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How To Get Others To Take Your Home-Based Business Seriously
By: Heather Crowley

For years I held an office job, and not just any office job, a really good office job. I worked for a very well-known company, had full benefits, and a pretty decent salary. When someone would ask me what type of work I did, I would just mention the company name and the gushing over what a great job I had would start. What I learned from this experience is that in general, people are way too easily impressed.

The truth of the matter was I hated that job. I couldn’t stand the office politics, the catty coworkers, the mundane tasks, and even the overpriced cafeteria food. I was miserable, and I knew it was time for a change. So, change is exactly what I did. After handing in my notice I began working from home as an eBay seller. I told everyone I knew about my new venture, and almost immediately, the negative comments started flooding in.

I quickly noticed a pattern in the way the people who did comment negatively to me where thinking, and I was able to divide their opinions into one of two main categories. One group assumed this was a phase I was going through and I would soon return to the “real world“, while the second group assumed that my husband must be making killer money so that I could pursue my “hobby” and not have to work for a living. Ha! How more off base could they possibly be?

For awhile I was able to let these comments roll off my back, because I was certain that once I proved how successful I could be running my own business from home that things would get better. Well, in a short period of time, I was already exceeding my income level from my former job, I was happier, healthier, and life was going great. Then one day it happened. I was at the grocery store and ran into an ex-coworker. The first words out of her mouth where “So, are you still doing that internet thing?” Wow, I was in shock. I answered with a simple “yes” hoping to wrap up the conversation and get out of there. No such luck, chatty Cathy had one more bomb to drop on my self-esteem before she made her exit. “You’re so lucky, I wish I could just stay at home all the time with my kids, but some of us have to work for a living.”

I have relived that moment over and over in my head, and have come up with many brilliant responses that would have been perfect in that situation. The problem with that is, that when I was actually in that moment in time, I was very unprepared and was so shocked I said nothing, letting her have the last word. I spent a lot of time after that thinking of ways to make people respect my new career choice. My conclusion is that I can’t actually make anyone respect me or my business, and in all honesty, their opinions don’t really matter anyway. However, what I can do is present my business in a way that makes it seem more professional.

I have been following the tactics below now for about a year. Not only have they cut down the less than flattering comments I was receiving, but they have also helped me improve my own way of thinking.

Set a Schedule
Plan what days and times you are going to work, and more importantly what days you will be off. Make sure that during the times you are working, that you are accepting to personal visitors, or phone calls. Also, avoid personal e-mail and instant messaging communications. If you need to take your phone off the hook or put a sign on your front door stating that you are working, then do it. Make it very clear to friends and family that the time to contact you is outside of your business hours.

Put Your Foot Down
If you are being taken advantage of my friends, families, and/or neighbors, it’s time to say no more! This is a common problem that occurs with working at home. It usually starts off small, perhaps a neighbor asking if a package could be delivered to your home while she’s at work. Sound like no big deal? Well, mark my words it will become one. Before you know it you will be asked to watch their kids, walk the dog, feed the cat, and who knows what else. Just say no!

Look The Part
If you want people to perceive you as professional, you need to present yourself in a professional manner. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a business suit around the house, but it is a good idea to change out of your pajamas. Also, keep business cards on hand, when you run into an acquaintance, write your office hours on the back so they will know when you are available for personal discussions.

Use Business Language
This is my favorite tactic because it provokes some pretty amazing facial responses from the person you are talking to. Make a list of all the things that you do in regards to your business and then come up with a more professional sounding description of the task. Use the same tone and language you would if you where writing a resume. My husband loved when I started doing this because all of a sudden he went from “the guy who takes my packages to the Post Office” to being “in charge of shipping and receiving.”

Isolate Your Business
If visitors come to your house and see evidence of your business in every room, it leads them to believe you are not serious about what you are doing. If you keep stock in your home, make sure it is in a separate location than your living areas (your family will appreciate this too!). If you choose not to follow this advice, don’t be surprised if visitors start requesting items from your inventory for free or at cost.

As your own respect for your business grows, you will be amazed at how those around you will start changing their tune. It won’t happen overnight, you will need to reinforce your new rules repeatedly. Of course, there are some folks that will just never get it. Try not to take this personally, and don’t let it sidetrack you from your goals.

Article by:
Heather Crowley is a full-time eBay seller, freelance writer, and the owner of The Auction Chick website dedicated to helping moms who sell on eBay or are interested in getting started. You can visit Heather and share your thoughts at www.theauctionchick.com