By Lizzie Stanley
Starting your own business can be an incredibly exciting time. Looking forward to the newfound freedom of self-employment, it can be tempting to rush into opening for business as soon as possible. However, there are many things you’ll need to consider before you open your doors, whether they’re physical or metaphorical.
While it may be obvious to purchase all of the furniture and equipment prior to opening a brick and mortar store, it’s equally as important to prepare your home for a new business. Even if you’ll be operating an online-only business and working remotely, having the space and tools that you need is key to succeeding. In this article, we look at what exactly those tools are and why they’re so important.
Computer
When starting a business from home, having a reliable computer is essential. Your computer will act as the foundation of your day-to-day business operations, allowing you to handle tasks such as communicating with customers, developing your website or product listings and managing your finances.
It’s important to purchase a computer that is dependable, and as such you’ll want to invest in a high-quality machine that can easily handle the demands of your business. The most important aspects for a business computer to have are a quick processor, ample storage space and sufficient RAM, but this can vary depending on the type of work you’ll be doing. For example, someone with a graphic design business would want to prioritise their graphics card, whereas a software engineer might want a more high-end processor.
Business phone or SIM
Most small business owners will be required to spend at least some of their time on the phone. Whether that’s discussing with suppliers, clients or handling administrative tasks, providing your personal phone number can quickly lead to an unhealthy work-life balance.
This is why it’s important to have a dedicated business phone number. It allows you to separate your personal and professional calls, ensuring that you not only maintain a professional image, but also set yourself clear boundaries. Having a business number doesn’t necessarily mean you need to carry around two phones either. Most phones now will have multiple SIM card slots or even eSIM capabilities, allowing you to have two entirely separate lines on one device.
Additionally, there are many benefits with a business phone that you typically wouldn’t get from a personal one, such as automatic call forwarding, personalised voicemail and conference calling. These tools can all be incredibly beneficial, particularly when it comes to starting a new business.
Printer and scanner
Even in today’s age of technology, a printer remains a key piece of equipment for any business. With a reliable printer, you can easily create your own professional documents such as invoices, contracts and marketing materials, without having to rely on any third parties. With a high-quality printer, you may even be able to print your own business cards or flyers, so it’s definitely a worthwhile investment.
The majority of printers now also come with built-in scanning capabilities, which can be incredibly useful to digitise important paperwork and documents. This way, they can be stored electronically, making it easier to organise your files and stay on top of your tasks.
Secure storage
Physical office locations are typically equipped with extensive security and preventative measures that we often don’t have in our own homes. Therefore, having a form of secure storage is crucial in order to keep your valuable equipment and documents safe. Whether you’re running an online store or offering services, you’ll likely have important items lying around that need to be protected.
Investing in lockable cabinets, safes or even a dedicated storage facility can provide the peace of mind that you need. Not only will it protect your equipment from theft or damage, but it can also help you to focus on the growth of your business without worrying about your assets.
These are just a few of the essentials you’ll need to set yourself up for success in your new business venture. While all of these items are useful for a new business owner, it’s important to consider the kind of work that you’ll be doing and tailor these suggestions to your own specific needs. Once you’ve established your new home workspace, you can begin the process of finding your footing as an entrepreneur.
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Lizzie Stanley firmly believes that remote work is a tool for increasing employee productivity and happiness, not reducing it. She aims to write posts that help businesses consider the benefits of this approach and employ the relevant measures to keep all parties happy.
