The best way to guarantee that your business becomes successful is for you to appear professional....and I mean in every way possible.

This is especially important if you're just starting a small business or even a home-based one. You have to remember to always present a professional image to your clients and prospective customers even if you're working in the comforts of your home and wearing your pajamas and bedroom slippers.

Image is very important in getting your clients to continue doing business with you; and of course, for your prospects to get into the program. When you present a professional image, even if your business is a home-based one, chances are great that you'd be able to grow your business into something that you've always imagined it to be.

When operating your business, your most important ally is your telephone. In addition to your marketing collaterals such as your postcard printing materials, a phone call is basically one of your initial means of communicating with your client. Use your phone in a professional manner. Answer calls in a proficient and clear tone that the person on the other end would distinctly understand what you're saying.

Moreover, when answering your phone, make sure that there are no kids around or any such noise that would distract you and your client from the rest of the conversation. Even if you're working at home, it doesn't mean that your clients and prospects would understand if you have kids whining and shouting every minute. And don't let the children answer the phone for you. Unless you've trained them to answer politely, it's better for you to get the call yourself.

To help you with your phone and professional image, one marketer suggested that you provide a voice mail message that you change everyday. You may indicate the day's date for additional demonstration of your efficiency and that you take your business seriously.

You may also add during your conversations or even in your hours found in your color postcards that your business is by appointment only. This way, you send out a message that you're busy with other appointments and commitments, hence, a good impression that other people are actually getting you to solve problems for them.

On the other hand, when clients book and make reservations, make sure that you mention to them the date and time of the appointment. And that you require them to give you notice 24 hours before the set date if they're not going to make it. This ensures that your clients don't take you for granted even if they know that you're just working at home. To make sure that they comply with your arrangement, you have to get their phone number so you can call them.

Lastly, display your credentials if you have any. Whether we like it or not, people do look for assurance that the person they're talking to are qualified to provide them the service they need. Even with your postcard marketing campaign, it won't hurt if you can share with your target audience that you have earned your knowledge and expertise and that you've worked to get it.