The 20 Second Commute

One to sleep in and one for an office.

I had to convince my realtor that I was not going to retire. I’ve had a home office since 1990. That’s when I hung out my shingle as a Marketing Consultant.

Never let anyone tell you, “Those were the good old days!”

That first office was 8 feet by 12 feet. There were two computers. One, positioned in the shelf unit, was an old KayPro with a CPM operating system which my high-school aged daughter used. I was totally “up to date” with an HP Portable that was about the size of a small concrete block. There was just enough room for both of us to work back to back.

The printer was the old pin variety that used the green and white stripped computer paper that advanced via the holes along the edges that rested in the tractor feed. I still remember when we upgraded to a 24-pin model! Getting it set up was not fun.

The one advantage was that my daughter Kelly could put the whole treatise she was putting together for an AP level class on one sheet which she stretched out on the family room floor. Then, her Mom, the Dragon Lady, would take an editing pencil to it. Kelly learned. She is now a PhD.

Technology has come a long way.

Home office tips I’ve learned over the years:

Professionals that have regular client contact seldom if ever want to go back to working in a corporate office. The few that do tell me they “can’t stand the loneliness.”

Over time you will want to have a bigger office particularly if you have clients visit. My current office (shown here) will seat six and frequently has three or four members of a management team in for a meeting.

Your office must have a door you can close and you have to build the mental discipline to walk through the door and close it every evening. And you should avoid opening it on weekends.

Keep up to date on computers, operating systems and software updates. You don’t necessarily have to be an early adopter but jumping in fairly early on is a good idea. Give anything really new at least six months to shake out and trust the comments of your trusted professionals.

Once a year clean out your book collection. Those that are the "selections de jour" can probably be tossed. But, every once in a while you’ll stumble on a gem that is worth keeping. Sort them into your areas of expertise. For me that is Networking, Brand, Rainmaking/Referral Based Marketing, Contact Relationship Management, and Trust. What are yours?

I’m now into my second quarter century of a 20-Second Commute.

I have no intention of having an out of home office ever again.

His consulting practice, founded in 1990, is known for Trust-based Brand development, Positioning and business development on and off-line. He is also a sought-after International Speaker.

Consulting: www.JerryFletcher.com
Speaking: www.NetworkingNinja.com