1) Don’t be afraid to spend a little money.
Telecommuting saves money for both you and your employer. Invest some of it in hosting potential clients or business partners at quality restaurants, hotels in destination spots, or class-A conference facilities that are available for daily rental. Once you’ve found a place you like, stick with it — that helps maintain a consistent identity in your counter-parties’ minds.
2) No surprise.
Don’t try to hide the fact that you work from home. You don’t have to volunteer it, but when the dog barks or the baby cries while you’re on a business call, let the person you’re speaking with know that you’re working from home. Then, get back to business. You’ll be surprised by how many others have been in the same situation and are willing to help you make it. And even if your client sees it as a negative, you’re still better off with a straightforward approach.
3) Create a professional environment at home …
… with Internet access, a fax machine, and as much insulation from the sounds of home life as possible. That keeps the impact on your clients and co-workers minimal, and gives them fewer reasons to criticize your choice to work from home.
