I most certainly did not mean to disparage freelance writers, having started in that role myself many years ago. However, there’s often a difference in *client* expectations when it comes to a freelance writer and, say, a freelace writing firm. Learning to manage and meet client expectations is important.

I can’t personally imagine telling people that you have a real office when you don’t. However, I can see that some consultants feel that they have to maintain a certain image and, if that’s what their research and experience tells them, I can’t argue with giving the impression that you have a more official office set up, perhaps simply by using a virtual office for mail and phone calls. That being said, I think it would be incredibly misleading and time-consuming to go to great lengths to make it seem like you have a “real” office. (I cannot imagine playing fake background noise, transferring clients around to fake voice mail systems or answering from multiple email accounts…and I find it tiresome when work at home consultants talk about “heading back to the office” and so on, when it’s all about posturing.)

Still, I know an enginering firm that is run completely from home, except that the company maintains a “brand-name” address — they even pay the rent, mind you. The owner swears that no one in his business will hire a his firm for multi-million dollar projects if he lets on that he actually lives in a cityhome down the street.

I don’t think it’s worth much thought, though. Most consultants make their living through their reputations.

Thanks for including my post on strategy in your round-up. Best wishes for continued success Brent.

Cheers,
Mike Myatt

Post: Reading the Signs [link to post]

– Posted using Chat Catcher

Nice summation post.

I expect that as DVDs (movies) move to a cost-effective and efficient electronic distribution model, the same type of ‘used physical marketplace’ will sprout up with even more strength than is seen today.