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Seven Tips to Working Safely at Homeby Jeffrey Zbar An
excerpt from his book,
Home-based entrepreneurs
and telecommuters often work in solitude
surrounded by expensive computer equipment and new clients whose intentions are
unknown. Working late hours with the glow of technology could attract unsavory characters--unless you take precautions. 1. Get P.O.'d.
Keep your home address off of your business card. Instead,
for around $25 every six months, rent a post office box and put that address
on your literature and Web site. Since most shipping services don't deliver
to P.O. boxes, rent a box at a local pack-and-ship store front, or get a
"Business Identity Package" from an executive suite.
2. Check the ID of any unknown visitor before opening the door.
If the stranger can't present an ID, call their employer; if it's a courier and
you've not seen them before, have them leave the parcel.
3. Schedule first-time--and possibly follow-up--client or vendor meetings
off-site at a neutral location, like a restaurant, coffee shop, executive
suite, local library or the office of a friend.
That will give you time to
get a feel for their character. If you never quite get the right vibe, but
don't necessarily feel threatened, just say your office is no place for a
meeting. If you must meet on site with clients, walk them directly to the
office and try to limit client access to your home's living areas.
4. Dim the computer screen or lower the shades when not in the office--
especially at night.
A monitor glowing from a home office advertises that
the home has a computer--and possibly other expensive office hardware.
5. Is the home office ergonomically sound?
Use an ergonomic chair, desk, and
even a telephone headset to ensure your body is comfortable and not prone to
repetitive stress injuries.
6. Get covered.
Home-based businesses need extra insurance coverage. Call
your agent or carrier and explain your set-up. You might need a business
rider to cover equipment related to the business, and another to increase
liability for customers, clients or vendors who visit the home office. The
company and its vehicles should be rated correctly to ensure the best rate
and maximum savings.
7. Listen to your gut.
If someone makes you uneasy after an initial meeting,
agree to only meet them in the future in public areas. Or resign the
assignment. Your caution could hinder your ability to work professionally,
resulting in bad workmanship and decreased productivity.
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