Date Added: October 17, 2008 04:04:19 PM

Operating a business from home? It is not a rare occasion to come across people who don’t think that you are professional enough. Well, don’t let this bog you down. On the contrary, you should take this as constructive criticism, and should try to prove these people wrong, which they actually are, by using the following methods, as you certainly don’t want to lose on forego their business.

Harmless Fictions: Indulging in harmless fiction here and there can only pump up the image of your home-based business. So, you shouldn’t curb yourself from doing so. The first and foremost thing is to get a fictitious business name registered, as having a professional company name on your letterhead and business cards acts towards formulating a professional image of your business in the minds of your potential clients. This is the first image your customers will have and you want to give a good impression the first time. It can be what ever name you want, whether it is a sole proprietor, corporation or limited company. But remember that the name of your company is going to reflect this company, so try to choose a simple name, short and concise. You don’t want your customers being unable to spell your business name. A name that is too long will make it difficult and more expensive to print on stationary.

Office Address: The next step in creating a professional image for your home-based business is to get a serviced office for yourself. Though this office can only be used as a post office, you can always use its address on your business cards and letterhead, to impress your customers.  This is a very good and economical idea to gain the confidence of your potential customers, for whom a residential address for a business office can spell danger. Besides this, you can also conduct all your meetings with the potential clients in the service office, which will add to your business’ professional image. You can create yourself your business cards and letterhead in a very professional way.

Telephones: Your home-based office is bound to have your home telephone number. So, how can you avoid the household sounds, like the sounds of young children playing, from filtering through your phone, while talking to your potential customers? Well, the answer is quite simple. You should give your home number only to your existing customers, who are already quite aware of your dealings. The rest of the callers can be given the number of an answering service, which plays a recorded message saying that you are in a meeting and takes the caller’s message. You can get back to the caller, when you feel that there is no danger of giving your business’ identity away. Or you can give a cell phone as major businesses do. This way even on the road you will still be able to attend to your customers.

Email and Internet: the address and telephone number of your office, your email address should also spell professionalism. Instead of giving the email address with your name, you should opt for getting an email address in the name of your company. It shows better and will invite customers to send you emails. If you have a website, you may want to add it on your stationary and every time you send an email. Customers like visuals and having your website stated will help them get more information.

Stationery and Office Equipment: Your office stationery and office equipment should also reflect a professional business image. Make sure of getting your business cards and letterheads printed on quality stationery stock. Also, don’t hesitate in investing in good quality equipment, like laser printers, etc. Your office store may offer some discounts sometimes on printers, cartridges or office materials. You can even check the internet t is a good source of information and may be cheaper than regular stores.

So, what are you waiting for? Try these amazing tactics and see how your potential clients change in to your best customers. Whatever you do, remember that the customer is the person that is going to sell your business, so you want to impress them on the very first time.

Vishal P. Rao manages the Work at Home Forum.com, a popular online discussion forum for those who work from home.