Working From Home: Fact vs. Fiction

Working from home is becoming more and more common. In fact, many new job seekers have come to expect at least some sort of work-from-home policy when considering a new position. Having been on both sides of the fence, I can say there are definitely some benefits and misconceptions. Now, as a full-time work from home employee who happens to be a mom, I’d like to debunk some myths regarding your typical full-time, work-from-home employee.
 

You still get up early: FACT

Most work-from-home employees still have regular hours. Even though I no longer have a commute, I still need to get up early enough to wake up my brain, get the kids ready and feel as though I’m mentally prepared for another work day before I sit down at my computer around 8am. For me, it’s important to stick with my normal, morning routine. That means that, no, I DO NOT work in my pajamas. Sure, I may be dressed in yoga pants, but I can assure you I did not sleep in them last night.
 

You get to be home with your kids: FICTION

Anyone with little kids, especially those who are not yet in school, understands how difficult it is to get anything done when someone is thirsty, someone is hungry, so-and-so is hitting so-and-so or little Timmy is putting his toys in the ceiling fan again. When it comes down to it, I know I am much better at my job when I can focus. That means the kids go to daycare or school or wherever, as long as it isn’t in my office.
 

You never really clock out: FACT

It goes along with the territory. If you get to work from home, that means you are expected to be available after hours for emergencies. It’s one of those trade-offs. I never truly leave the “office”, at least not like I used to. But I understand that expectation and I’m ok with it. I’m not wasting time each day in horrendous Chicago traffic counting down the years to retirement. And if that means I need to put in some additional hours here and there, I’m happy to do it.
 

You don’t have a real job: FICTION

I cannot tell you how many times my neighbor has invited me over for mimosas on a weekday. Or how many times my Dad has called me just to chat (and by chat, I mean have a 3 hour conversation about his dog) in the middle of the day. I cannot do these things because I have a real job. I still have deadlines, conference calls, and I use words and phrases like “CMYK”, “vector”, “above the fold” and “due by EOD”. Don’t let the lack of commute fool you. Work-from-home employees are real-life productive members of society, it’s just that the majority of our productivity takes place in yoga pants.
 

You don’t get a whole lot of human interaction: FACT

A lot of creatives are a bit socially awkward by default, but when you work from home, aside from the occasional conference call or instant message, the most human contact you’ve had is with those guys who came to paint your house that one time. And they were not interested in discussing the latest episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta. Podcasts and my dogs are my new best friends.
 

It’s easier than working in an office: FICTION

Sure, there are some aspects of working from home that are easier than working in an office. For example, less distractions commonly found in offices, like Susan from accounting wanting to gossip about who is going to end up wearing a lampshade on their head at this year’s holiday party. Or that one account manager that’s always waiting for you at your desk, touching your pens and post-its. But working from home takes incredible self-discipline. Sticking to a schedule when you’re the only one responsible for enforcing it means you need to be able to resist temptations, like looking up your ex on Facebook. Adhering to a schedule is key.

Sure, working from home is not as glamorous as some may think, but the pros far outweigh the cons. I get to wake up every morning knowing there’s no traffic to fight, no dress code, no one to snatch the last donut before I can get my hands on it. In the end, working from home benefits everyone: clients, employees and employers. Employees have a better work/life balance, making them happier and more productive. Employers have access to a larger pool of talent when they aren’t restricted to a geographical region. And, ultimately, this increased productivity and larger pool of talent translates into better work and a higher level of service for clients.

 

Whitney May, Sr. Graphic Designer

Socially Speaking: A Skater’s Perspective

You walk every day and think nothing of it; one foot in front of the other down the hallway, up the stairs and beyond. You’re pretty proficient at using those legs to get around; a master, if you will. But slap on some roller skates and you’re transformed into an eight-month-old with legs of jelly, grasping desperately for anything to prop you up before you fall. There are a lot of eight-month-olds on social media, figuratively speaking. Many are thrust into that responsibility because business leaders think that being “antisocial” isn’t cool. But what’s more flagrant than being antisocial is being social just because the competition is social.

If social media is a cornerstone of your business plan, value ought to be the result. However, if you’re implementing a monkey-see-monkey-do strategy, you need to reevaluate. The best strategy is to do what makes the most sense for your business. For some niche industries, that may mean being antisocial. Here are a few thoughts to help you get pointed in the right direction.

Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced? Start With Evaluation

One of my favorite pastimes is roller-skating. When I started, it was a real sight to see. There wasn’t a lot of falling going on, but imagine a duck on skates. Meanwhile, in the confines of my mind, you couldn’t tell me anything! In that space, I skated like a pro. I thought I had mastery of the cross until I fell and nearly broke my arm. I had to evaluate my actual skill level, which led to the conclusion that it was time for lessons. Enter Calvin, my instructor, who is turning me into the skating pro I know I am in my head.

So where are you currently on the social media map? Not doing social? Doing some light social? Are you heavy on social? What fruits are those efforts producing? What’s your ROI? The first place to start is with a self-assessment of your current situation. And, more importantly, determine how these results tie into your overall business goals. Are your social efforts furthering your business goals? Where is your audience? On Instagram but not Facebook? Not on social at all. Uh, really, in 2017? Sometimes, yes. If this is the case, there may be a big decision to make. And that decision may include not using certain social media platforms (or any at all) if that’s what makes the most sense. This is where you can determine if a slight adjustment or complete overhaul of your strategy is required.

Building Your Strategy: Roll With It

The kick push, the half turn and the crazy legs are all small elements of skating that can create a killer routine. But no one builds a full routine from the very start. AB testing, Twitter and developing attainable metrics strategies, for example, are also small elements of a social strategy that can create a great social boost for your business. The recommendation is to start with small bites. Jumping on all social channels at once doesn’t constitute a strategy. Choose one or two channels or even one or two metrics that you can confidently track as a starting point. A simple start is helpful to get you going and as you gain your footing, you can build on your initial metrics.

The Practice Floor: Tools That Will Help

You should definitely stretch and practice before you roll. Even the most seasoned skaters hit the practice floor on a regular basis. It’s the tool that helps define and strengthen your skill level. Determining the right metrics and ROI are often seen as the hardest exercises when it comes to social media. But tracking sales figures can be easier than you thought. A good starting point is to look at the social metrics that are performing well and adjust the needle as they relate to your business goals.

Here are a few tools to consider:
1.   Sprout Social – software for social media management
2.  Google Analytics – tracking and reporting of website performance
3.  CoSchedule – content calendar for social media marketing strategy
4.  Buffer – platform for social media management
5.  Rival IQ – provides social media and SEO analytics information for marketers

Comcast Business says that ROI is the easiest metric to track and suggests the best method for measuring your progress is to use tools outside and inside of your social media platform and measure more than just your followers alone. What you’re looking for is the actionable behaviors of your customers.

After reading this, you might be inclined to immediately find the nearest skating rink and get your roll on. I definitely applaud that. Unfortunately, the Umbrellas team can’t help with your skating aspirations (well, I can, just a little). But if you’re looking for a pro when it comes to social strategy, you’re covered. With expertise in audience analysis, messaging, design development, and more, we have what it takes to help you cultivate your business in the virtual world.

Happy social media strategizing and happy rolling!