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Often the challenge of running a home business is to look like a large company in order for people to take you seriously.

I remember when a prospect I approached refused to buy \"from a member of the public\", saying that they only purchased from companies. I left thinking that perhaps I needed to become a limited company. That is the plan for the future, but right now it is about building an image of greatness.

So what you can do to look like a big business when in many cases, you\'re it? I have found that appearance branding works wonders and that it can be done at very reasonable rates.

What\'s more, having extra t-shirts or caps printed with your company details and distributing them to your top customers boosts recognition.

Nothing says that your company is willing to please better than an employee dressed for the occasion. If your home business relies on customer service, there is no better way to show it than by having a standardised look.

The most successful companies in the world have come to appreciate the value of standardised dress. Uniforms also send a clear message that your company can be trusted, particularly if your business depends on personal contact.

Think of the impression you get when a tradesperson arrives wearing a neat uniform with their company details on, compared to the person who turns up on your doorstep wearing a faded t-shirt with a hole in it. Who instantly has more credibility? Who do you think is going to do a better job for you and take care of your property in the manner you desire?

It doesn\'t matter usually what business you are in either. If you want to have an edge on your competition, sometimes it\'s as easy as placing a logo on your clothing. I recently booked a facial at a health spa. I had never set foot in this business before, but my first impression of 4 staff wearing the same smart white uniforms with a black logo on their pockets was so powerful that I didn\'t doubt their expertise for a minute.

If you wear business shirts during the day, consider placing your company name discretely above the pocket. If you don\'t want it to shout out at your customer, use a tone on tone, which means using a slightly darker shade than the garment, for the logo. This is a subtle but effective method of advertising.

When I decided on my uniform, I looked at what sort of people I\'d meet with and what they would wear, as I have learnt that people like to buy from people who are similar to them. I bought seven ¾ sleeve shirts and had my web address embroidered on them. It is a perfect conversation opener and you would be amazed at the number of people who ask me about my business because of it.   Why don\'t you take a look at the sort of image you wish to portray to the marketplace and decide how your can do it?