More and more these days, there's a business happening behind those doors. According to "Home Offices On The Internet," a study by International Data Group, nearly a third of US households includes an income-generating or corporate home office. If that's true, you have a world of valuable, low-cost networking opportunities right outside your front door.
When we moved into our new neighborhood, the family across the street came over with a bottle of wine and an offer to help unpack boxes. Earlier this month, we treated them to Saturday brunch and they mentioned that there are several people in the neighborhood with home-based businesses, among them an author (actually 2 if you include me), some realtors and independent sales consultants, a nutritional consultant and more.
With the permission of the Home Owner's Association, I sent an email out last night to all 82 homes in my neighborhood asking if any Indies out there wanted to get together. By this morning, I had received five enthusiastic replies. I know there will be more and I'm looking forward to gathering with them for encouragement, support and ideas. Of course we'll also circulate a business listing so people in the neighborhood know about our products and services.
If you're looking for a fun way to promote your business that also naturally benefits your community and you personally, here's a tip. Check with your homeowner's association or active people in your neighborhood and find out where the other Indies are. It's the only way to know for sure what really happens behind closed doors.
