January is always a good time to grab bargains so when I noticed that two well-known blind companies were advertising 35% off their blinds, I decided to give them a call… and it was an interesting experience.

Company A

This person turned up on time which in itself is a big bonus. She was dressed in a professional way and was very efficient in her manner. I knew what I wanted and all Mary had to do was measure up and provide quote. She was extremely helpful and pleasant to deal with. I said to Mary to call me in a couple of days as I had also arranged for another company to quote. 'No problem', she said. "I'll ring you then".

Company B

This sales rep. was totally different. He turns up 15 minutes early which is very unusual. I don't mind people arriving a few minutes earlier than agreed time, but 15 minutes is a bit too early. He should have rung first to see if it was okay. John was obviously a smoker because smell wafted through my front door before he walked in. That really puts me off. Not only that he was unshaven and dressed in a sloppy manner. John looked like he just got out of bed, got dressed, had a smoke and turned up at my house.

Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to judge him, however his image gave me perception that company must be very unprofessional to have people like this representing them.

How to Work From Home and Enjoy Life How would you like to have at least an extra hour in your day just for yourself so that you can have more fun? When you work from home there can be a tendency to work longer hours due to flexibility that you have.

If you work from home, these ideas if implemented consistently will free up your time so that you can enjoy more of your life.

Look After Yourself First Exercise regularly and eat healthily. Do right thing by yourself and you'll have heaps of energy, be motivated, more productive and happier.

Surround Yourself with Positivity Circulate with positive people, read motivational books and listen to motivational tapes/cds while driving, going for a walk or waiting for appointments. Avoid negative people like plague. They will drain your energy.

Clean out Clutter You will save yourself heaps of time, energy, space and money if you clear out your home environment…paperwork, books, old equipment etc. regularly. You'll be able to find things, save money because you won't have to buy what you already have hidden somewhere, plus you'll be less stressed. You'll feel better which will make you happier.

Jazz Up Your Environment If you work and live in a pleasant environment, you'll naturally feel better and happier. A clean, uncluttered home office makes you feel good and happy to be there.

Dress for Success When you look good, you feel good, when you feel good you are happier. Have an image makeover. Even though you work from home, if you dress well to suit your lifestyle, it will make a difference to how you and everyone else see you.