Planning a home office involves deciding where to locate it, and how to furnish it. You should give lots of thought to this, as it will be the hub of a small business and you'll be spending a lot of time there. Some people even make a scale drawing of the room they intend to use, then place to-scale furniture in-there to work out the best layout.
As you're planning to use the office for a small business, most government tax agencies will allow you to deduct certain expenses connected to the business. For that reason, the office must be completely dedicated to the business and not merely a spare bedroom with a fold-up desk and your cordless phone. Good record-keeping is very important if you plan to deduct expenses and part of the mortgage interest, utilities, and phone bills for business activity.
Office decoration is important. Besides getting the right atmosphere- lighting, paint/wallpaper, floor covering, etc., think about practical items too. Do you have enough phone and electrical outlets in the room to support the office equipment? Beyond that, having a comfortable, functional furniture will allow you to work productively.
Your package of office equipment will depend on the type of business you're in, but will probably include computer(s) and peripherals, software, phones and phone service for voice, fax, and perhaps even a separate copier and/or scanner. Add a digital camera if you plan to put photos of yourself or your products on your website. Finally, don't forget that you'll need storage space for files, records, and other general office supplies.
One of the most difficult aspects of the home office is the home itself. It's all too easy to tend to house chores, watch TV, rake the leaves, get involved with family things, snack, and otherwise avoid the work that awaits you in the office. Two factors will help avoid the home trap; being excited about your office space and the work, and discipline. Set regular office hours, have a separate business phone, organize your time, and stick to your deadlines.
Being isolated in your home office, you may develop a tendency to cocoon yourself in there or to avoid reaching out, both of which can be unhealthy. Having a business plan gives you plenty of opportunity to break away from the office to meet other people socially and professionally. Even if much of your business is conducted over the phone and by computer, it's still important to network. Invite customers and prospective customers to lunch, if they happen to do business nearby.
Join a civic group of professional organization to stay connected and also to generate local interest in your business. Get physical exercise away from the home. Consider taking a class. All these will help keep you connected, bring in new ideas, and generate lots of personal energy- things you'll value when working alone.
As you're planning to use the office for a small business, most government tax agencies will allow you to deduct certain expenses connected to the business. For that reason, the office must be completely dedicated to the business and not merely a spare bedroom with a fold-up desk and your cordless phone. Good record-keeping is very important if you plan to deduct expenses and part of the mortgage interest, utilities, and phone bills for business activity.
Office decoration is important. Besides getting the right atmosphere- lighting, paint/wallpaper, floor covering, etc., think about practical items too. Do you have enough phone and electrical outlets in the room to support the office equipment? Beyond that, having a comfortable, functional furniture will allow you to work productively.
Your package of office equipment will depend on the type of business you're in, but will probably include computer(s) and peripherals, software, phones and phone service for voice, fax, and perhaps even a separate copier and/or scanner. Add a digital camera if you plan to put photos of yourself or your products on your website. Finally, don't forget that you'll need storage space for files, records, and other general office supplies.
One of the most difficult aspects of the home office is the home itself. It's all too easy to tend to house chores, watch TV, rake the leaves, get involved with family things, snack, and otherwise avoid the work that awaits you in the office. Two factors will help avoid the home trap; being excited about your office space and the work, and discipline. Set regular office hours, have a separate business phone, organize your time, and stick to your deadlines.
Being isolated in your home office, you may develop a tendency to cocoon yourself in there or to avoid reaching out, both of which can be unhealthy. Having a business plan gives you plenty of opportunity to break away from the office to meet other people socially and professionally. Even if much of your business is conducted over the phone and by computer, it's still important to network. Invite customers and prospective customers to lunch, if they happen to do business nearby.
Join a civic group of professional organization to stay connected and also to generate local interest in your business. Get physical exercise away from the home. Consider taking a class. All these will help keep you connected, bring in new ideas, and generate lots of personal energy- things you'll value when working alone.
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