Desk Space

In order to be professional when working at home you must have "space" to run your business or do your job. Whether you have a corner in the kitchen or a room dedicated to your professional pursuits there are some things you need to do:

1. Look around your home, is there a place where you will not be distracted that is available, is there adequate electric supply, internet access and a phone jack? Keep in mind kids coming home from school, dogs barking and doorbells ringing, can you tune this out?

2. How is the light? Desk space? I worked on a folding table for almost a year, with my printer on the floor, I do not recommend this as being efficient. It worked at the time because it had to. Be realistic, if you like to spread out don't try and work on a small computer stand. Be sure you have adequate area to store supplies, files etc.

3. The Phone. If you are going to be using the phone all day like I do in recruiting, a business dedicated phone line is a must have. I get candidate call backs at all hours of the day and night, people do not know I work from home and will call me at 11pm to leave a message knowing I will get it first thing in the morning. There is nothing worse for the professional image than a 7 year old answering the phone and carrying on a conversation with a client. My children know the phone on my desk is off limits, I turn the ringer off at the end of my workday when I "leave" the office.

5. Without an actual business location, your image is all you have. Spend time and money to make your business cards, brochures, and stationery this will reflect a truly professional operation. This of course will not apply if you are not operating a "business" but working from home for someone else.

6. Get out of the house every day. I got in a rut where I was afraid to be out of range of my email and phone, I might miss something. That is why we have voice mail! You will be so much more productive if you take a break, even if it is just to get the mail or take a walk.

7. Stay involved in outside meetings and activities. Stay on top of your professional field. Go to relevant seminars and attend training classes in your field when possible. Plan lunch dates, check in with customers and prospects. Don't stay trapped in your office with no outside contact.

8. Supplies? Do you find yourself running out every other day for paper, printer cartridges and other supplies? Consider delivery, I use Staples for all my supplies, their prices are very competitive, I compared my printer cartridges to Walmart and it was saving me about 50 cents a cartridge to drive across town to pick one up. They also offer free next day home delivery, you cannot beat that! Keep a running list as you run out and order all at once.

9. Don't worry about fancy, you don't have to have an elaborate set-up to be efficient and productive. You need to be practical and make the most out of what you have. When I divorced and moved into a much smaller house, I had to reevaluate my office space and went from a large home office to an area on my back porch, it was that or the corner in my bedroom. Neither of these were practical or realistic, I moved it all to a corner in my living room, I had to adjust my work hours to accommodate my children's schedule and I am now forced to keep it neat and organized (which is a plus). It is not ideal but I am making what I have work and so can you.

No matter what your circumstances, if you decide on working at home, you can be professional.

Learn more about this author, Anne Reynolds.
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