I’ve just started a home business. My spouse has given me six months to make it work. Any advice?

BB: First of all, if your spouse is giving you six months to make your business work, I would start by really working and talking together with your spouse about the kind of commitment you want to make and the kind of support for each other that you feel will create success. Unconditional support is an amazing, powerful source of inspiration.

MC: Your spouse is your partner in life and your partner at home. It only seems natural to share your excitement, enthusiasm, and goals. I suggest having a six-month goal and plan of action program written down with a deadline for its attainment. Be sure your goals are realistic and attainable. Then just do it!

TD: Have patience, it takes more than six months to develop a successful business of any kind. You have to think long-term-a college education takes four years before you even start working in your chosen field.

TK: I would ask for more understanding and support from your spouse. Share from your heart how important your spouse’s support is to you, and make him or her your most ardent supporter.

TL: Some businesses by their nature pay you a lot of money right away-for example, copywriting. You spend a week writing a sales letter and get paid a few thousand dollars. Other businesses, such as network marketing, pay off gradually over time. This is why it took me 16 months to turn a profit; network marketing used to be my primary business. It was hard work, and it took patience, but it did pay off. So, if you choose network marketing or something like it, be sure your spouse realizes that the pay off may not come within six months.

If you use the World Wide Web, name up to five personal favorite business URLs our readers can benefit from:

TD: http://www.mlm.com, http://www.money.com, http://www.tntmag.com, http://www.mmmonthly.com.

TK: I think this depends on each individual’s taste. Use keywords to search within your interests.

TL: http://www.abdynamics.com, http://www.cyberwave.com, http://www.higherresponse.com.

Do you recommend using a toll-free number in advertising? Why or why not?

BB: I recommend a toll-free number, particularly as an order line. I also believe deeply in extraordinary service. Potential clients and customers feel important when they are given a free number to call to learn about you.

MC: Yes I do. It’s a known fact that more people will respond when there is a toll-free number than if not.
TD: Yes, you get more callers.

TK: Yes.

TL: Only in classified or small lead-generating ads. And to limit your liability, you should attach it to a short voicemail message. You can also limit your liability by being as specific as possible in your ad. In other words, instead of saying “Easy Money-Work From Home” (which will generate lots of UNqualified responses), your ad might say “Free Network Marketing Report Reveals . . .” This way, only people with a SPECIFIC interest in network marketing will call you. You won’t waste your money generating calls from people who have no interest in network marketing.

JM: We have not used 800 numbers because people tie up our order lines with long conversations. We would prefer to call them back.

How should someone set up their home office to maximize its effectiveness?

BB: The home office should reflect YOUR spirit. It’s important to keep an organized space and one that feels great to go to each day. I’m an unusual person to ask about this because I utilize a large space in my home that has my office on one half of the room and my children’s play area on the other. For me, that’s a dream come true. I love having them nearby. If I need quiet for an interview or to concentrate, the kids are quite comfortable with giving me that quiet time.

MC: Definitely have a separate room, preferably with a door to block out distracting noises and to assure privacy.

TD: Comfortable, simple, and efficient; make your office a separate place in the home, but a place where you want to go.

TK: This is very personal. I surround myself with things I love. I have a wonderful salt water aquarium, a stand for my pet parrot, a bed for my dog, and lots of books and photos. I like to be in an environment that feels good. My office is a reflection of who I am.

TL: The basics include a computer, a modem, a printer, file cabinets, a fax machine (with a DEDICATED fax line), a telephone headset, and either call-waiting or rollover voicemail. One thing I cannot stand is calling someone and getting a busy signal. That smacks of unprofessionalism; same thing when I can’t send a fax. So, keep a dedicated fax line, a dedicated modem line, and a dedicated voice line. You must convey a professional image; these additional lines are worth the small extra cost. Here in California, the local phone company offers a “message center” service for $6.50 a month. It’s a voicemail box connected to my main phone number, and when someone calls while I’m on the line, they get “rolled over” into the voicemail box. As a result, no one gets a busy signal. If your local phone company offers this feature, get it. I also recommend reading books on organization and time management. These will help you design your office ergonomically and for maximum efficiency.

JM: Keep the office part of the business as separate as possible from the living area. In a previous office we had our business downstairs and the living area upstairs. That worked well. You do not want customers walking through your living area to get products if you can help it.

Are there any ground rules you’ve established for yourself, family, etc. for operating at home successfully?

BB: The only rules regard the times when I require quiet and concentration. The other rule is that my office is pretty much off limits for ME at night because I choose to be with my family instead. If I’m excited about something I’m working on, I may go back into my office after everyone is asleep or very early in the morning. I believe that BALANCE is a must to live a truly abundant life, and I seek to have my office and work reflect that belief.

MC: No television during work hours! My children have been taught to respect my work-at-home business, and they know that it is no different than if I worked outside the home. Your business is your business no matter where it is conducted.

TD: Schedule time off; everyone needs a break. It makes you more productive.

TK: No, I allow and encourage total freedom. My kids can sense now when it is permissible to interrupt.

TL: When I’m “at work,” I turn off the ringer for my personal line. And when I’m done with work, I turn off the ringer on the business line and turn on the personal line. If possible, I recommend using a separate room for your home office. That way you can close the door when you want to “go home.”

JM: We set regular office hours to discourage people from calling around the clock or coming by the home any time they want.