A common misconception is that a home business is somehow less professional than one in an office building. While this perception is changing, there are steps a home-based worker can make to ensure your home business looks legitimate.
Don't fall into the trap that just because you are working from home your standards in basic things have to go by the wayside. If you want your clients to take you seriously, the first step is to take your business seriously.
First, the SBA recommends any home business incorporate or register your business name. Having your name incorporated means you can put Inc. behind it. True or not, that adds a bit of legitimacy to your business. Though regulations vary state by state, incorporating your business is fairly straight forward. To find the regulations in your state go to the US Government website. For example, in Indiana, the state's website lays out in clear language each step you must take for the specific business you plan to operate, including which forms will be required and how to obtain them.
Second, if you plan to meet with clients face to face, it is a good idea to obtain an executive suite or serviced office if they are available in your area. A service office is an office you can rent - even for a single day - for an important meeting. Usually they are located in larger cities. Even if you have a designated office in your home, this sort of arrangement looks far more professional than leading someone through your living area to get to your office.
Third, have a designated phone and fax line for office use only. Only do this if you can guarantee your six-year-old won't answer the phone. SBA recommends giving your direct-contact phone number only out to existing clients. Hire an answering service for all other calls.
Fourth, take a good look at your website. Even if you've designed it yourself, it shouldn't look like you have. Take a look at other professional websites and pattern yours after them. Don't try to go for a "friendly" look. That only comes across as unprofessional. The importance of your website and what it says about your business cannot be overestimated. If you don't feel confident about building your own website, by all means bite the financial bullet and hire a professional to do it. Most have vast portfolios that will help you find the proper "look" for your site.
Fifth, make the investment to get business cards and letterhead printed on professional printed quality stock. Don't go bargain-hunting here. It's worth the investment to get this done right. Don't worry that your business card looks boring - boring sometimes translates to professional. Keep it simple and uncluttered.
Sixth, dress for success. Just because you work from your home doesn't mean you can ditch the business suit all together. It is easy to fall into a world of slippers and sweatshirts, where dressing up is wearing a clean shirt and khakis. If you are meeting with clients, you must dress the way you would when you were working in the corporate world. Don't think your clients won't care. They will - even if they say they don't.
Finally, invest in a good laser printer to produce your correspondence. Sloppy printed materials translate to an unprofessional image.
If you plan to make this giant leap into working from your home, remember to treat everything like a legitimate business.
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