of the biggest challenges of working from home is maintaining a consistent work schedule. If you're not organized, you'll likely find yourself falling behind on your deadlines. To overcome this challenge, it's important to establish a strict daily and weekly routine. This will allow you to stay on top of your work and avoid distractions.

4. Set boundaries. 

While working from home can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be taxing if you don't have enough boundaries in place. Make sure to set specific hours during which you will be working, and stick to them no matter what. Additionally, make sure to set limits on how much time you'll spend online - excessive online work can lead to burnout.

5. Be persistent and patient. 

Despite the challenges involved in working from home, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience if you're persistent and patient. If you put in the effort, eventually success will come your way - whether that means building a successful remote work business or simply achieving your goals in other ways (like working fewer hours).

The key to success with a remote work business

There are a few key things to keep in mind if you want to be successful with a remote work business.

First, make sure you have a clear and concise mission statement for your company. What is your goal? What do you want your business to achieve? This will help you stay focused and on track.

Second, make sure you have a clearly defined process for managing and communicating with your team. How do you communicate with them? By email, chat, or video conference? Clearly state how you plan to communicate with your team and stick to that plan. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and can work efficiently together.

And lastly, make sure you set realistic expectations for your team. Don’t expect them to be able to work from anywhere in the world at all times. Set achievable goals for them and be patient as they learn new skills and adapt to working remotely. With a bit of effort on your part, a remote work business can be incredibly successful!

The Art of Not Giving a Damn: Master the Carefree Life

Remote work stress? Pfft, who needs it? It's time to master the ancient art of not giving a damn. Imagine yourself as a wise sage who knows that work is just a series of emails, video calls, and endless Slack messages. Who says you have to care about all of it?

Let It Go, Elsa Style

First things first, let’s channel your inner Elsa from Frozen and just let it go. Turn off notifications, mute your work apps, and pretend they don’t exist for a while. Trust me; you won’t spontaneously combust if you’re not glued to your laptop 24/7. In fact, give yourself a designated “Screw It” time each day where you do absolutely nothing related to work.

What happens when you unplug your router? You disconnect from the virtual chaos. So why not do the same for your brain? Whenever the stress gets too much, imagine pulling the plug on your thoughts about work. Visualize them swirling down a metaphorical drain. You’ve got better things to do, like watching the clouds or binging on your favorite TV show.

Declare a section of your home as a no-work zone. Make it a shrine of happiness filled with things that make you smile: quirky trinkets, a pile of your favorite snacks, or even a mini disco ball. This is where you retreat when work tries to mess with your chill. Treat it like your personal happiness bubble, where work nonsense is banned.

Screaming Therapy: Release Your Inner Wild

When life gives you remote work headaches, scream like a banshee. Seriously, scream therapy is a thing! It’s time to unlock your inner wild and yell at the universe. Trust me, it’s cathartic.

1. Find Your Screaming Spot: Pick a spot where you won’t terrify the neighbors (unless they deserve it), like a secluded corner of your house or a nearby forest. If you're stuck at home, blast some music and sing along at the top of your lungs. Don't worry if you sound like a wailing cat; it's not about hitting the right notes.
2. Scream It Out: Let your frustrations erupt in a glorious cacophony of sound. Picture all those nagging tasks and deadlines flying out of your mouth and vanishing into thin air. It's liberating, like setting a digital pile of paperwork on fire. Feel the tension leave your body as you release your primal roar.
3. Make It a Ritual: Turn screaming into a fun ritual. Light some incense or candles, put on your wackiest hat, and go full-on crazy mode. You’re not just releasing stress; you’re transforming into a carefree lunatic, and it feels glorious. And who knows, your inner animal might thank you for it.

Dance Like No One's Watching: Groove Your Stress Away

Work blues getting you down? Shake it off with a dance party for one. Dancing like a maniac is a surefire way to boost your mood and forget about deadlines.

Crank up your favorite tunes and dance like you're the only one who exists. Go wild, flail your arms, jump around, and don’t hold back. You’re the star of this show, and nobody's judging your questionable moves.

Create a playlist filled with songs that make you laugh, sing, and dance like a fool. The sillier, the better. Think along the lines of Y.M.C.A., Macarena, or any 80s pop hit that makes you giggle. Let the music transport you to a world where spreadsheets and emails don’t exist.

Dance breaks aren't just for kids. They're your secret weapon against stress. Whenever work gets too much, take five and unleash your inner dancing queen or king. It’s like a reset button for your soul, and it feels fabulous. Who needs yoga when you've got dance therapy?

Become a Professional Procrastinator: The Art of Doing Nothing

Why hustle when you can master the art of procrastination? Let's love your inner sloth and learn how to do nothing like a pro. Perfect the art of lounging around. Sleaze your lazy side and spend a whole afternoon doing absolutely nothing. Watch reruns of your favorite sitcom, eat snacks like a boss, and refuse to feel guilty about it.

Who needs productivity when you’ve got naps? Curl up with a cozy blanket and drift off into dreamland. Those pesky emails can wait while you indulge in the sweet fuck of sleep. Nap time isn’t just for kindergarteners; it’s your new favorite pastime.

Why stress about work when you could slack off with style? Create your own slacking-off plan. Maybe it’s knitting ridiculous hats or starting a weird hobby like rock painting. Whatever floats your boat, it’s your way of saying, “Remote work? Not today!”

Play Like Nobody's Watching

Unleash your inner child and get back to the basics of having fun. Rediscover the joys of playtime and watch those remote work blues melt away.

Channel your inner artist with some DIY crafts. Grab some crayons, glitter, and construction paper, and let your imagination run wild. Who cares if your creations look like a kindergarten project? It’s about having fun and making a glorious mess.

Dive into games you loved as a kid, like hide and seek, building forts, or even a good old-fashioned game of tag. Bang the silliness and laugh until your belly aches. There’s no room for work worries when you’re too busy pretending to be a pirate or a superhero.

Create your own world of make-believe where anything goes. Build a pillow fort and declare it your kingdom, or pretend your living room is a jungle, and you’re the fearless explorer. Playtime isn’t just for kids; it’s your secret weapon against stress.