So you want to start a home-based business. Just think, you can work in your slippers when you want to – what could be better? No commute, not having to play office politics, no income – Whoops, how did that sneak in? Let’s do a reality check on your home business. Can you work in your slippers? Sure, no problem. If you aren’t meeting face-to-face with your clients, how you’re dressed makes little difference.
Can you work when you want to? That depends on a lot of things. Suppose you are a freelance writer with little contact with the public; yes, you can. However, if you are selling a product or service, and the public will contact you, that may not work. The normal office is open during the working day but waits a minute. Typical office hours are 9-5; if you call their number, you expect an answer. You will likely try another source if you don’t get an answer. But with the Internet, what are typical office hours?
If you live in Florida and are on Eastern time, how about all your prospects on the West Coast? They’re just returning from lunch when you’re wrapping it up for the day. So, should you increase your office hours to cover all time zones? If you’re on the west coast, open earlier in the morning – if you’re on the east coast, close later at night. Right – wrong. That will be self-defeating as far as running your own home-based business goes.
You worked 8 hours a day before, and since you decided to get out of the “rat race,” you now have to work 11? The first thing you should do is post the hours when people can talk with you on your website. But it is amazing how little attention some people pay to this. Calls will be received at all hours of the day and night. Remember that anyone who does call is a more serious prospect than one who responds to an email.
Should you have a toll-free number? While many will argue that this is a more professional approach, it will increase the number of calls from people referred to as “tire kickers.” If they have to spend “their dime” on the call, they will be less inclined to call unless they are serious. But this doesn’t answer the question – how long should you be available to take calls, and what should you do with people who call outside your posted hours?
Recognizing that there is a three-hour difference for many people, you should try to be available during the period that overlaps the different time zones. If you live on the East Coast, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM will provide decent coverage. Voice mail or an answering machine should be available during those hours you are not taking calls.
While voice mail or an answering machine will provide coverage, you must respond to inquiries received promptly. While you have a better chance of closing the sale if you are available when they call, this is the next best alternative.
Another thing you should do is try to capture their telephone number, the best time to return the call, and their email address if they call outside your normal working hours.
This works especially well if you follow up with an email, sending them a carefully crafted message. In that message, thank them for their inquiry, and if they respond, be sure to return their call.
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If they don’t respond to your email, you should still follow up; however, the odds of making a sale have decreased dramatically. No matter what you do, you will not close a sale with everyone who calls. If you present a “businesslike” image, the odds that you will be successful will increase dramatically. You will realize that dream of no commute, not having to play office politics, and hopefully, there will be some income. Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby’s Free Ezine, the “Tip of the Day,” get a Free Ad for their Business on his Web Site? Great Business and Computer Tips – Monday. Wednesday. And Friday. Instructions on how to place an ad are in the Newsletter.
