Hey there,

We know times are tough right now. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we work, the way we interact, and the way we do business. If you’re a small or medium-sized business owner, you’ve probably had to adjust quickly to remote work—and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Here at Media Mechanic, we’re no strangers to change, and we’ve been learning along with you.

As we all navigate this new reality, we wanted to share some practical advice on how to stay productive, engaged, and even hopeful as you adapt to working from home.

1. Create a Routine and Stick to It

It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget the importance of structure. Without the usual office hours and daily commute, the lines between work and home life can get blurry. So, we recommend setting up a routine that works for you.

Start your day at the same time each day, get dressed (yes, even if it’s just comfortable clothes), and create a “commute” to your home office—whether that’s taking a walk around the block or making your morning coffee. This helps signal your brain that it’s time to get to work.

2. Set Up a Designated Workspace

Even though it might be tempting to work from your bed or the couch, creating a designated workspace can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a small corner of your living room or a dedicated home office, having a clear boundary between your work and relaxation space can help you stay focused and productive.

Invest in a good chair and desk setup to make your workspace comfortable. If you’re on video calls often (like most of us), take a few minutes to tidy up the background—nobody wants to see a pile of laundry during a Zoom meeting!

3. Stay Connected with Your Team

Working from home can feel isolating at times, especially if your team is used to in-person collaboration. But just because you’re not physically together doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected.

Set up daily or weekly check-ins to keep everyone on the same page. Use tools like Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams for quick chats and face-to-face meetings. It doesn’t have to be all business, either—take time to check in on each other personally. A little “How are you doing?” can go a long way.

4. Embrace Flexibility and Be Kind to Yourself

Let’s be real: things aren’t going to be perfect. Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay. Flexibility is key to making the most of this situation. Maybe your kids are home, your dog is barking in the background, or your internet decides to take a nap during a video call. It’s all part of the journey.

Remember to be kind to yourself and your team. Things might not go according to plan every day, but you’re all doing your best. Don’t stress about it too much—everyone is figuring this out together.

5. Use Technology to Your Advantage

This is where we come in! Technology can make remote work a whole lot easier. There are countless tools out there to help with communication, project management, and staying on top of your tasks.

Tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com can help keep your projects organized. For file sharing, try Google Drive or Dropbox to keep everything in one place. And when it comes to customer communication, email marketing platforms or scheduling tools (like the ones we help businesses set up) can keep you connected with clients without skipping a beat.

If you’re not sure where to start, give us a shout. We can help you set up systems that make remote work a breeze.

6. Stay Positive and Keep the Big Picture in Mind

This situation is temporary, and things will get better. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of today, but try to take a step back and think about how you’ll come out of this stronger. Keep in mind that many businesses (including ours) are learning new ways to operate and connect with clients. This is a chance to adapt, grow, and find new opportunities that might not have been possible before.

This might not be the year any of us planned for, but it’s an opportunity to do things differently, be more resilient, and come out on top.

At Media Mechanic, we’re here to help you through this—whether it’s helping you build a solid remote work system or offering advice on how to stay connected with your team and clients. We believe in the power of adapting and overcoming, and we know that we’ll all come through this stronger and more connected than before.

Stay safe, stay positive, and don’t forget to take care of yourself.

We’re all in this together.

— The Media Mechanic Team