| Creating A Professional Image |
From "Home Office"
episode HOF-104 |
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For some reason, home-based professionals tend get a bad rap, even though research indicates that people who work from home generally work more hours than corporate-based professionals. That's especially true for individuals who run their own businesses. There are common mistakes that many home professionals make that have an impact on how they are perceived in terms of professionalism. K.J. McCorry and Sally Allen are both professional organizers who offer consulting services to home-based professionals. They offer sound advice on how to ensure that, as the proprietor of a home-based company, you convey an image that will allow you to compete in the business world. According to K.J, "Many home based professionals are very good at their craft, but the forget the other aspects of running a professional business." Following are some tips for building and maintaining a professional image. Many of these steps will come naturally to you, especially if you've worked in a corporate setting before. Think about what worked and apply them to your home office. - Take yourself seriously and act like a professional. If you consider yourself a professional then act like one. If you take your business seriously and work hard at it, others will take you seriously.
- When you're working at home, dress in something other than your pajamas. Showering and getting dressed in the morning will come across in your professional attitude. "It's true that the way that you look is the way that you feel," says Sally Allen of A Place for Everything, "and if you feel too casual, you may come across as too casual on the phone -- and it can sound unprofessional."
- Purchase the tools you need to do the job. Invest in the right technology and equipment. That may mean purchasing a copy machine, a fax machine and an up-to-date computer.
- Use the telephone like a professional. Don't answer the phone with a simple hello. Use your company name or your first name to sound more professional. Other tips include:
- Conduct regular follow-up calls with your clients.
- When leaving a voicemail, make it brief and let the recipient know the best times to reach you.
- Avoid leaving critical or sensitive information on voice mail, since you never know who might hear it or whether it will reach the intended recipient.
- Consider purchasing phone with a hold button so that clients won't hear you fumbling through papers on your desk.
- Invest in quality letterhead, business cards and brochures. One of the most important steps in establishing your business is your business identity. Though it may seem like a small thing, your printed logo and the quality of the printed materials with which you communicate or promote your business conveys a meaningful impression. (Note: More information on this topic follows in the next segment of this episode.)
- Remember the importance of a good first impression in everything you do. That includes, most especially, returning phone calls promptly. "Nothing can hurt your business more than not returning phone calls," says Sally Allen, "If you say that you are going to return a phone call the following day, then do it. Also, be sure to update your [outgoing voice-mail] message on a daily basis. If you are going on vacation, let your callers know when you will return."
- Remember the importance of being reachable. If that means investing in multiple phone lines, a cell phone or pager, then do it. (Note: For more information on communication technology, see episode 103, "The Telephone" and episode 105 "Time and Technology" in this workshop series.)
- Learn how new technology can assist you. Do your homework and choose home office solutions and systems that will help you on a daily basis.
- Locate your home office in a comfortable place that you will enjoy. You'll be spending a lot of time there, and if it's a space you like, you'll work more effectively. Make it a place that is away from barking dogs, young children and the television.
- Set business hours for yourself and keep them. Also, respect the business hours of your clients.
Here's one more tip, if your home office is located on the upper level near bedrooms, you might not feel comfortable bringing in clients into this space. Remember you can always schedule an off-sight meeting. People do like getting out of the office and a restaurant, coffee house or rented conference room at a local office store are all great places to conduct business. If that idea doesn't appeal to you, make it a priority to include an appropriate meeting place when you design your office space at home.
RESOURCES :
A Place For Everything, LLC
Sally Allen-- A Place for Everything
Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-526-5327
Fax: 303-526-4076
Email: sa@sallyallenorganizer .com
Website: www.sallyallenorganizer.com
Officiency
K.J. McCorry, professional organizer
Officiency
4055 Dawn Court
Boulder, CO
Web site: www.officiency.com
homeworking.com
An informational site devoted to people who work from home.
Web site: www.homeworking.com
Working and Living Spaces: Working at Home
Model: 0823058700
Author: Aurora Cuito, editor
Watson-Guptill publications
The Home Team: How Couples Can Make a Life and a Living by Working at Home
Model: 1889438324
Author: Shirley Siluk Gregory
published by Bookhome
Working at Home While the Kids Are There, Too
Model: 1564143058
Author: Loriann Hoff Oberlin, Loriann Hoff Oberlin
published by Career Press
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