When most people think about running a home business, they think about web based businesses, affiliate sales-based businesses (like tupperware, cosmetics, candles, etc) or startups in their very early stages. However, these are not the only businesses that can be run out of your home.
Caterers, for example, often operate out of their own kitchens–some even for the duration of their careers. This is becoming a more regulated industry in some states, though. It is also very common for therapists to run their businesses out of their homes. Freelancers, artists, consultants, real estate agents–they all run businesses out of their homes.
So what does that mean for your home office?
I’ve talked before about setting up a home office that works for your productivity, moods and physical needs. I mentioned things like space, lighting, ergonomics, etc. These things are all important for building a space where you’ll want to spend time being comfortable, inspired and successful, sometimes for long periods of time in a day.
If you’re a freelance agent, you may be able to meet your clients in neutral locations like coffee shops, or even a local co-working space or conference center. Otherwise you can sit at your desk, relaxed and carefree while you work your business magic.
But if you decide to make your home office a place you bring clients to, you can’t just think of your own needs and feelings. You need to create a space where clients will feel comfortable which is also professional. So how do you do this?
In a best-case scenario, you’ll be able to set up an outside entrance and wall your home office off completely from the rest of your home. Garages, basements with their own entrances, and in-law apartments are all great for this. If you don’t have these types of spaces available and aren’t able to do extensive construction on your existing home, don’t worry; all is not lost. There are still things that you can do to make your home more conducive to professional meetings.
Meet in Neutral Space
If you’ve managed to build your home office right off of the entrance to your home, great! You can greet clients at the door and shuffle them into your office without having to worry that they’ll see the messy kitchen, the laundry at the top of the stairs, etc. If your home office is a ways away from the front door, it might be better to meet with them in your living room. You don’t want to take strangers all throughout your house unless you absolutely have to. Even if your home looks like something out of Interior Design Magazine, meeting in a neutral space that was designed for receiving guests will make everybody–clients and yourself alike–feel more comfortable.
Keep it Clean
Make sure that any space your clients will see is immaculate. Keep your entry way clean and free of debris–get your kids into the habit of taking their coats and bags right up to their rooms and putting lunch carriers in the kitchen as soon as they get home. Put away stray toys. Vacuum up any pet hair. Stuff clutter into the corners of other rooms. Open the windows to air out the space a little bit. Clients don’t want to have to pick their way over things, around things or smell what you cooked for lunch.
Schedule Play Dates
Most clients understand that “work at home Mom” (or Dad) means that you have kids who might be underfoot during an average work day. This does not mean, however, that your clients will feel comfortable conducting your meeting with your kids running in and out of the room. If you are able, do professional business during the day while your kids are in school or at day care. If the meetings have to happen in the afternoons, schedule a playdate or hire a baby-sitter to take the kids to the park. Your kids are, obviously, great! But kids get bored and tend to interrupt, even when they are on their best behavior.
Add Some Professional Touches
Add some professional work environment items to the space. Have fliers or brochures for a client to take with them when they leave. Have booklets or press kits ready and waiting to be taken home. You would be amazed at how professional a retail counter display filled with marketing materials on a shelf or table in the entryway of your home can add a professional touch to your meeting. It helps to remind clients that you are a serious business person and that they are not there to socialize. Plus, these are easy to carry back to your office after your meeting has finished, which turns your home-meeting space back into a home-living space.
The point is: you don’t have to relegate all of your meetings to Starbucks. In fact, in some professions, allowing clients to meet in your home can be a good thing! Just make sure that everybody is comfortable and you’ll be fine.
Do you work from your home? What helps you keep the space professional and productive?
