Home-based business has
come to represent a large segment of today’s workforce and a
powerful force in the economy. However, home businesses are often
regarded as “little hobbies” and therefore are not taken
seriously.
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The key for your home
business to receive the respect it deserves is to run your
business as professionally as possible, just like any business. A
professional image does not just happen overnight: you need to
create and nurture it throughout the life cycle of your business.
It involves everything from your own workspace and business name,
to your promotional and marketing materials, and to efficient
communications and services. Professionalism is the only weapon
that can be effectively used to overcome misconceptions about the
seriousness of this major economic force.
Here are some tips to
build professionalism and combat the hobbyist image that people
have for home-based workers:
Start
with your own attitude about yourself and your business.
The way you conduct your business influences the way people think
of you. Never, ever apologize for working at home! Convey
confidence in yourself and your business (even if you do not feel
it yet inside). Your customers will be most likely to trust you
with their business, and others will respect you as a savvy
entrepreneur.
Set-up
a room, or even a desk in a corner, designated just for your
business. If
possible, have your office in a separate room with doors, or at
least with screens and partitions. This will let your family and
others know that you are working and should not be disturbed when
you are in your “office”. This will block off unwanted noises
in the background, such as the barking of the dog or children
crying, which you certainly would not want your clients to hear as
you talk on the phone. This will also help shift your mindset from
household tasks to business activities when you are in your
business area.
Find
a block (or segments) of time that you can regularly set as
business hours.
Politely let others know these are your business hours, and you
will get back to them – unless it is an emergency – when you
are finished working. One man operating a home-based business puts
a “Do Not Disturb” sign on his door to let his neighbors know
that he is busy at work.
Carry
business cards, an organizer or an appointment book with you at
all times.
Make it a point to tell people you have a home business and share
the pride you feel. When your client sets up a follow-up meeting,
or even if your friends ask you for lunch, be sure to put these
appointments in your calendar.
Print
your business name, logo and address
on all your business cards, letterheads, brochures, envelopes, and
other office supplies. Be sure these materials look professional
to make a positive impression on your potential clients.
Have
a separate phone and fax line for your business.
Always answer professionally and never let kids answer it. Return
calls promptly. This will convey the impression that they are
important to you.
Get
an answering machine, voice mail or answering service to handle
calls when you
are away from your office or otherwise occupied. However, avoid
using tape answering machine that sounds too
amateurish.
Have
a business plan
and check it regularly to see whether you are close to following
the time schedule you have allotted to reach your goals. Keep
focused on the tasks, but also look toward the future
possibilities your business might achieve. Have a business
vision.
Join
and network with professional and trade organizations.
This is a good way to establish contacts in your industry.
Dress
professionally when you meet people.
You can dress casually in the house but make sure to project a
professional image when doing business in person.
Be proud being a
home-based entrepreneur! More and more people are now starting to
earn their living working from home. More importantly, develop a
mindset for business and financial success.
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