So, you've taken the plunge, bitten the bullet, leapt out of the aeroplane and decided to fly solo. Congratulations! Making that decision means you are committed to taking control of your life and living it on your terms. You have begun a journey, the destination of which will depend on what you do next.

Be aware that when adopting the title of "Solo Home-Based Business Operator" it can be tempting to drop the business part of the description. Suddenly we "work from home", "do a bit of graphic design" or perhaps, "write stuff". Aren't we a humble lot?

You may find - as a soloist - with your office in the spare bedroom/store room, kitchen table or a corner of the garage, it can be difficult to convince people to take you seriously. Guess what? They don't have to. Read that again. They don't have to! It's true. Whether you have a full-time home office or simply a part-time dedicated workspace, the only person who absolutely has to take your business seriously is YOU.

"But," I hear you ask, "if that's the case, how will I persuade anyone to use my services or buy my products?"

The answer's quite simple - you don't. By taking your work seriously, all you have to do is seriously work. Whether your client list is huge or 'developing', keep on working. Consider adjusting your marketing strategies to reflect how serious you are. Everything from your website, logo and stationery to your email signature and voicemail message should illustrate how professional, competent and downright serious you are.

If business is quiet right now, seriously work your marketing plan. If friends call to go shopping while you're halfway through a sales letter, tell them sweetly that you're working. If the telemarketer calls while you're drafting content for your Home Page, don't be impolite. Simply tell him that now is not a good time because you're working. Better still, turn the answering machine on or take the phone off the hook for an hour and let your voicemail show the caller how serious you are.

The point is this: the more seriously you take your business, the more successful it will be.

"But I do take my business seriously." I hear you lament. That's great. Are you sure? Consider this:

- Do you have set hours during which to work your business?

- Do you work on your business during those hours with or without clients? Remember that the quiet times are opportunities to kick-start your marketing and business strategies.

- Is your phone answering technique during these hours home-like or business-like?

- Is your workspace, regardless of its size, organised and clutter-free?

The more you demonstrate how serious a player you are in your field, the more business you will attract.

So, get real, get creative and, most importantly.... GET SERIOUS!