Setting Up a Professional Home Office
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
So, you've decided to take the plunge and open up your own home business. That means setting up an office at home. How can you set up space on a budget, and still maintain a professional image for your clients? It's easy, once you know how!
Space is Everything
If you're like many home-workers, you came up with an idea or service, and began your business on a shoestring - a computer on the kitchen table, a phone, maybe some business cards. That's fine for a start, but now you'll be home all day, working. Do you need a separate space? Maybe, then again, maybe not. It depends on what you're comfortable with, and what kind of space you have to work with.
If you're like many of us, space is at a premium. Can you carve out a few feet in a bedroom, den, or even the living room? Just enough for a desk, chair, and your computer? There's your first office space! Don't worry about it being unsightly, you can buy an inexpensive, attractive screen. Just place it in front of your office when you're not working. This will also help create a "boundary" around your workspace. Why is this important? Because it helps you keep your work world and your living space separate, even when you work at home. That's a big help mentally, so you don't think you're at "work" even when you're not.
If you have more space, you can add bookcases, a larger desk, some filing cabinets, a bulletin board, anything that will help you in your day-to-day tasks.
The Basics
Of course, you need a phone. Consider having a second line installed just for your business. Why? It's relatively inexpensive, and you can then know immediately if the call is a business call. It gives a much more professional appearance if you have a different phone line for your business. You can also use it to access the Internet, and not tie up your other phone line.
Next, you need a computer with a connection to the Internet. Not much business can get done these days without a computer and the Internet. If you're planning to spend a lot of time online, then invest in high-speed access, like DSL or a cable modem. It's more than worth the price if you earn your living online!
Invest in a fax machine, even if you think you won't need one, or you have a fax modem in your computer. Good units now cost under $100. You'll use it much more than you think, and it will make your work life much easier. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather tell a client, "Sure, I'll have those forms to you right away!" rather than "I can't fax those forms to you, I don't have a machine."
Don't forget good quality paper for your printer, pens, pencils, tape, paper clips, and lots of note pads! All those things you take for granted, but when you need them most, they seem to disappear.
It's Worth It
Investing in the right tools may be a little expensive when you start out, but to give professional results, you must act professionally. The right tools can help you immensely.
One more all-important thing to remember, you need to take care of your body when you work at home! Invest in a good chair, with adequate back support and a desk at the right height for you. Your back, shoulders, and neck will all thank you, and you'll feel a lot better at the end of your workday.
So, setting up your first office isn't really that difficult. With a little planning and investment, you can live your dream of working at home, and still give professional service to your clients!