Paper Tigers

• According to my trusty dictionary, a Paper Tiger is "a person or organization that appears to be powerful but is in fact not.

• When you work at home as an individual, it is an advantage to give the impression of power, confidence and experience, and you can help achieve this with right piece of paper. Here's how.

• Pick up a copy of your letter-headed paper. If you're trying to save money, you might be using economy 80gsm photocopying paper, the type of cheap paper you might be using for your printer. Sure you can improve the look of the paper with a fancy letterhead, you might even print it yourself.

• But have you considered using linen finish paper? Not only is this paper 20% heavier than standard photocopying paper, but is has the look and feel of linen. One side is smooth, the other has vertical ribs running down its length, and feels great! And it's suitable for laser and inkjet printers.

• Linen finish paper does cost more than standard paper, up to £15 ($25) per ream more, but this equates to only a couple of pennies per page. You can still add your own letterhead (saving on professional printing costs), but clients will be impressed by the quality, and hopefully assume your company is run by a tiger rather than a titmouse.

• Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Saving on Stationery Costs

• You can reduce your stationery costs a little, and save yourself time by buying windowed envelopes; the recipient's address on your letter shows through the window, saving you having to print out their address a second time on the envelope.

• For a start, it looks neater not handwriting an address on the envelope. And if you print directly onto the envelope or label with your inkjet printer, you will save yourself the cost the ink and labels.

• The hardest part of all this is aligning the recipient's address on your paper, so you might need to try a couple of test runs. And when you have it positioned just right, you can always save your effort as a template for future letters.

• Windowed envelopes do not have to look cheap (make sure you don't buy manilla!), there are some excellent designs available so you can continue to make a lasting first impression.

Recommended Stationery Suppliers

• In the UK try www.viking-direct.co.uk for on-line ordering, good prices and next day delivery.

• If you have used a company in your country and would like to recommend them please email us at admin@homeworking.org with the contact details.