Comments on: Home Office: Bad for Brand Credibility?

By: Samantha Hartley

Samantha Hartley — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:55:14 +0000

Paul, your examples of the designer’s location and working with three children in your house are so useful! There are many variables to consider.

Hey, next time will you send a picture of you with kids on lap and head to illustrate my post? haha :-D

By: Samantha Hartley

Samantha Hartley — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:52:47 +0000

Jeanette, I agree with your observation: “The fact that these two businesses made the offers to me proved that I already had some credibility in our business community.” I don’t always love trade/barter agreements, and regardless, its sounds like you made the right choice for you.

Someone else may have wanted the cache, atmosphere and visibility provided by an office. Wherever the good work can be done … right? ;)

By: Jeanette Gardiner

Jeanette Gardiner — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:06:19 +0000

When I started my business, I had offers from two “brick and mortar” establishments in town to have an office in their businesses in trade out for administrative services to them. I seriously considered the offers thinking it would give me more credibility as a start-up, but I wanted a virtual business (in anticipation of yet another move with the military) and the likelihood of walk-in clients where I lived at the time was minimal. The fact that these two businesses made the offers to me proved that I already had some credibility in our business community, so I didn’t regret the move to a home-based office. If I do need to meet face-to-face with a client I usually go to their business (some of which are also home-based).

You were right on, Samantha, with your statement about why some well-known consultants and experts are never challenged by working from a home office: “Because their work is so good that no one cares where it’s done.” I fully agree. As long as the service you’re providing meets (or better yet, exceeds) the client’s expectations, I don’t think they question your physical location. I know mine don’t!

By: Paul Cooley

Paul Cooley — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:40:06 +0000

Great topic Samantha!

I know for me, both have had their ups and downs. Having a home office has been such a blessing, but I have found that it needs to be done strategically. With three kids, I know how easy (and frustrating) it can be to get distracted and just plain hard to concentrate.

Now that I think about it, I think by having kids that forced me to really look into systems and how I can get more done in less time and do it with kids! :)

Another thought, I’m sure it can depend on what it is you do. For example, I know a web designer that recently got an office space right on a major HWY. Well she has a ton of walk ins now that she would have never gotten if she had been working in her home office.

I guess it comes down to really getting a clear picture on the purpose and goal for your business and implementing what it’s going to take to make it happen…. And if a office space helps, then there you go! :)

Thanks Samantha! You rock!!

By: Samantha Hartley | Enlightened Marketing

Samantha Hartley | Enlightened Marketing — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:49:56 +0000

Liz, as credible as you are, I can’t imagine anyone caring where your office is! Thanks for sharing your experience with us. S.

By: Liz Guthridge

Liz Guthridge — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 05:53:37 +0000

Great questions, Samantha. And an even better statement: “You carry your legitimacy within yourself.” Even when I was part of large, prestigious consulting firms, I often worked at home. My home office provided me a quiet place to concentrate, which allowed me to serve my clients better. So when I started my own firm in 2004, I didn’t think twice about operating my business out of a home office. I also save time and energy by not commuting, which makes it so much easier to service multiple time zones. My clients, most of whom are Fortune 500 companies, have never questioned me.

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