From the Courier Post Online…
For 14 years, I ran my business from home. I enjoyed working from home, and I’m not alone. The trend toward home-based businesses is so strong that some homebuilders design houses especially for home-based entrepreneurs, with extra work space, storage, even separate entrances. But working from home presents some challenges.
Here are four of the most common questions I’m asked by those setting up home offices:
How do I meet with customers? If you meet your clients only at their place of business, trade shows, or over the Internet, no problem! But if customers come to you, how will you arrange your space so you look professional?
If you meet with customers at your home regularly, ideally, set up your work space separately from your family surroundings. If possible, have a separate entrance or at least a path to your office that doesn’t go through the kids’ playroom.
If you need to meet customers somewhere other than their offices, look for “neutral” locations, such as meeting them in a restaurant. If you have an ongoing need, see if you can sublet or rent a meeting space or conference room on an hourly basis from another company such as a small law firm. “Executive suite” services — short-term office rentals — often offer hourly rentals as well.
What should I do about phones, faxes, and the Internet?
I’m a big believer in a separate business line if you’re doing business from your home on an ongoing basis. Once your toddler answers a call from your most important client, you’ll see the necessity of a separate line for incoming business calls. If you want to be listed in the Yellow Pages or business section of the phone book, many local phone companies require you to have a business line. If you receive a lot of faxes or use a dial-up modem, get a separate data line as well.
I prefer voice mail from the phone company rather than machine-recorded voice mail. That way, in the event of a power loss, or problems with your own phones, you still receive your messages.
Above all, I’m a big believer in getting a fast Internet connection if you’re working from home full time. Once you get used to fast service and being constantly connected to the Internet, it makes e-mail communication and finding information much easier.
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