In 2020, the world was forced into a collective quarantine due to the global pandemic. As millions of companies made the shift to virtual work, many questions were surrounding how productivity would drop. However, many companies admitted to an increased level of productivity and focus as workers produced from home. This resulted in many workers and companies allowing full-time remote work moving forward. Now, workers are forced to learn how to leverage and work their careers from the comfort of their homes. If you’re in this position, consider some of the best tips to implement.
1. Establish Yourself as an Authority
It doesn’t matter what your career field is. Some people are occupying the same space or desire to occupy that space. Set yourself apart as an industry expert to create new opportunities to thrive within the field. Develop a digital footprint with informative content that’s both practical and helpful. Whether you produce content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok or share new information through various blog posts, establish yourself as an authority with visible, consistent digital content.
2. Take Classes
If you’re planning to launch a new career from home, make sure you know what you’re getting into by educating yourself. Granted, there are many lessons that you’ll learn as you get on-the-job training. However, there’s nothing like taking advantage of educational opportunities. Plus, there are so many online options. Get an online certification or degree. Take real estate training courses to help you elevate your understanding of the current market and how to pivot. Invest in your education as it will always be one of the main keys to success.
3. Read
It’s commonly known that readers are leaders. Take time to read more about your field. Read industry magazines to help you forecast what’s to come. If you’re lacking in emotional intelligence, start to develop that skill by reading books on emotional intelligence. Reading can help with focus, depression, and cognitive decline. As you read more, you’ll be in a better position to become a better critical thinker. Create a list of interesting books that can help you develop your craft. Diversify the list so that you’re not solely focused on how to develop one skill. Become multi-faceted in your approach to building your career. Read books about successful entrepreneurs to develop entrepreneurial skills that you can use on your job. There are plenty of valuable lessons to learn from entrepreneurs. If you’re looking to establish yourself as an indispensable part of your company’s fabric, read books like Linchpin by Seth Godin to understand what it takes.
4. Carve Time for In-Person Connection
Even though working from home can be comfortable, you’ll still need to branch out and become intentional about making in-person connections. This is one step that a lot of. your colleagues might not be doing if they don’t have to. Go the extra mile by finding ways to connect with successful employees who’ve moved up in the company. Find ways to connect and provide value. As you do this, you’ll increase your chances of remaining at the top of their minds when an opportunity for elevation presents itself. With the right safety precautions, plan to attend in-person networking opportunities. Nurture those connections from home by sending an intentional email or phone call their way.
5. Utilize Social Networking Tools to Connect
Even though so many people use social media to flaunt their latest purchases or weekend excursions, use social networking tools like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with people in your field. Develop an intentional and executable strategy to touch base with new people each. As you consistently connect and stay abreast of what’s happening within the industry, you can expand your network of colleagues, move up in your field and dominate.
You have the same 24 hours as the next employee. However, how you manage your time will make the difference in whether your career soars or stagnates. When you’re working from home, you hold the unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of focus and deep work as there’s usually a lot of quiet time to accomplish more. By developing a strategic plan and investing effort into these five tips, you’ll set yourself for major wins in your career as you work and thrive from home.