Are you ready to create a terrific home office?
by Maria Marsala
Summary: OK. It's time to get serious about starting a business. So create an office space that will propel you forward.
One of the many decisions you have, as a new business owner, is "How Do I Create A Home Office"? Take it from someone who has been exactly where you are and learn from my mistakes - "keep it private, professional, functional, simple, within your budget and fun."
Many individuals who start a business have an image of what they want their ideal office to look like, yet the priority in creating a business should not be on the office furniture itself. Choose to use your start-up money wisely and instead add, "create my ideal office" into one of your business goals. Design a 1-year plan, 3-year plan, 5-year and 10-year ideal office plan and be willing to adjust it as is necessary. It's not unrealistic to move a business out of a home and many business owners don't consider this at first glance.
I'll give you a picture of a one-to-ten year plan based on my own experiences. My first desk was created in my bedroom using three three-drawer file cabinets, plywood, 2 different styles of molding and a 2x4. The wood was painted to match the rooms decor. The wood was attached to the wall so that when I moved around, my desk didn't. Three years later, I had the opportunity to accept an old metal desk, graduated to an office, and moved my office out of my bedroom and into its own room. Two years later I was looking for a wooden bookshelf and found the shelves to be priced more than I had in my budget.
I mentioned this to the sales person, who told me that the store also sold used furniture.
What was I able to purchase? For $200 I purchased: three 4x6 wooden bookshelves and a 5-drawer filing cabinet the color of my metal desk.
What a deal!
Pointers:
- Consider purchasing recycled or used office furniture to help you keep start-up costs low.
- Create an office where you can have complete privacy during business hours.
- No matter what business you start, you'll need technology in your office. Plan to have the space and wiring for it.
- Basics to consider
- A desk
- A very comfortable chair
- Tallest file cabinet you can fit in the room
- Book shelf
- Storage space for inventory or other items (clear plastic stackable boxes or a closet)
Postscript: No one has ever walked into my office and said, "what wonderful used office furniture you have!" Instead I hear about how beautiful my shelves are and how cozy my office feels.
For additional ideas to help you create a terrific home office, view these articles:
- How To Make Your (Home) Office Reflect You http://coachmaria.com/articles/yourhomeoffice.html
- How To Minimize Interruptions When You Work At Home http://coachmaria.com/articles/interruptions.html
© 2009 Maria Marsala is a Strategic Business Coach, Speaker, Author and former Wall Street Trader. We help high-achieving, big thinking business women expand their businesses strategically and get results -- faster. Get Maria's no B.S. advice today. Join MORE Business Newsletter and listen to your free business and marketing plan audio. Visit www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com
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