The naked truth about your business standards

By virtue of flying solo I get to hide at home in unthinkable clothes and undone hair and sitting in a mess of an office. Have I let my business standards drop so far that I should fear getting my corporate kit off?

Recently Robert wrote about what Gordon Ramsay would say if he visited his business and my heart skipped a beat. I could think of nothing but my untidy desk, dishevelled piles of books and how unlikely it would be that I could throw the doors of my business open and welcome customers in, much less the likes of guru Ramsay.

It led me to ponder, thinking Carson Kressley’s supportive tone would be easier to hear than Gordon Ramsay’s, what would my business look like naked?

If ever I have to invite someone into my work space, which I would only ever do reluctantly and only ever suppliers not customers, I am revealing something not just of how I work but how I live.

I am appearing naked in a business and a personal sense, and my god it’s ugly, it feels bad and not even Carson could empower me to revel in it.

It’s not just my business - as a soloist my business is me. It’s polished and sparkling when it leaves the home office but the back of house is not what it could or should be.

To look good naked, it’s important to actually look good naked and to convince yourself that you do. I am none from two but determined to change.

I have already started the climb back. Not just because my business and its customers deserve the best business standards I can deliver, but also because I do too. Carson would tell me that.

I have reclaimed my workspace from the shared arrangement I had with my children, their friends and their afternoon tea, bought some flash new equipment that I deserve, cleared space for said equipment, made the trip to the stationers to get a few bits I have meant to get for a while but learnt to live without and changed my outlook in the process of all of this.

Does my business look good naked? No, not yet. But I have more of a spring in my step as I re-establish my priorities and business standards. I can’t help but think that as the owner of the business that has focused on its nakedness, I look a little more professional when I am out in the world doing my thing.

If asking yourself “Does my business look good naked?” is too confronting, start with this.

When was the last time you tidied your desk?

Karen Morath of M Power consults, trains, speaks and coaches in public relations, personal effectiveness, life balance and all things empowering.

6 comments | Add your own

Tidy desks make me vaguely uncomfortable BUT I really do need to find an important and not easy to replace document for a meeting on Monday................its here somewhere! Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
While previously working home alone - I'm now opening my doors to clients to work with me there when needed too... it generally means I have a more professional attitude in the home office during business hours.... plus things have never been more organised! Adam Hill from Hobart
I love nothing more than working in my pj's! But, have discovered that it now works better for me, if I get up early, hit the gym/tennis court or take an early morning walk and come home, get changed and start work. My mind set is then on track and I feel that I have whole day in front of me, without being in the leisure zone! Which translates to getting more work completed.
A messy desk for me, means a messy mind and I can't navigate or think clearly working in such an environment. But I guess we are all different and what works for some, doesn't for others. Jay Innes from Perth
I'd love to be as energetic as Jay, but every waking minute of my day is typically spent thinking about how much work I've got to do - hence, as soon as I've shoved a bowl of cereal and double-shot latte down my throat in the morning, I'm into it. A couple of months back, my solo-life became unbearable because my office was the back bedroom... now I've got a nice shiny new office 3 minutes drive away (i know, i know - I could ride the bike... baby steps), and loving it. I made a rule that I tidy my desk before leaving every night, and make sure my little meeting space (a couple of comfy couches and coffee table) are always presentable for that spontaneous client drop-in (which was NEVER possible at home). Having an office also makes me get dressed too... well, most days... Marc Fraser from Melbourne Australia
Hi Marc, Jay is not always so energetic! But she tries!
As a start-up business, my office is home based so it is imperative that I make the distinction between work and home. Lucky you for being so busy. I am presently working on the foundations of my business whilst seeking new clients, working on current jobs and building my business. It's a work in progress and takes a lot of time as I am sure you know! Congrats on the new office and YES, you should walk or ride to work. It is amazing how many ideas you can foster by walking and just breathing it all in, and then you are really awake to start the work day too. What business are you in Marc? Jay Innes from Perth
As I am about to move my office into my newly purchased house I am in trepidation after hearing comments of working in PJs. Having had an off site office to go to for so many years I have put on the corporate uniform each day as a way to start the working day off. I am hoping my computer won't start if it sees me in PJs. A frowning startup icon should send me off to the wardrobe fast! Jana from Sydney

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