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1)  Your Telephone Image.   While your business may be operated from your spare bedroom, you must still project a professional business image to be taken seriously.   With today's technology, it's easier than ever for a one-person business to look, sound and perform at parity with Fortune 500 companies.   Your customers form their opinion of you from your very first communication.   Make it polished, sincere and professional.

Here are a few simple tips for providing world-class telephone service:

• Answer the phone with a friendly, professional greeting
• Don't allow your spouse of children to answer your business line
• Ensure that your background noise is free from home distractions
• When you can't answer, use a reliable answering system
• Return all calls immediately

2) Conference Calling. A decade ago, many fledgling home business owners wasted tons of time, money and energy in meetings with their potential customers and suppliers. As a result, precious time that could have been invested in the business was wasted in airports and traffic jams. Thanks to the incredible advances in phone technology, particularly teleconference services, much of this expensive business travel has been eliminated.

When you set up your home office, investigate the availability and pricing for teleconferencing services. Your ability to hold "meetings" via conference calls (without leaving your home office) will not only save time and money, but will give your clients (and competitors) the impression that you are large firm with judicious office support. Particularly in your formative years, this is an invaluable enhancement to your professional image.

3)  Taking orders from customers.   If you have a product, you need an inbound "live" order taking service.   Shop around for the best prices and services.


4)  Credit cards.   It is essential to accept credit cards, whether you process them using your own merchant account or use an online "real time" service to take orders.   Shop around for the account that best matches your needs.   Banks, credit card companies and online providers offer a wide range of services and fees, depending on your type of business and your method of product delivery.


5)  Accounting services.   If you are not good at accounting, hire an accountant to help you with the basics.   QuickBooks Pro is a good program for your internal accounting system, but you will still need some help with tax planning and filing your annual tax return.   You should also have a business checking account to keep finances separate and easy to manage.   Merchant banks (credit card services) will also require you to have one.


6)  Letterhead & Business Cards.   With much of the new software available, it takes just a few minutes to design professional letterhead.   Try to create a memorable, classy logo for your business to use on both your stationary and business cards.   You can use plain envelopes, but you should invest a few dollars in an inexpensive return address "stamper".   You also need an internal accounting system (for most types of businesses).   This includes the personalized forms to process orders, print invoices / packing slips, etc.   I recommend QuickBooks Pro for this.


7)  Web site.   Most businesses ultimately choose to go online to give their business some sort of Internet presence.   The type and design of your web site will depend on what you plan to accomplish on the Net.   Some businesses make sales directly through their web sites, while others use the site as a way to make contact with new prospects or simply provide general information to the public.   Whatever your objective, your web site is a reflection of you, your company and your product or service.   Make sure its design is clean and free from distracting clutter.   Make your visuals strong and memorable.   Ensure that your content reflects your professionalism and commitment to excellence.


8)  Electronic mail.   Approach your e-mail correspondence with the same level of professionalism that you give to your telephone calls.   That pesky e-mailer you didn't answer last week might be your next big customer!   Don't risk losing the sale (or a chance to make your sales pitch) because you are "too busy" to respond.   A savvy competitor WILL respond....and get the business!

9) Dress for Success. When you are home alone, it's perfectly fine to work in an old t-shirt and a pair of sweats. But when you are meeting with clients, suppliers or other potential contacts, the old "dress for success" rules still apply. In many fields, your competitors will be larger companies whose managers sport a polished wardrobe and style. Your professional image must be equally impressive. Wear an updated suit to all meetings to show that you are still at the top of your game.

10) Federal ID Number. Use your corporate name and Federal ID number in all professional interactions. By doing so, you will not only project a more credible image, you will safeguard your social security number. If you do not already have a Federal ID number, you can apply for one at any office of the Internal Revenue Service.

11) Confidence. Regardless of whether you have a million dollars in annual revenues or have just started your business, you must always present a positive attitude. By radiating confidence, you will attract business. Never underestimate the power of positive thoughts.

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