I’m in the middle of a long distance call with a potential client and he seems impressed. I’ve dazzled him with all my experience and know-how, and he’s ready to suggest that I put a proposal together when things start to crumble.

Oh No! A courier! A courier coming to my door. Quick, think fast. What to do? Yikes – too late, they spotted him. Who?

I’m referring to my two puppies (a male and a female Doberman, ages 2½ and 2 years respectively). Well the chorus of raising the alarm starts (over one hundred decibels I’m sure). I’m still on the phone, talking faster and trying to reach the door at the same time. Then, of course, how to restrain two large dogs, answer the door, and sign for the parcel. I better end this call now and suggest that I call back later.

Most business courses talk about self-discipline and goal setting when starting out in business, particularly a home-operated business. Very little, in my experience, has been said about distractions. Trying to run your home business amidst a melee of howling dogs, crying babies and the newest teenager in the family with a boom box can be challenging, to say the least.

The fax machine is cranking out specials for office products, carpet cleaning and romantic getaway weekends. But, I have a report to write and a proposal that is due tomorrow.

I’ve talked to other home business people and I hear horror stories about when the kids come home from school. The music is loud, the TV is on and the refrigerator door is being slammed. And of course there are sibling rivalries, usually three feet from the computer.

The dogs seem a little slow to catch on about bothering me during working time, but I’m just as bad because I would rather take them for a walk in the woods, than do paper work anyway. Kids, friends and relatives on the other hand can be trained.

“This is my job. It’s my work. It’s how we earn money to live. Be patient for an hour after school. Find something quiet to do.” Of course this is your own business; you may have the option of stopping your work when the kids come home, be with them and finish the paper work later in the evening.

Here are some of the solutions I have come up with over the years. They may not work for everyone, but it may get you thinking.

First, find a place to set up your business that is convenient for all the things you need. Organize the space in a way that makes working enjoyable. I suggest your space be away from the distractions of the television and the kitchen. It’s good to have a door that closes. Have set hours of work, if possible, so that everyone gets to know when it’s work time for you. Be brief on the phone when friends call during your work time. They’ll clue in eventually.

When telemarketers and unsolicited faxes are received tell them to remove your name from their list. At least you will not get repeats.

Talk to the Phone Company about some of the services they offer. They can provide some effective tools for managing your telephone calls. A cordless phone makes multi-tasking a little easier.

So, trying to reduce the stress of doing what you always wanted to do can be a challenge at times but the rewards can be satisfying too.

Oh, yes, my long distance client turned out to be owned by a Beagle. The proposal is in the works.