Getting Started
organising the office
Location and telecommunications
A room with its own lockable door is best. A converted garage or granny flat may be more suitable for your type of business, but it needs to have signage to show clients where you are located. If you locate your office within the home, separate it in some way with a screen or filing cabinet, and always try to convey that you are in business and are:
- professional
- competent
- reliable
- confident
No matter where the office is located, it is essential that you can hear the telephone ring, or hear visitors when they knock on the door. The telephone may be your first contact with clients and customers, so you need to make it work for you. Apart from having the right personal telephone skills, you need to have reliable communication equipment. Installing a second telephone line as soon as possible (once you are established) would separate family and business calls, and allow you to connect a computer to the internet and send emails, install an answering machine, and a facsimile machine. Add to this a mobile telephone and a pager if required, because the life blood of your business will be how clients can get in touch with you. Identify your needs, and discuss with your telecommunications provider what their current offers are for home based businesses.
Furniture and equipment
When selecting the furniture and equipment for your home office, consider what is comfortable for your clients, the image you want to project, your personal preferences, and the extent of your budget. Whether you work AT or FROM home, will influence what you do. Your office space needs to support the activities of your business. Click here to see a list of office furniture and equipment.
Buying a computer
Do not rush out and buy the first computer package bargain you see – you need to assess your business requirements first. Use the following steps to approach buying, and effectively using a computer in your business.
- Identify needs
- Shop around
- Get quotes
- Buy only appropriate software
Explore the SBDC’s interactive online learning resource, e-Start, which provides step-by-step guidance to help you to incorporate e-commerce into your business. Visit the SBDC’s e-Commerce Centre at 553 Hay Street, Perth Western Australia, or online: www.e-com.sbdc.com.au.
Previous: packaging your service or products
Next: operating at home
