Energy. We only have so much energy to use in a day. We try to schedule our high energy activities for morning, for us this works best. You may find you work better in afternoon.

Our typical day starts about 6-6:30 a.m. and we end up usually about 9 p.m. No, we are not working all this time. We always try to have some down time during day. We truly love what we're doing, so honestly, day still doesn't seen long enough at times.

We'll schedule consultations for morning when we're fresh. We may prospect or visit potential houses in afternoon; and after dinner, we'll do letters, get mailings ready, bookkeeping or paper work. There's a reason for this schedule, our energy is highest in morning, lowest in late afternoon. We look at our evening time as something we can do without a lot of thought being necessary. Whatever we do, we guard our energy very carefully.

Time, Knowledge, Energy. Your three most valuable resources. Use them wisely.

Copyright 2000, DeFiore Enterprises.

There are businesses in corporate offices that are more fun houses than companies...and they don't inspire any confidence in me either, so I am not picking on home-based businesses.

The purpose of this article is to remind all of us (home-based and non-home-based) that how we present ourselves is of paramount importance.

When you answer your telephone, answer it in a professional manner. When you go to an outside meeting, if you are home-based, dress for meeting, not for home. If you have clients come to your home, be sure it is presentable, and that you are too. Just because you work out of your home, does not mean, shorts and a T-shirt are appropriate for meeting a client. Have your identity package (business cards, letterhead, brochure) done professionally, proofread and spell check any correspondence that leaves your office.

Your first impression, whether in person, by phone or correspondence is a lasting one. Make it a good one and you'll have clients for life if you treat them right - old fashioned way.

The only place I've ever found I was wrong is with restaurants. Some of those little holes in wall have turned out to have best service and best food, so I guess when it comes to businesses, you can't judge all books by their covers, just most of them.

Copyright 2001, DeFiore Enterprises.