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Setting up a business is no easy task especially when you are in a shoestring budget because there are major expenses that you have to pay attention to such as rental fees. There are actually have several options which are open to you such as renting an office space, leasing meeting rooms in Melbourne or setting up a home office. However, you have to consider certain things when you are planning to set up a home office such as:
Office Hours: Having an office which is outside your home and one which is just inside your humble abode are worlds apart. One of the most difficult things to manage is staying on schedule. You have to set traditional office hours so that it will not be difficult for your clients to get in touch with you. Even if you are most productive at night, it would be better to establish your working hours so that there would be fewer distractions.
Have a Dedicated Area: When you are at home, the temptation to lie in bed all day and do nothing is really huge. It would be better to have a space that is solely used as your office. This space is critical especially when you want to increase your productivity. The area should be quiet and at the same time, it should allow you to have enough privacy. This means that your kids and your pets are off limits. Of course, you also need to assess the area that you need for your dedicated office.
Install Proper Lighting: Natural light is always best but you have to invest in proper lighting by brightening up your working space. If your office lacks the necessary lighting, it would be better to have overhead lighting which can fill your entire work area. A floor, desk or task lighting may also be necessary. And where the issue of lighting is concerned, be sure to place your computer in such a place which prevents glares so that you can minimize eye strain.
Use a Separate Phone Line: When you are planning to have a home office, you will require a phone line, not just for the sake of appearances but also to be more professional. It would do no good for your business if you are mixing personal and business calls. And, it would not sit well with a lot of clients if your kids are the ones who answer the phone when they are ringing you up for business reasons.
Purchase the Right Home Office Equipment: If you have a home office, it would be easy to be complacent as to how the place looks as it is literally an extension of your home. However, it is vital to spend a bit of money to make sure that you have everything you need in your office. For starters, you need to have a good office desk and a comfortable office chair. A computer which can keep up with your work and an internet connection which has the minimum speed that you require should be in place and ready to use.
Separate Personal and Professional Transactions: It is easy to forget that you and your business are not one even if you own it. An individual with great business instincts will realize quickly that there is a need to separate your mortgage bills and groceries from your company’s expenses. Be sure to issue personal checks only for your personal needs and do the same for your business. A separate bank account would be a brilliant idea.
These days, setting up a business is no easier than it used to be decades ago. With so many turnkey solutions for cutting costs, you will surely find a way to keep your business afloat.
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