Home Office - Does Your Customer Really Care?
Many business people, specifically those just starting out that previously worked out of a "bricks & mortar location are nervous about letting clients find out they work from a home office.
First they don't' know what to say when someone requests a meeting at their office and then there is always the fear the client will think they are "small potatoes" because I don't have an office building.
How do you address these challenges? I was a manufacturer's rep for over 20 years and operated out of a home office when I was not traveling.
First I will suggest that many home offices, mine included are better equipped than any of the cubby holes and "pods" I have seen people stuck in when working for large corporations.
The second point is to not call it a home office just call it your office.
The perception is often more your problem than your clients concern.
Here are some quick ideas and answers: Remember This: oThere are multi-million dollar companies operating out of home offices oYou are doing your part to protect the environment by not commuting oYou can help more customers by not commuting -you can get 2-3 extra productive hours that your not wasting on travel.
oYou are happier & more productive person who is better able to help clients with their problems & challenges oMany successful business started in college dorms, basements & garages - DELL, MICROSOFT, FACEBOOK, GOOGLE, & B2B Sales Connections to name a few Possible Answers/Suggestions: oLets meet at a Coffee Shop and we can both get away from the distractions of our offices and then we can really focus on our project o I am a member of the local chamber of commerce and would like to meet you in our boardroom at that location.
(very inexpensive) oI will be in your area __________________ I would be happy to meet you at your office to save you the commute here and back.
Here's a suggestion, find a local restaurant or coffee shop run by someone who will appreciate the business and invite your clients to meet you there.
You will begin a relationship with the owner and help a local business person grow.
First they don't' know what to say when someone requests a meeting at their office and then there is always the fear the client will think they are "small potatoes" because I don't have an office building.
How do you address these challenges? I was a manufacturer's rep for over 20 years and operated out of a home office when I was not traveling.
First I will suggest that many home offices, mine included are better equipped than any of the cubby holes and "pods" I have seen people stuck in when working for large corporations.
The second point is to not call it a home office just call it your office.
The perception is often more your problem than your clients concern.
Here are some quick ideas and answers: Remember This: oThere are multi-million dollar companies operating out of home offices oYou are doing your part to protect the environment by not commuting oYou can help more customers by not commuting -you can get 2-3 extra productive hours that your not wasting on travel.
oYou are happier & more productive person who is better able to help clients with their problems & challenges oMany successful business started in college dorms, basements & garages - DELL, MICROSOFT, FACEBOOK, GOOGLE, & B2B Sales Connections to name a few Possible Answers/Suggestions: oLets meet at a Coffee Shop and we can both get away from the distractions of our offices and then we can really focus on our project o I am a member of the local chamber of commerce and would like to meet you in our boardroom at that location.
(very inexpensive) oI will be in your area __________________ I would be happy to meet you at your office to save you the commute here and back.
Here's a suggestion, find a local restaurant or coffee shop run by someone who will appreciate the business and invite your clients to meet you there.
You will begin a relationship with the owner and help a local business person grow.
