By HEATHER DOUGLAS*
Home business operators used to keep a low profile. If someone confessed to running a home business, it was generally assumed that the business was insignificant, a hobby, or very "alternative".
The few exceptions were a handful of professionals, and freelancers such as writers and artists.
How fast the business
world has changed! Nowadays, the range of home businesses is mind-boggling.
But how "acceptable" is home business in the eyes of clients, especially corporates?
Truth is, in many cases there is still a long way to go before many suppliers of goods or services, manufacturers and producers, consultants, contractors and specialists who work from home are welcomed on an equal footing in boardrooms.
Without a doubt, there is a highly successful sector of the home business market that readily makes the transition, but it is fair to say the acceptance is not universal.
Corporate distrust of the home business operator is not entirely without grounds, considering the high attrition rate for home businesses in New Zealand. Nor can the solo home business operator be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year.
So who must change? The client? Their expectations? The home business operator?
There is room for all of these, but the home business operator must drive the mindshift.
An important component in ensuring a successful relationship is the management of client expectations.
Through talking over potential sticking points such as deadline, availability and the operator's arrangements regarding stand-ins and subcontracting, the client knows what to expect.
It is easy to forget that, although corporate clients may be perfectly happy with a new way of working, they are more used to dealing with other corporates, which always have another person to answer the phone or tend to their needs.
Many home business people fear telling clients they work from home, or alone, believing this may undermine their chances of getting the contract.
Open discussion often creates greater insight, enhances trust, and increases the chances of keeping the contract.
* Article supplied by Home Business New Zealand.
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