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By Tammy Harrison
While talking on the phone, be it
to clients, other publishers or friends; I find that our
conversation has a way of taking us from the meat of the
discussion to how one balances life by working from home. Just
today, while visiting with a man who has made the move from
his home-office to an office outside of his home, he
inevitably heard my kids in the living room (“The alligators,
Mom! We have to jump from the sofa to the chairs because if we
step on the floor, the alligators will get us.”).
I was apologetic, but not
embarrassed. It’s a thing that happens, especially when you
work from home! Why be ashamed? I chose this lifestyle, and I
take the good with the bad! I always tell people, before I
ever pick up the telephone, that my kids are here and they are
right beside me. I’d be happy to discuss anything they want,
as long as they understand that we may get interrupted by an
ear-piercing scream from the baby, or a giggle or two from the
others.
So many times I read and hear that
children should NEVER be present when a professional telephone
call is in progress. I ask you, why? Now, I do agree that
there are some clients I prefer to talk to when I have quiet
around me. But, those are few and far between.
There is basic telephone etiquette
when you work from home, so be sure that you and the other
party understand what is necessary when talking on the
phone:
1. Always be professional, even if
the kids are doing what kids do.
2. If you cannot talk to
someone without major background noises, email them first, so
that they understand what is going on in your
home-office.
3. Realize the attention span of your
children. Little ones are good for about three minutes, so be
aware that you need to have a short, direct and efficient
conversation.
4. Have something at hand, at all times, for
the kids to do. If they interrupt you, take a minute to
quietly get their attention onto something besides bothering
you, and proceed with your business.
5. Have hand signals,
or some way for the kids to know that you are on the phone and
you’d appreciate them being quiet.
6. Be sure to take the
time, after you’ve finished talking on the telephone, to spend
a few minutes with your children. Praise them for allowing you
to talk on the phone, and then give them your full
attention.
7. Ask your kids, before you get on the phone,
if they want to do something or if they need you for
anything.
8. Let your voicemail pick up, if you cannot have
a professional conversation. It’s much easier to return a call
than it is to make a bad impression, especially if the calling
party doesn’t understand what working from home entails.
9.
Do not spend hours on the telephone, especially at one
sitting.
10. Give your children more time than you do your
business, especially those who are home with you all the
time.
Working from home is a gift and a
blessing, as are your children. As long as you take adequate
time for both, you will be able to find a way that enhances
both your kids, your family and your business
decisions!
(c) 2003 by Tammy Harrison. Tammy is the mother of four
and the Independent Creative Representative for HBWM.com, Inc. Click here to contact
Tammy.
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