Top 10 tips for event planners working from home

Set a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. As event planners, the nature of your work requires flexibility; however, by identifying what times of day you’re most productive, you not only can reserve those hours of high focus on important tasks but also strike the ideal work-life balance.

Morning rituals are very powerful to put yourself in the right, positive frame of mind. I take the time to meditate and read spiritual or inspirational books. This precious time reminds me to be kind to myself and be mindful of my clients and colleagues.

Nothing stokes energy levels like a healthy breakfast. My go-to breakfast options are green smoothies, fruit and vegetables, and granola with yogurt. Last year, I wanted to treat myself. I started to notice that venturing out to get my lattes was a costly adventure. I decided to buy a Nespresso coffee machine; that way, I could whip up my morning cappuccino or latte without breaking the bank.

Depending on your routine, plan to be at your desk the same time every day. This will help you stay on track with your projects, reduce the urge to do your laundry and chores, keep distractions from other family members at bay. I do listen to music and the radio when I am not calling clients; it tends to keep me company. However, I make sure that what I listen to is relaxing and doesn’t impede my concentration.

It is important to set ground rules with people in your home and/or who share your work space. Based on your routine and schedule, spouses and children need clear rules as to what you need to be efficient in your work. Dedicate time slots when you can be briefly interrupted and when you must concentrate without disruption.

I typically have a to-do list and a few personal goals to accomplish every day. For example, I’ll give myself a goal to make X number of calls or set up Y number of appointments. My to-do list is usually comprised of tasks I can realistically achieve in one day. If I cannot complete them all, I am not overly hard on myself. I simply tag them onto my list for the following day.

I have several types of chairs to switch things up: I have an exercise ball, a kneeling chair and a regular office high back chair. I can therefore manage my sciatic back problem. What’s more: I regularly stand and take short walks outside throughout the day for some rejuvenating fresh air!

When working from home, people can feel tempted to indulge and snack. With a nutritional lunch, such as a soup and salad, I can often eliminate those mid-afternoon energy slumps, which are often caused by sugary treats or less wholesome meals.

Whenever I have completed all my tasks, I look for ways to enhance my knowledge, whether it is by reading articles online, signing up for webinars, downloading an e-book, or registering for an online course. Downtimes are perfect to spruce up your knowledge, find new tools to optimize your work, and get your creativity flowing.

Similarly to starting your day with a routine, end with one. Think of some habits that signal the close of your workday. Add an auto-response to your email. Shut down your computer. Update your task list for the next day. In a nutshell, shut your office door. Tomorrow is another day. Now it’s family time or enjoying your hobbies, like cooking, reading or exercising.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working year-round at a resort to being my own boss with over 30 consultants to now working remotely for Québec City Business Destination. I have learned that a routine and inspiring oneself through discipline and creativity can help anyone to work from home!