Hosting Clients When You Work at Home

A Home Business Article Contributed by Alyssa Yerga

Staying Professional When You Work at Home

When you work at home, you have some leeway in your business life. Maybe you don't start exactly at nine, or your coffee breaks are a little more than 15 minutes. So what if you wear sweats while you work at the computer or you put your feet on the desk when you talk on the phone? As long as the work gets done, right? If your business doesn't require you to deal with clients face to face, these habits aren't any concern. But if your work involves hosting clients in your home, you'll have to rethink what you consider a day at the office.

Dissolving the Work at Home Mentality

You know that working at home doesn't mean you work less than anybody else. It doesn't mean you necessarily work differently from anyone else either. Make sure others know it, by not only acting professional but maintaining a professional ambiance in your home office. Remove clutter from your desk and other visible surfaces. Keep children and pets in another room or different part of the house while hosting clients.

Be sure that any items in the office are business related (this is important if the room serves a dual purpose, like a guest room, or if it's become a stopping place for things that haven't found a home, like a treadmill).

Also be sure the path to the room is well lit, obstacle-free and attractive. Since it's your home, it doesn't have to have an office feel, but it should be clean, pleasant and inviting. Take time to reflect on the décor of this area.

Be sure to provide clients clear directions to your home, particularly if you live in an intricate subdivision or apartment complex. Also be specific about the parking situation especially if you can't guarantee that they'll be able to park right outside your home.

Overcoming the Work at Home Stereotype

Though working at home is becoming more acceptable, there are still some who have hang ups about the idea. Even though childcare providers, tutors, and even those who run funeral homes have worked out of their homes in the past, the notion that your business is "small time" may be something you have to overcome.

If you dress and act appropriately, a client shouldn't be apprehensive about your choice to work at home. You may find, however, that he or she seems preoccupied by your work at home status. If this is the case, don't try too hard to win him or her over. You may find yourself getting defensive and confrontational which is one of the most unprofessional images to present.

On the other hand you don't want to make promises you may not be able to keep simply to prove that you're able to compete with others in your field. Remember, you are a professional and you have your work history to prove it. If he or she still seems hesitant after you've given your presentation, perhaps they aren't the client for you.