A
service of
Click
on the logo to learn more.
|
|
Article
#2
Tips
for using this article: This is a light-hearted
look at the problems of being home-based. Use it as a change of pace
to more serious fare.
Be
sure to link the phrase Home-Based Travel Agent Resource Center
using your unique affiliate URL.
HOW
TO HANDLE THOSE PESKY NEIGHBORS
by Kelly Monaghan
Sometimes
neighbors just don’t get it. They know you work at home, but
they only seem to get the "at home" part and forget about
the "work" part. The result: a trickle of "innocent"
requests that, if not handled properly, can grow to a deluge.
"Would you mind watching the kids while I run to the store?"
"Since you’re at home, could I have my new exercise machine
delivered to you?" "I don’t have a fax machine, so…."
You get the idea.
My suggestion is that you approach these intrusions on your business
life in a business-like manner. Draw up a Price List that you can
hand to people when they hit on you for free services. It shouldn’t
be too hard to use your existing software to turn out something official
looking. Explain that this is your "standard" pricing structure
and, if they like the prices, perhaps you can do business.
There are two routes you can go with this idea. The first is to use
your "Price List" as a way to discourage any future requests.
You can do this subtly by charging ridiculous amounts or you can let
your imagination take off and have some fun with it. For example:
Babysitting: $5/hr ($100/hr if you don’t want them locked in
the tool shed)
Face lifts (results not guaranteed): $1,000 and up depending on difficulty.
Having an affair with your spouse: Negotiable. Please submit picture
of your spouse in a bathing suit.
The other alternative is to seize this as an opportunity to widen
your income stream. Many home-based businesspeople pursue their avocation
on a part-time basis and might welcome the chance to make a little
extra money. If so, give some thought to the services you’d be
willing to provide. That could include things like sending and receiving
faxes, accepting deliveries for absent neighbors, or typing resumes
and the like.
Obviously, include only those services you will feel comfortable performing
and give special thought to services that you can provide at little
or no additional bother.
Price your services fairly. Check locally to see what others are charging
for similar services. You might want to charge slightly less (on the
theory that you have lower overhead), exactly the same, or slightly
more (on the theory that you are more convenient to the customer).
If you go this route, you might consider distributing your Price List
along with a friendly cover letter to households in your neighborhood.
*****
About The Author: Kelly Monaghan is the owner of the Home-Based
Travel Agent Resource Center. He has heped thousands of people
set up and succeed in their own home-based travel business. His home
study course shows you how to work for yourself, instead of being
at the mercy of the business-opportunity vendors, and how to get all
the travel benefits you're entitled to.
TOP
|
The
Intrepid Traveler
POB 531, Branford, CT 06405(203) 469-0214
Copyright© 1999-2007. All rights reserved. |
|