Protect Your Work Hours

Protect Your Work Hours
Inform your family and friends that you are serious about your business and will need to work
without interruption. For some reason, a home-based business is usually perceived as being a place
where visitors are welcome to show up and stay for a friendly visit. They would never think of
popping into a corporate office for a cup of coffee, but surely you would welcome a break in your
working hours! We wish we had a nickel for all the times when we have had to work late into the
night because well-meaning friends decided that we needed their company during the day.
Unfortunately, this is one of the most serious problems encountered in home-based businesses and
one that is difficult to solve. It not only applies to family and friends, but to some of your customers
who are anxious to establish a friendly relationship. We have used every trick in the book to get rid
of unwanted visitors without offending them. We have resorted to proclaiming nonexistent
appointments, calling each other from a telephone in the other room, walking the visitor slowly out
the door and any other means within our imaginations. When all else fails, tell the truth and it might
just work.