Protecting You and Your Home Business from Monsters
PROTECTING YOU AND YOUR HOME BUSINESS FROM MONSTERS Written by Teena Rose, author of Starting a Home- or Office-based Résumé Business (second edition), available at http://www.resumebiz.com. The book covers key topics: an analysis of the résumé industry, how to create a business plan, effective customer service, and marketing/advertising techniques. A highly informative book, so get your copy today!
In correlation with the increasing number of home businesses, home invasions and daytime robberies are on the rise too. The six o'clock news oftentimes highlights stories of elderly people being threatened and taken advantage of in the comfort of their home; the one place they should always be safe — and that should never change.
Being home based can bring forth unforeseen security concerns, especially if you plan to work alone. Statistically, a person is more likely to die of a heart disease, cancer, or some other form of illness, instead of an act of violence, but taking added precautions will help cover those unforeseen incidents.
Covered below are a few tips and strategies to keep you and your workplace free of incident. To help protect you while running your business, the following tips are excerpted from Starting a Home- or Office-based Résumé Business:
Pepper spray Strategically place pepper spray containers throughout your office. Caution: If you have children, this may not be an option for you. Pepper spray containers do have a security flap; however, a small child may get by this safety feature. Shop around and possibly contact your local sheriff's department to inquire about the latest and most safety-conscious devices available to consumers.
Surveillance system A surveillance system is no longer an expensive alternative when it comes to home safety. Reasonable units are now available at local department and office supply stores, and the instructions are minimal for someone with general installation capabilities.
This security measure may not be practical for your set up, but will be determined by the location of your office and where you intend to meet clients. If you meet clients at your dining room table, where your family meets every day for dinner for instance, it may be an impractical location for cameras.
To avoid running cables throughout your home or office, purchase fake cameras that look authentic. In addition, post security system stickers on doors and windows, giving the appearance that a security system is present (when a system may not be in place) to deter potential robbers and ill-willed individuals.
Pets An aggressive dog can be a huge asset when you want that added bit of security for a home-based business. Ensure your pet is confined, but within an easily accessible area (e.g., behind a closed door or baby gate).
Studies have shown that burglars fear pets in homes, sometimes more than security systems. Owning a pet that will bark and growl at individuals, yet worship the ground you walk on, can be your best defense against an unruly or rude client.
Self-defense class Taking a self-defense class can be beneficial throughout your entire life, not just while running your business. Protecting yourself with proven fight maneuvers against attackers is applicable in your office, on the street, or any other vulnerable moment. By arming yourself with self-protection capabilities, you will be able to quickly and effectively handle unforeseen acts of violence.
Am you really at risk for an attack? There have been only two or three accounts of résumé writers being attacked or harassed over the last several years — enough reports to make it a necessary topic. If you plan to meet strangers (clients) in your home, then you must protect yourself from the unknown.
Noise By playing a radio in another room, you'll be giving the impression that someone else is in the home. When asked if you are alone, never say yes. State you have a brother visiting from Florida or your husband is in a back room working on a project.
The tactics listed above may not be concrete solutions for your situation so review these options and utilize the best security measure for your circumstances. You may never need to utilize these measures; however, don 't take a passive stance against protection.
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