HOW TO DEVELOP A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS (Part 3)
Tools of the Trade
An important part of developing a successful
business is setting up your office space. Whether you
operate your business from an office building or out of your
home, having your own “space” is an essential part of your
success.
Your office space should be used exclusively for your
business and be set up to best suit your needs.
Below, are some suggestions to assist you in setting up your
office:
Desk and Chair
When selecting a desk for your office, make sure you get a
desk that is specifically designed for a computer. Computer
desks provide plenty of room for your monitor, a cabinet for
your computer case, a shelf for your printer, and a slide
out shelf for your keyboard.
When selecting a chair for your desk, keep in mind, you’ll
be sitting in this chair for many hours. Make sure it is
very comfortable and that you try it out before you buy it.
Take your time and select a desk and chair that you’ll be
very comfortable with. If you don’t, you may find that
you’re straining yourself in one form or another (back,
neck, arms, etc.), which will result in poor work
performance.
Computer Equipment
If you haven’t purchased a computer, make sure you purchase
one that will grow with you. If you don’t, you’ll find that
you’ll either have to upgrade your system or purchase
another one a few years down the road.
In addition, make sure you purchase your computer from a
reputable company that will provide you with quality
customer support.
Printer
When selecting a printer, you will basically have two
options — laser or ink jet. You should select a printer
depending on your needs. If you’ll be doing a large amount
of printing and speed and high quality are important, your
best option will be a laser printer. Laser printers produce
better quality black text than most ink jet printers, and
are much faster. However, an ink jet will enable you to
print in color, which is a big advantage.
Another important consideration is the printer’s resolution.
The resolution determines the print quality, and refers to
the number of dots per inch on a page — the higher, the
better. Most printers today support a 600 x 600 dpi
resolution that will produce a good quality for most print
jobs. Keep in mind, although a printer may support as high
as a 1200 x 1200 dpi (dots per inch), you most likely won’t
notice any quality difference, when compared with a 600 x
600 dpi, with most print jobs.
Scanner
A scanner will enable you to scan photographs and documents
into your computer. For example, if you’d like to place a
photograph of yourself or your products on your website, a
scanner will make it possible.
Fax Machine
With today’s advanced technology, you can use your computer
to send and receive faxes. All you’ll need is a telephone
line, fax modem and software.
Digital Camera
A digital camera will enable you to take pictures of your
products, or whatever you’d like, and transfer them into
your computer. They provide a great way to create your own
images for your website or product development.
Telephone
A business line will enable your customers to contact you.
Even if you’re using your telephone line to connect to the
Internet, most phone services now offer voice mail. Voice
mail will enable your callers to leave a message while
you’re connected to the Internet. There are also software
programs and devices that will enable you to take calls
while you’re connected to the Internet.
Filing Cabinet
A filing cabinet will enable you to organize your paperwork
such as your receipts, tax information, and business
records.
In addition to the basic office equipment, you’ll also need
to stock up on some supplies:
Pens
Pencils
Pencil Holder
Pencil Sharpener
Address/Phone Book
Business Cards
Note Pads
Envelopes
Printer Paper
Ink Cartridges
Log Books Files
Excedrin Migraine, Motrin IB, Advil, Tylenol or whatever
your favorite headache medicine may be. You’re going to need
it:)
Take your time and set up your office according to your
budget. Start out with the essentials such as a computer and
an Internet connection. You can add additional equipment and
supplies as you go.
Setting up your office space is an essential part of your
success. Not only will it designate a specific area as your
business space, but it will also provide you with some added
motivation to work towards accomplishing your dreams.
