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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 rooms décor. The wood was attached to the wall so that
when I moved around, my desk didnt. 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 its 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, youll 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
About The Author: © 2003 Maria's Place. Maria Marsala, owner. Helping
entrepreneurs and executives elevate their
careers, 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
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