How do can I hold client meetings when running a home-based business?

While running a business from home allows you to keep costs down and increase your personal flexibility, trying to impress a client when you’re working out of a dingy back shed or a cluttered home office isn’t always easy – particularly if you have trouble keeping things neat and tidy.

There are a number of solutions:

• Keeping a special, clear area in your house that is only used for meetings will ensure you can meet with clients in comfort, and keep the clutter of the home office behind closed doors.
• Using a serviced office or meeting space for client meetings does cost money, but it will show to your clients that you are a serious and substantial business.
• Pick a quiet local cafe or restaurant that you can make your regular meeting place. If you can find one with wireless internet, all the better.
• Hold meetings at your clients’ workplace. They’ll love the fact you’re coming to them.

Finally, don’t be afraid to just hold meetings at home, even if the home office looks a bit messy. Your clients will always appreciate that the money saved on serviced offices and special meeting rooms is helping to keep your prices down.