Working from home is a unique (and not always easy) way to make a living. You can spend all day talking to clients on the telephone, clinching a series of important business deals, and not one of them knows you’re still wearing your pajamas and fuzzy bunny slippers.
While you might not look as professional as your clients might think you are, your marketing materials still have to look as professional. After all, just because you can work from the confines of your bedroom doesn’t mean that you should advertise that to the whole world!
Some of the most successful people who work from home give clients the impression that they’re talking to them from a sleek office on the 23rd floor of a gleaming skyscraper. Part of this “illusion” means having marketing materials that reflect a professional persona, from business cards to flyers, brochures and custom letterheads. Printed marketing materials say a lot about your business – and you. Marketing materials that look homemade or slapped together just don’t cut it in today’s competitive business world.
You should professionally print your marketing collateral. Only design your own if you can make it look 100% professional. Nothing will put off a client more than a poorly designed website or homemade business card. You might think your three-year-old’s drawings are cute, but your clients probably won’t.
It’s estimated that more than half of all small businesses produce at least some of their own marketing materials. Yes, it cuts the cost of overhead, but homemade marketing materials can harm your image more than you think.
If you’re serious about your business’ success, get on the right track from the outset. Build your corporate identity now to showcase a professional image that will help distinguish you and your business from competitors.
Business cards say more about you and your business than anything else. Your business card is often the first thing a potential client sees, and first impressions count. Simple software packages such as Publisher can help you print basic business cards and newsletters, but for anything more complicated, like envelopes, it’s recommended to hire a professional designer. While you may balk at the initial cost, a good designer will help you set up templates that can be easily used later. Once you decide on a graphic together, take it to a professional printer to add to your stationery, business cards, envelopes, and letterheads.
Furthermore, as a work at home mother, the bulk of your correspondence is probably sent electronically. Many forget to “brand” their email with their logos, company names and addresses. And, many online tutorials will give you step-by-step instructions on converting your custom letterhead to a Word document.
More Tips for Looking Professional
Professional marketing materials are just one way to project a professional image when you work from home. Here are some more ideas:
- Get a separate phone line. Nothing can make you lose credibility more than having your six-year-old pick up the phone when you’re in the middle of clinching a big deal.
- Learn how to lock your computer – and your office. This will help you avoid embarrassment if all your files are “accidentally” deleted by a child, or if you show up to give a big presentation to find all your business trend slides have been replaced by Hello Kitty pictures.
- Set up important conference calls when the baby is napping and the kids are at school. If that’s not possible, try to have another adult around to take over in case a crisis happens.
- Schedule meetings outside your house. Even if you are meeting up with a potential client for a quick cup of coffee, resist the temptation to invite him/her over – at least until the deal is done.
Working from home can be a difficult, not to mention having to juggle your family with your schedule. Having professional marketing materials, from custom letterheads to professionally designed business cards, flyers and brochures, can make all the difference to the professional image you project, and your client response.
About the Author: Jessica Wiener is a specialist in custom letterhead and online printing. When she is not writing for Print360.com, you can find her cooking up a storm in her kitchen.