If you are working from home full- or part-time, you should get a separate line for business as soon as you can.
Having a separate line will head off problems both in your business and your family. For example, when a business call comes through, your children and family members can let the phone ring through to a machine or answering service, keeping your business much more professional. Your business line will remain free for incoming calls even if family members are making personal calls. The importance of being accessible by phone for customers and colleagues can’t be overemphasized. If you don’t want to deal with business calls after a certain hour, you can let the phone ring through to the machine or service, but still accept personal calls on the other line.
A separate line will convey the image that you are a “real” business. You can answer all calls with a professional greeting, and have a service or machine answer when you are unavailable. Business calls will reach you promptly; the line won’t be tied up with personal calls.
A separate business line will enable you to have a business listing in the phone book, thus making you accessible to your potential customers. Your business will be listed under its category in the yellow pages. You can take out a larger advertisement if desired to help generate business.
