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 choose to start a business have an image of what they want their
ideal office to look like, yet the priority of creating a business
should not be on the office furniture itself. Choose to use your money
wisely and instead add, “creating my ideal office” into
one of your business goals. Design a 1-year plan, 3-year plan, 5-year
and 10-year 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 1-10 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 room’s décor. 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,
and graduated to an office and moved my office out of my bedroom and
into it’s own room. Two years later I was looking for a bookshelf
and real wooden shelves were priced out of my budget. I happened into
an office furniture store that also sold used furniture. I purchased
three 3x6 wooden bookshelves and a 5-drawer filing cabinet the color
of my metal desk. Not bad for $200!
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
a wonderful used furniture office you have!” Instead I hear
about how beautiful my shelves are and how cozy my office is.
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
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© 2003 Maria’s
Place. Maria Marsala, owner. Helping entrepreneurs and executives
elevate theircareers, business and lives though coaching, consulting
and courses. Join 2000 e-zine readers who receive "Elevating
You" E-zine and receive access to more than 100 articles and
reports. Visit http://CoachMaria.com
