So you've decided to set up your own business. You're following
same route taken by thousands of new entrepreneurs each day. You've settled on your business idea, designed a marketing strategy and are looking forward to a bright future.Did you stop at any point and think about how your home office should be designed? What type of office setup do you need? Most entrepreneurs have their offices at home. Do you evenhave space for an office at home?
The purpose of following two articles is not to give you a blow-by-blow plan of how to set up your home office but more to give you tips and advice that'll save you time, heartbreak and money.
Your Desk Newspaper ads years ago were filled with adverts stating "start a business from your kitchen table". While in theory (and in bad advertising) this is fine operating your business from a kitchen tables is entirely unpractical.
A good home office desk is functional, sturdy and has a clear, flat worktop. You've seen those office desks that are filled with drawers, shelves, keyboard trays and tons of other nooks and crannies. Firstly this type of desk looks fine in a catalogue but is far smaller when you actually build it.
Secondly all those drawers and shelves only give you more places to lose stuff. Keep your desk simple.
The ideal home office desk has a large, flat working area with at least one deep drawer for storing files and another shallow drawer for storing pens, paper and other consumables.
Ideally desk should also be L shaped. This allows you to place your work around you as opposed to constantly having to stretch and reach for different items. The L shaped desk will provide you with a more practical working environment aswell as saving you backpain problems later in life.
Your Chair This is where you're going to be spending a considerable amount of time. Never, ever skimp on your home office chair. It is absolutely essential that you have a good office chair.
Many new home business owners make critical mistake of using a kitchen, spare household or even a garden chair for their home office. This boggles mind considering same person probably wouldn't think twice about paying $1,000 for a new computer but won't pay $100 for a quality office chair.
Using a cheap chair that doesn't provide proper back and lower limb support can and will lead to lower back and shoulder pain. It can also provoke migraines and other headaches. Poor posture should never be underestimated - it can have far reaching effects.
Features you should look for in an office chair:
* Adjustable backrest
* Swivel base
* Adjustable armrest
* Adequte lumbar support
* Deep cushioned seat
A great home office chair can be purchased for as little as $60 brand new. If you're finding yourself strapped for cash then check local auction houses for office clearance items.
