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