When you work from home you have so many advantages over many traditional businesses. You have more flexibility so when you do have to put in extra hours, at least you're at home and don't have to spend long hours off-site.

However, just because you work from home doesn't mean you shelter yourself from doing what any successful business owner would do. They recognise that their customers feed them.

Who pays you? Your clients do and never forget that. Unfortunately many people do. They take your money and then vanish off face of earth. And if you do hear from them you know they are only trying to sell something or business is not going well. The silly thing is, if you look after hand that feeds you, they will look after you.

Keep in regular contact with your clients, particularly top 20% (both current and past) who have provided you with most income.

Still keep in touch with others via newsletters etc. However top 20% of very special clients need extra attention.

A monthly "how's things?" call. Find out how life is treating them, without expecting to sell anything.

Send occasional gift …a book, tape, movie tickets. Thank them for their business. When special times of year occur send them a Christmas Hamper, New Year's Calendar, Easter eggs at Easter. Little things which show you care.

When you get referrals, reward referee with a thank you card or gift.

Do what most people in business don't do. You will be amazed that if you consistently (that is key word here) make extra effort, you will continue to get repeat business or more referrals.

Would I Do Business With You? Think about it, what opinion would you form about a person who looked old fashioned, dressed in ill - fitting clothes and wore heaps of make-up? You'd probably think their ideas were old fashioned to match their image. And that also gives an impression of organisation they represent.