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Home Based Business
All Work And No Play Makes Jack A Dull Boy
Getting out of the house is important when you are a home based biz.
By justBurbank.com | March,2008
Running a home based business, you get all the perks of flextime but it can be a little tough when it comes to depriving yourself of actual social interaction with other human beings. Working at home can be isolating and it’s important to keep your people skills up to par.
Here are some ways to keep your home-based business thriving, your people skills intact and even boost your sales through interaction with the outside world.
First of all, do get out! Even if it’s just a stroll down to Starbucks or the taking a walk around the block. Pry yourself away from your latest project and take a walk through your neighborhood or go run some errands about town.
Marketing can happen anywhere. Don’t completely abandon the idea of getting some work done. You can turn this daily breath of fresh air into a truly amazing sales experience. Have business cards on you at all times.
Get to know the neighborhood. We know you’re worried about the stock market, the subprime mortgage crisis, and your kids’ education fund. Regardless of what’s on your mind, make a practice of saying hello to everyone you meet. Stop and talk to other dog owners while you’re exercising Rex. Get to know your neighbors. You may find yourself talking to a graphic designer who can help you with a logo. Your neighbors are probably curious about what you do and how you do it, and after getting to know you they’ll even check out your website.
Around town marketing. During your errands, eat out occasionally and use it as another opportunity to market yourself. Interact with the people physically around you, ask questions, listen, mention what you do and always hand them a business card.
Community boards. Find where they are located and regularly update your info. They can be one of your best sources for word-of-mouth advertising and marketing.
Speak with owners and managers. As you’re eating or shopping, if you can, speak with the manager. Compliment them on the service and explain that you’re a relatively new business and leave your business card or brochure. Managers of storefront businesses, especially if they’ve been around for a while, will know everyone on the block. Offer them a discount, if appropriate, on your services. Often, managers only get to deal with difficult clients, so you will be a breath of fresh air.
Your compliment and demeanor will be remembered and appreciated.
Hopefully, you will return home with a refreshed sense of determination to conquer your to-do list. If you’re still smiling, you probably made some good connections, and have mastered the art of marketing a home based business.
The team at www.justBurbank.com collaborates on our articles. Each employee, contributes, then Kate edits for business-appropriateness, and Libby edits to make sure the article is funny and juicy. Our aim is to write helpful & entertaining articles.
