Home Office Ideas

Home offices are becoming a popular choice for many professionals. It's a smart way to reduce overhead costs and eliminate travel time. It's not uncommon for travel agents, realtors, or tax professionals to meet with clients in the comfort of their own homes. While many people feel comfortable with this arrangement, it's even more important to maintain a professional imagine when you are working in a slightly less professional environment.

Keep it clean - all the time. Clutter causes chaos. Keeping your home presentable at a moment's notice is probably one of the biggest challenges for work-at-home professionals. Having a separate entrance for your clients is ideal, but it isn't always possible in every home. Make sure your walkways are easily accessible and your front entrance is well-lit for evening appointments. Tuck away coats and shoes out of sight, and hire some extra help if you have trouble staying on top of the dust bunnies.

Set up a designated workspace, separate from the rest of your home. While a casual setting may appeal to some clients, it won't help you build credibility or a professional image. If potential clients see that you take your profession seriously enough to set up a home office, they are more likely to have the confidence that you will deliver as promised. Arrange an office with neutral décor, equipped with everything you need to run your business. Your clients won't feel like they are intruding on your personal space, and the rest of your family can go about their daily life without having to tiptoe around your meetings.

Don't compromise confidentiality. There are many work-at-home professionals who hold designations that demand a certain degree of secrecy. Accountants, mortgage professionals, councillors, and lawyers may all have access to documents and information that needs to be stored out of sight. If you fall into this category, make sure your clients can see that you respect their privacy and handle all information in a professional manner. A closed door and locked filing cabinets will give them the confidence they need to entrust you with their business.