9. Keeping clients happy
Winning business from established rivals is one challenge, keeping them happy is quite another.
In some cases, your client may not even be aware that you’re a one-person operation whose infrastructure consists of a home-based office, a car and a computer.
Whether you’re a tradie or a web developer, you will need to maintain a professional façade in order for clients to maintain their faith in you. This can be an issue if a customer calls round to your house to find you holed up in a messy spare room.
The solution?
Shelton says: “Be aware of the client relationship you are managing. Some clients are simply more comfortable in their corporate world, working in an open-plan office with their colleagues, CBD location, meeting and boardrooms.”
“But truth be told, trust in business is vital for on-going repeat business and long-term relationships with your clients, so I’d recommend being open and up-front about your working from home arrangements.”
“If you are going to invite clients to your house, have a dedicated professional space with a meeting room type feel. Clean up the areas of the house your clients will walk through and use.”
