Q. I work from home. Is it okay to let people know this, or does it seem unprofessional?
A. Heather Douglas, managing director of Home Business New Zealand, replies:
Working from home and being a solo operator are two slightly different issues.
Research confirms that more than two-thirds of small business people in
New Zealand are home-based - a fact greeted with surprise by the wider business community.
While it has become more acceptable to work from home, and there is greater credibility attached to a home-based business than a decade ago, the reason this business sector is so "hidden" is partly because home-based operators often don't want their customers, suppliers and associates to know they work from home.
The benefits include reduced overheads, greater flexibility, lifestyle advantages, less commuting time and often greater efficiency.
The downside can be lack of credibility, difficulty keeping work and family separate, isolation, and handling every aspect of your business yourself.
Most home-based businesses are also single-person. Solo operators usually do the work themselves so have complete control.
They can also be stressed, as there is no one to delegate to, taking a break can be difficult and if the service offered is critical to the customer (such as technical support), they need to have plans in place for when they are sick or on holiday.
Whether you decide to tell people you work on your own from home will depend on the kind of business you run, your customers, and the relevance of some of the above to your situation.
It is common to meet at the client's premises or suggest meeting over a cup of coffee, and it is possible to hire a venue for a meeting on an ad hoc basis if necessary. It is also not unusual for a home-based business owner to have a postal but no physical address on their business cards, and if you have customers coming to your place of business you can add "by appointment only" to ensure their arrival fits with other activities at your home.
Many home businesses choose not to advertise the fact up front, but are comfortable telling customers once they have established a relationship.
Your "brand" is created by your punctuality, how you dress, how you speak and how professional you conduct is. What is professional for your business will depend on the nature of your work and your client.
Make sure your home office is set up so you can work comfortably, efficiently and professionally. A separate phone line, and sometimes a separate entrance, can make all the difference.
As a home-based business, you are in good company. New Zealand icons such as Resene Paints, Pumpkin Patch and Les Floralies are just a few of the brands which started at home. A growing number of multimillion-dollar businesses are home-based and intend to stay that way.
The most important thing is the relationship you have with customers, not where you are located.
Emerging technology allows home-businesses to develop outstanding customer relationships even when they have never met.
Smart phones, mobility cards, personal digital Assistants, tablet PCs, customer relationship management systems and an integrated marketing plan mean a home business can now deliver a competitive edge, build business value, and create lasting customer relationships no matter where in the world it is located.
* HomebizBuzz
* Email us your small business question
Q. I work from home. Is it okay to let people know this, or does it seem unprofessional?
A. Heather Douglas, managing director of Home Business New Zealand, replies:
Working from home and being a solo operator are two slightly different issues.
Research confirms that more than two-thirds of small business people in
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.