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By Vishal
P. Rao Anyone that operates a business from home
knows that home-based business security issues often come
up. This is just part and parcel of running any home-based
business.
Realistically, in order to be successful at a home-based
business, a business owner needs to release their address
and phone number to potential clients or buyers eventually.
Even if this is not done, it is rather easy for potential
clients and buyers to research and discover the phone number
and location of a home-based business.
Therefore, it can be harrowing at times, for home-based
business owners in the issues of safety and security,
especially if their home-based business is indeed, in their
home, exposing their family members to security and safety
issues and risks, as well as themselves.
This is not to say that undue measures should be taken, or
that undue fear should pervade. A home-based business is
really at no more risk of crimes against person or property
than a personal residence or any other type of business.
Pre-cautionary measures should however, within normal
guidelines be employed, to prevent any untoward occurrences
during the course of a business day and after office hours.
These measures can include, but should not be limited to the
following:
1. The locking of doors and windows as is convenient and the
implementation of safety and security devices, even when the
building is occupied. Many home-based business owners don't
feel that they may legitimately keep the doors and windows
"locked", as they may feel that this will inconvenience
their clients. This is not true, as any visit to a corporate
building will soon prove.
Whenever visitors enter a corporate structure, they are
usually scrutinized well by cameras, security personnel and
other safety and security methods. As a home-based business
owner, you do have every right to employ locked doors and
windows, and even implement security cameras and other
devices. It is your right under law, and clients, overall,
will understand this.
2. The use of structural security measures, such as
deadbolts, dogs, fencing, and one-way viewing glass inserted
into doors. Measures such as these are used routinely by
homeowners and a business within a home does not rule out
the use of these deterrents.
3. The use of a separate phone line for business needs. This
is only a small added expense per month, but when clients
call, no one in a home-based business person's "family" will
inadvertently answer, thus lending to the belief that the
business is not attached to a personal residence in any way.
4. The use of legitimate business e-mail addresses. No
personal addresses should be used. If a business address is
used, it leads clients to believe that the business is
larger, with more employees present in the building.
5. Routine office hours should be kept. Answering the phone
and taking orders ONLY within set regular business hours
will prevent clients from "showing up on the doorstep" after
certain hours, and will lend a more professional air to a
business.
6. Keeping background noise down during office hours.
Clients are quick to "pick up" on background noises. On a
professional level, an office should be as quiet as
possible, with no interruptions by "family" or "friends".
This also is a safety measure, as clients will assume the
business is strictly unattached from the residence if they
sense no background noise.
7. Emergency phone numbers should be posted in clear view.
This includes fire, police, and other emergency numbers.
8. A system of "check points" can be established, whereas a
friend or family member can regularly call or enter the
building or home, to determine if all is well.
9. An emergency system needs to be in place. Any unwanted
visitors or unwanted attentions by others need to be
reported completely and thoroughly to authorities, as soon
as these instances occur. This is especially true if threats
or accusations occur. Business owners do not need to "put
up" with aggression or unwanted visits by clients.
10. Common sense is the best detriment to tragedies
occurring in a home-based business. Never open the door to
strangers, never work alone late at night in a deserted
area, never deliver anything late at night to a bad
neighborhood, or otherwise put yourself or your family in
jeopardy. If something doesn't "feel" right, trust your
instincts.
As you can see, running a business within the home doesn't
need to be fraught by peril. It does require that safety and
security measures are implemented, but this is true of any
type of business. Remember, "safety first, money later"!
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Vishal P. Rao is the owner of
Home Based Business Opportunities
- One of Internet's leading website dedicated to starting,
managing and marketing a home based business. |
