If you are starting up a new home based business and have
been told to talk to everyone you know so you can get a
fast start, which you should do, it would be worth it to
consider a few things first. We are going to discuss an
area that you may or may not think is important and that is
not being prepared to handle your new business because your
basic fundamental home office is not set up for success.
For example, you are talking with a prospect and you need
your business partner to speak with them, but you don't
have 3-way calling setup on your phone system. Guess what,
you now are going to miss out on some invaluable training
because you will not hear how your business partner handles
the prospects questions.
8 Tips for Setting up Your Home Based Business for Success
1. A great phone plan is essential to your success, so make
sure you have the following:
* UNLIMITED Long Distance
* 3-Way Calling
* Caller ID
* Call Waiting
* Voice Mail
* Call Forwarding
* Anonymous Call Rejection
* Call Return
* Repeat Dialing
2. You must have a calendar
Your calendar is the backbone of your office. Without it,
nothing moves forward. You can choose an online calendar
such as in Google or Yahoo or in Outlook, or you can
purchase an appointment book from your local office supply
store.
3. Your computer software tools:
* High Speed Internet Access
* Adobe Acrobat 8: Free download - http://www.adobe.com/
* Flash Player plug-in: Free download -
http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/
* Internet Explorer: Free download -
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp (Internet
Explorer 6 is sufficient)
* JavaScript: Free download - http://www.java.com/
* Email Software - You may want to use Outlook or Outlook
Express for your business email. Most other people use one
of these, so it will keep uniformity in your business
organization.
4. A good filing system
Staying organized is extremely important because doing so
will help you work efficiently. Organization is very
personal, so I suggest you personalize your folder names in
a way that makes sense to you.
Here are some examples of folders you will need:
* Your "Main Business" Folder
* Sample Business Emails
* Training Material
* Advertising
* Announcements and Promotions
* Faxes
* Leads
* Tax records and payment receipts
5. Email signatures
Your signature should include a closing, your name, contact
information (website, email address, and phone number) and
a quote or favorite expression is optional. (always be
mindful if using a quote to keep the message appropriate
for a business environment)
Your signature can be a powerful advertising method, use it
wisely.
6. Staying connected: Instant Messenger Service
Instant Messenger services allow you to communicate with
your online contacts, get your questions answered and
leverage your time because your phone line will be open for
incoming calls from prospects.
Be sure to get the instant messenger ID of your mentors and
business partners so you can always be in touch!
Yahoo Instant Messenger: http://www.messenger.yahoo.com
MSN Instant Messenger: http://www.msn.com
AOL Instant messenger: http://www.aim.com
Skype: http://www.skype.com/
7. Shopping for office supplies
You will need:
* Large 3-Ring Binder with Tab Dividers
* Plastic Sheet Protectors
* Calendar
* Pens and Pencils
* Paper (printer paper and writing pads for taking notes)
* Correction Fluid
* Manila folders
* Plastic organizer to hold pens, paper clips, sticky
notes, etc.
* Post it Notes
* Paper Clips
* Stapler
* 3-Hole Punch
* Filing Cabinet
8. Creating the mood - your office environment:
Your office should buzz with positive energy. Motivate
yourself by posting your goals and the reasons "WHY" you
started your home based business. Family photos may help
you keep your focus. Motivational slogans or an
inspirational quote can keep you focused on your goals.
Decorate your office in a way that reflects your taste and
personality. Create an up tempo climate which motivates you
to do your best. Surround yourself with pictures and
objects that relax, energize or inspire you.
One of the biggest perks of working at home is having the
freedom to personalize your workspace, so be creative in
setting up the ideal work environment.
If you follow these simple tips you will set yourself up
for a successful start in your home based business. They
will help you stay motivated and on top of your growing
business. You will be more focused on building your
business and that is your goal, is it not? I wish you the
best in your business venture.
----------------------------------------------------
Brian Jones runs a successful home based business and has a
mission to help other people achieve time freedom in their
life. He coaches others to run their own online business
because this is one of the key ingredients to success at
home. To learn more, go to:
http://www.CreateTimeFreedom.com to receive your free copy
of the “Top 15 Online Marketing Questions”
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