[guyefrat]

I keep coming back in my mind to the logistics of meeting with clients in my living room and it just doesn’t have the snap crackle pop of an office with a receptionist. But I do like the idea of saving money, and writing off my rent if I work out of home. How has anyone started a business from home and how have you maintained a professional image to your clients?

[rogercbryan]

I know I'll catch slack for saying this but if you are in an industry where you have to meet with clients then you are not a full business until you have offices. There are certain types of 'businesses' you can pull off from home.. (eBay comes to mind) but other then that you need an office. It will pay for its self 10 fold with the appearance you will portray to the people you are doing business with.

[kainman1]

Hi there. Am not really sure about over there but here in the U.K, there are companies that'd let you rent out an office for a set amount of hours in a day. This would probably be an ideal solution for you as you can work from home most times and book an office only for when you need to meet clients.

Hope this has been slightly helpful.

[Squandered Halfpints]

I thought I read in one of your earlier posts that you are in real estate. My mother is a very successful real estate broker. In a market where just about every agent/broker is hurting, she has had her best few years making well over 6 digits.

She has a very small office which hangs her license, where meets clients, and writes deals. She very rarely stays in her office. She actually goes hiking, skiing, laying on the beach with her cell phone; and if a client calls her she just needs to talk to them, or meet them at her office (this is all very true) This is it. Very little overhead, compared to the other big residential real estate brokers in the city that are dying inside their big fancy building with the waterfall and garden in front.

[SophieM]

In my opinion an office is the best option if you are meeting clients face to face.
It also, I think, would give you somewhere to "escape" to, and will I think draw a clearer line between work and play.

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Originally Posted by guyefrat

I keep coming back in my mind to the logistics of meeting with clients in my living room and it just doesn’t have the snap crackle pop of an office with a receptionist. But I do like the idea of saving money, and writing off my rent if I work out of home. How has anyone started a business from home and how have you maintained a professional image to your clients?

Just wanted to clear up a perceived misunderstanding. If you work from home, you are NOT entitled to write off your rent just because you are working there. You are only entitled to write off the percentage of the rent corresponding to the percentage of the house used SOLELY as a work space, and you are only entitled to write off household items that are used SOLELY in your work, even if you use them partly for work. For more info, consult a tax attorney or CPA.

[teomabanta]

I work from home and I love it. I just hate when sometimes I get so lazy because I feel so "
at home" and comfortable with the surroundings.

But in your case, in my opinion, meeting clients face to face, I suggest having an office.

[rejoice]

just meet at a cafe or restaurant and pay the bill... cheaper than renting an office and it's not in your living room... i'd choose a cafe/restaurant you are familiar with and know the staff/owner so it's always a friendly welcome when you take clients there... become a regular and enjoy getting out of the house for a meeting or two

[subrep]

Think about how customers encounter you first and develop your professional image there. Ensure your website and any adverts look top-notch. The website is the most common way people research you now. Short of having a receptionist answering your phones, you can have a virtual attendant like Gotvmail handling your calls. It’s amazing how having an extension and having an office are synonymous. If you’re in an apartment, call it a “suite” on your business card.

[kh82791]

I would go with the home office - way more comfortable!!!
Now, as far as meeting people they have those companies that specialize in places to meet use those, use a cafe anything. In todays world you do not need a "office" - I mean why not use Starbucks?

[jayrobinson15]

Originally Posted by guyefrat

I keep coming back in my mind to the logistics of meeting with clients in my living room and it just doesn’t have the snap crackle pop of an office with a receptionist. But I do like the idea of saving money, and writing off my rent if I work out of home. How has anyone started a business from home and how have you maintained a professional image to your clients?

I would normally favor the home office because of the money you could save, the convenience and the comfort, but in your case, to maintain that professional image, I think your business might be better suited for an actual office. Perhaps you could make the home office work though if you present it the right way.