Here are a few steps that you can consider when you are setting up your small business to be more professional.

• Start out by considering what your customer is going to be looking for. Are they looking for a product you will make, a service you will provide, what ever it is that you will be doing for them, you will want that product to be out there for the customer to see. This means having flyers, advertisements of some kind, web pages, business cards with your snappy logo, samples, or free trials, etc.
• When you are going to be showing your service or product, it is a good idea if you do not have a location for your business that is away from the kids, dogs, and home life, that you meet the customer at their place, or in a mutual location. This way you will be showing a higher level of customer service and not showing that you are working out of your home.
• Another thing to consider is that your home address may not appear to be the most professional looking, with this in mind, you can get an address at a mail service company, or a post office box. This way the mail you receive will be going specifically to that address. Have that address on your flyers, and also your business cards.
• Set up to accept several forms of payment options. This is important because more now than ever, people are using plastic. PayPal is an easy way to set up online payments, and you can still take checks and cash. However you are able to give the more professional options with out all that hassle. There is a minimal cost for PayPal, however it is not that much.
• The use of modern technology and services will create a professional appearance to your business. This is the use of bringing in palm pilots, note book computers, programs like Act, Outlook, Web creating software and much more. The technology is out there, and often times you can get some of the products at low costs or for free.
• Having a separate phone line from your personal home phone is going to be a major kicker when it comes to appearing more professional. If your children answer your business calls, this immediately brings the appearance of a more novice business, and customers will often look somewhere else. If you have a separate line, you will know that you need to be getting those phone calls. If you are not able to answer those calls, have the phone set up with voice mail. An answering machine may not work in a power outage, and may not sound as professional.
• Finally be prepared. Your customer will have many questions. Sounding like you know your business, before the customer asks you will make a huge difference in appearing and being more professional.

You have the knowledge, the skill and the experience, however why lose the sale, or contact because the consumer wants someone who is more professional. With these steps you will be more professional and ready to make the money you deserve.