| I know starting a home based business can be | | | | contact information (website, email address, and |
| very exciting, I know this because I was excited | | | | phone number) and a quote or favorite |
| and still am about having a home business, but we | | | | expression is optional. (always be mindful if using a |
| need to consider a simple but very important | | | | quote to keep the message appropriate for a |
| subject. Setting up your home office correctly | | | | business environment) |
| from the beginning is critical for you to be | | | | Your signature can be a powerful advertising |
| productive and successful. | | | | method, use it wisely. |
| For example, you are talking with a prospect and | | | | 6. Staying connected: Instant Messenger Service |
| you need your business partner to speak with | | | | Instant Messenger services allow you to |
| them, but you don't have 3-way calling setup on | | | | communicate with your online contacts, get your |
| your phone system. Guess what, you now are | | | | questions answered and leverage your time |
| going to miss out on some invaluable training | | | | because your phone line will be open for incoming |
| because you will not hear how your business | | | | calls from prospects. |
| partner handles the prospects questions. | | | | Be sure to get the instant messenger ID of your |
| 8 Tips for Setting up Your Home Based Business | | | | mentors and business partners so you can always |
| for Success | | | | be in touch! |
| 1. A great phone plan is essential to your success, | | | | Yahoo Instant Messenger: |
| so make sure you have the following: | | | | MSN Instant Messenger: |
| * UNLIMITED Long Distance | | | | AOL Instant messenger: |
| * 3-Way Calling | | | | Skype: |
| * Caller ID | | | | 7. Shopping for office supplies |
| * Call Waiting | | | | You will need: |
| * Voice Mail | | | | * Large 3-Ring Binder with Tab Dividers |
| * Call Forwarding | | | | * Plastic Sheet Protectors |
| * Anonymous Call Rejection | | | | * Calendar |
| * Call Return | | | | * Pens and Pencils |
| * Repeat Dialing | | | | * Paper (printer paper and writing pads for taking |
| 2. You must have a calendar | | | | notes) |
| Your calendar is the backbone of your office. | | | | * Correction Fluid |
| Without it, nothing moves forward. You can | | | | * Manila folders |
| choose an online calendar such as in Google or | | | | * Plastic organizer to hold pens, paper clips, sticky |
| Yahoo or in Outlook, or you can purchase an | | | | notes, etc. |
| appointment book from your local office supply | | | | * Post it Notes |
| store. | | | | * Paper Clips |
| 3. Your computer software tools: | | | | * Stapler |
| * High Speed Internet Access | | | | * 3-Hole Punch |
| * Adobe Acrobat 8: Free download - | | | | * Filing Cabinet |
| * Flash Player plug-in: Free download - | | | | 8. Creating the mood - your office environment: |
| * Internet Explorer: Free download - (Internet | | | | Your office should buzz with positive energy. |
| Explorer 6 is sufficient) | | | | Motivate yourself by posting your goals and the |
| * JavaScript: Free download - | | | | reasons "WHY" you started your home based |
| * Email Software - You may want to use Outlook | | | | business. Family photos may help you keep your |
| or Outlook Express for your business email. Most | | | | focus. Motivational slogans or an inspirational quote |
| other people use one of these, so it will keep | | | | can keep you focused on your goals. |
| uniformity in your business organization. | | | | Decorate your office in a way that reflects your |
| 4. A good filing system | | | | taste and personality. Create an up tempo climate |
| Staying organized is extremely important because | | | | which motivates you to do your best. Your |
| doing so will help you work efficiently. Organization | | | | environment should promote a peaceful, yet |
| is very personal, so I suggest you personalize | | | | exciting atmosphere for you to work in, so use |
| your folder names in a way that makes sense to | | | | pictures or anything that will create this scenario |
| you. | | | | for you. |
| Listed below are some titles of folders that you | | | | One of the biggest perks of working at home is |
| can use for ideas of your own: | | | | having the freedom to personalize your |
| * Your "Main Business" Folder | | | | workspace, so be creative in setting up the ideal |
| * Sample Business Emails | | | | work environment. |
| * Training Material | | | | These 8 simple tips that we have covered can |
| * Advertising | | | | help you to a successful start in your business. By |
| * Announcements and Promotions | | | | following these tips, you will be able to expand |
| * Faxes | | | | your business and keep your business flowing. |
| * Leads | | | | You will be more focused on building your business |
| * Tax records and payment receipts | | | | and that is your goal, is it not? I wish you the |
| 5. Email signatures | | | | best in your business venture. |
| Your signature should include a closing, your name, | | | | |