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Working from home?
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Working in the cosy comfort of your home is well worth it if you know the rules behind the show
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Even though you are at home, business is business.
YOU ALWAYS wanted to start your own business and become self-reliant. Most probably, you have decided to you would utilise that extra room in your home as office space. This decision was easily made because it makes economic sense to keep a tight rein on the fixed costs. You bought an office desk, an executive chair, a computer, file cabinets and other paraphernalia to give it a true office look. You got an additional phone line installed so that you and your potential clients don't have to compete with "junior" for the telephone line.
You are all set for business — at least that is what you thought until the doorbell rings on a Sunday morning at 9 a.m., and a prospective client is waiting to see you!
You like to sleep in Sunday morning; you are not dressed, family members are lolling about the place in their night clothes with coffee and the Sunday papers are spread all over the place.
The house is far from tidy... you are just not ready for the world. It is very embarrassing and you had to reschedule another appointment to accommodate this client. Then and there, you decide to make a list of all the other crucial things you should be considering so that something like this will never happen again.
Office hours: Let your clients know your office hours so that they know when you are available. It might be a very good idea to post it on the gate. Do not mix business and private hours.
Answering machine: Use an answering machine so that your clients can reach you all the time. The announcement should give specific information about office hours.
Separate entrance: If possible, try to have a separate entrance, and if that is not possible, use a room divider to visually separate your office space from the rest of your home.
Wear business clothes: Even though you are at home, business is business. Make sure that your appearance is as impeccable as if you are working in an office outside of your home.
Separate accounting: Don't mix business and private monies. Have a clear separation between these two.
Keep your surroundings neat and clean: This gives a good impression and shows your professionalism as well as your eye for detail.
Creating confidence: Let your client know that you are good in your field and, because of the size of your company, very flexible in delivery dates and are willing to work very close with your clients to diligently fulfil their requirements.
Do not mix business with pleasure: Do not get too friendly with your clients. Professional distance will keep the business relationship going long-term.
Do not eat at your desk: Show respect for your work environment. An office desk is for work, a dining table for eating.
Organise your household:
Tell your family members, especially children, about your working hours and they have to abide by it.
Leave instructions for your household staff before you come into the office.
Make sure everyone is careful to keep their voices down to a normal decibel level.
Train your family not to barge in during business hours.
CHITRA S. DANGER
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Madurai
Mangalore
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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