Small Office doesn’t have to equal Small Business

Years ago, I remember hearing about an entrepreneur who ran a multi-million dollar construction company from her studio apartment, using a small closet as an office. Of course this was only the administrative headquarters, the heavy equipment was kept elsewhere.

I was impressed by this thrifty home business owner who said she had no plans to rent space and increase her operating costs as her company grew: she loved her little closet office and made it work.

Working from Home

My fellow home based business owners enjoy the benefits of operating their own business from their home:

• unlimited income potential,
• flexibility,
• and being their own boss.

Some new team members recruited from the corporate world are initially skeptical about being able to run their business from a small home or apartment. Today’s article is about working in a small home office.

Small Office Cockpit

Think of yourself as an astronaut in a cockpit with all the controls at your fingertips. How is a cockpit organized? There are buttons and switches on every level, but all accessible.

• Get a desk that fits your space. Corner desks can free up space not ordinarily used.
• Office chairs with rollers let you easily access items within arm’s reach without having to stand up (though nothing against standing up once in a while).
  
• Shelves, shelves, shelves! Use all that prime vertical real estate on your walls.
• Get a paper shredder and use it.

A Paper Shredder in your Home Office?

A paper shredder takes up some room but frees up space previously populated by papers you don’t need anymore. For example, invoices or sales orders that have been entered electronically. Some super-organized team members regular schedule paper-shredding into their weekly agenda.

Can you hold meetings in your Home Office?

One drawback of home offices is the difficulty of holding meetings. It is hard to remain professional when inviting a client to your home office that doubles as a laundry room.

You can solve this by holding large business meetings in rented conference rooms.

Small meetings can be held over lunch or breakfast in business-friendly restaurants. (Check for internet access before scheduling.)

Before you furnish your new home office

Before you head out to your nearest Office Max to buy a rolling chair, desk, or shelf unit, take measurements of your space. This may save you a trip to return an item that doesn’t fit.

I am working at home running my online business which lets me work and play everyday. If you are stuck in the 9-5 lifestyle, let’s talk. My team is currently seeking serious entrepreneurs.

Join an engaged team that helps each other with tips and encouragement. Even though you work for yourself you don’t have to work alone.