How to Project a Professional Image When Your Business is Home-Based

You are finally your own boss and running a successful business from home. It's a dream come true; you make your own decisions and work in your underwear, pajamas or sweats. If however, you've been ignoring the image your home-based business is projecting you could be back on the job market in no time at all. Follow these tips to maintain a professional image when you're running your business from home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Office Equipment
• Office Space
• Determination

1. Communication. Being able to communicate with your clients is key. You must be accessible to them during your business hours. That does not mean they should be forced speak to your spouse (unless she is the business co owner or your secretary) or your child before they can get a hold of you. Keep your home and business phone separate. Set up multiple voicemails so that your clients can leave messages when you are on the other line instead of having to wait for you to finish. Always answer your phone by stating your full name or your company name. Remain accessible to your clients during your stated business hours. If for some reason you are not, make sure your clients are informed as to when you will be accessible to them again. Keep your voicemail message updated and set up automated email replies if you're going on vacation. Make arrangements to make sure that your clients continue to get service while you're away. You may need to hire a temp or partner up with someone who will run your business in your absence. Either way your clients should never feel abandoned.

2. Be sure that your home office is equipped with current technology. That means an efficient computer, scanner, printer, fax machine and any other equipment that will enable you to run your business smoothly. Investing in some cutting edge software and hardware will improve your image tremendously. Minimize problems as much as possible, as such problems end up amplified when you are working from home. Clients may assume that you are not putting in as much effort.

3. Keep yourself, your home and your office as clean and organized as possible. Imagine an unexpected visit from your client and your client witnessing all the clutter around your house, leftover food, dirty laundry etc. Or finding you in your pajamas looking like you haven't showered in a week with bad breath and bad BO. I can assure you that the image such a scenario would project would not be professional but sloppy and incompetent. More than likely your client will turn elsewhere. When working at home you can be a tad more relaxed. However you should not be so relaxed that you look like you're not working at all. Always be prepared for unexpected visits; if you're not, arrange to meet elsewhere.
   (NOTE: Never have alcohol sitting on your desk. Hide it in a drawer like everyone else.)

4. Keep your work and home life separate. A client should never know the details of what goes on in your house and with your friends and family. This is assuming that your client isn't a close friend.

5. Don't neglect to produce quality marketing materials and invest in a website. Choose the thickest/nicest paper for your business cards and have your letterhead/logo professionally designed. Just because you're working from home doesn't mean your business is subpar. You're saving money on office space etc., therefore you should be able to invest in the professional image you want your home-based business to project.

6. When you are leaving the house on business errands, to meet a client and so on, be sure to look sharp. Running a business from home means that you can be relaxed and casual some of the time, but not all the time.

[RENorton]

on 9/16/2008 Great article. Thanks for sharing such helpful advice!

[brantsbabe]

on 9/16/2008 Very good advice. 5 stars