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More people have left a regular 9 to 5 office day for at home businesses. With this transition may come the need to host clients, venders, and other visitors. Of course, there are many perks to having a home office; for example, you can work when and how you are most comfortable and put in at the hours that you choose to.
Do know that with a home-based office comes a couple of drawbacks as well. For example, when clients want to have a face-to-face meeting, you will need to make sure that your home is prepped and ready for them. While some clients aren’t going to mind a messy pathway and a house filled with animals and children, other clients will want to focus purely on the work and might feel a bit distracted with your home. So how can you make sure that you have comfortable meetings at your home office? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Parking
Unless your clients can walk from a train station or a bus stop to your home with ease, ensure they have somewhere to park. If you own a house and you do have a driveway, it’s best to move your vehicles to make room for your client’s car. And if your client has to make a regular visit, make sure that they are not parking in front of your neighbor’s driveway. The last thing you need is arguments with your neighbors.
Outdoor Sitting Space
If you are lucky enough to have a nice seating area outside, this can serve as an alternative place to hold a meeting, depending on the weather. Make sure this space is clean, neat, and attractive. Of course, since you’re running a business, you might not have time to make that happen yourself. You can always hire residential grounds maintenance to make sure you are presenting your best to your visitors. Do also have comfortable seating and a table on which to work.
Office Seating
Your home office should have enough seating for you and clients at all times. Depending on the business that you run. While some clients won’t mind having discussions over coffee in your kitchen or living room, others might prefer to keep their business in a more private setting.
Do also pay attention to any technology or power outlets that your client may need. For example, if they need to set up a laptop, tablet, or plug in other electronics, this is usually done in an office. Try to have at least two seats with a table and your desk in the office.
Also, the office must be clean and uncluttered. The office needs to remain a productive and professional space. Again, that will depend on your business; if you are an artist and show perspective customers some artwork, they will probably not expect a spotlessly clean desk and laptop setup.
Perhaps you are still dreaming of the day you can say you have clients – and a business! To keep you motivated, here are 4 Good Reasons To Start Your Own Business.
