Work at Home

Jill Hart
www.cwahm.com

One of the benefits of working from home is the ability to have a relaxed atmosphere. You can set your own schedule, work around your family, and even lounge in your pajama pants from time to time.

However, one of the drawbacks of working from home is the inability to have a relaxed atmosphere. Yep, you read that right. As much as I love working from the comfort of my home, there is a serious side to my business as well. There are times when I must set aside my comfort and ensure that my clients get the very best from me.

The question that comes to mind then is, "How do we retain professionalism while we're working at home?"

Here are a few ideas:

Take a shower - I smile as I write this because I know how basic this tip is. However, I know firsthand that it can be difficult to get motivated to get up and shower as if you were heading to an office for the day. Some days it can be hard just to find the time to shower (if you have small kids at home, you're nodding as you read this), but you can do it. And don't just stop with a shower - put on a cute outfit, add a little makeup and get yourself feeling good. You'll be surprised what a difference feeling good about yourself can make in your attitude, which will in turn impact your family, your business and all those you come into contact with throughout the day.

Clean your room - While it may or may not be true that "cleanliness is next to godliness," it has certainly proven true in my life that cleanliness helps me to focus. When my office is a mess and my desk is piled high with stacks of paper, I seem to get less done. Take 15 minutes each morning and clear your space as much as possible. Not only will you think more clearly, but you will also be saved from embarrassment if unexpected company (or a client!) stops by.

Go to school - Never stop learning. The day you think you've "made it" is the day your business fails. To continue to grow as a business owner, it's an absolute MUST that you continue to learn. This can come in the form of heading to college for a class or two, or simply picking up a few books on leadership or business from a bookstore or your local library. The more you learn, the more confidence you will build. And the more confidence you build in yourself, the more confidence your clients will have in you.

Professionalism is oftentimes overlooked by work-at-home business owners, however, it's one of the most important things we can do to grow our businesses to the next level. While the steps necessary to project a professional image may seem simple, I promise you that by practicing them you will see a remarkable difference in yourself and in your business.

Jill Hart, founder of Christian Work-at-Home Moms www.cwahm.com  and Diana Ennen, president of Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com  have teamed up to write, So You Want to Be a Work at Home Mom: A Christian's Guide to Starting a Home-Based Business (www.soyouwanttobeawahm.com).  Start or expand your business today with their help.