This article may only be reproduced in its entirety, including
resource box and subscription information electronically or in print. A courtesy copy of your publication would be nice, too!The Finer Points of WAH Etiquette By Dan Reinhold
Business etiquette is vitally important in corporate world...and more so when you work at home. Here we at WAHumor present a basic primer on finer points of WAH etiquette.
Proper Telephone Etiquette:
When answering a WAH business phone, you must first and foremost must answer it yourself. The most pleasing and eloquent message on your machine proves useless when your three-year-old proudly announces to your befuddled caller, "I MADE POTTY TOOOOODAYYYY!!!"
An easily recognized signal to quiet any outstanding clamor is most essential. A snap of fingers, a ring of a bell or sharp report of an airhorn may prove adequate. If not, consult your local Army/Navy surplus supplier for...ummm...unadvertised specials.
It is also imperative that you answer in correct manner - it's not so much what you say as how you say it. Although you may have had a mad scrabble with several youngsters experiencing Double Stuf Oreo-induced psychosis, upon answering your voice must be perfectly calm and your breathing even. Asthma attacks are very poorly received and could cost business.
In event of severe noise, a tranquilizer dart gun is not thought unseemly.
Entertaining Clients:
For purpose of entertaining clients, always use a small. secluded room away and well insulated from sounds emanating from main living area. Should such a room be unavailable, build a shed.
Clearly mark pathway to your chosen meeting place. Be sure to provide quickest possible access to respect your client's time and avoid children. Consider installation of an extra large vacuum chute of kind once used to transport mail in office buildings.
Have suitable refreshments on hand to be certain that you will not leave room, thereby leaving said client alone and unprotected. If something should spill during meeting, clean it up promptly and discard it in a large waste basket under your desk. If your client requests something that is not on hand, politely affirm that you have none - even water.
