| An organized work environment is important for | | | | and pull them back during daytime to maximize |
| every home entrepreneur in order to be | | | | daylight. Purchase desk lamps and standing lamps. |
| productive and effective in running a successful | | | | Utilize ceiling lighting. Effective lighting is important |
| home business. Here are nine steps you can | | | | to being productive. |
| follow to set up a home office to run your home | | | | Step Six: |
| based business. | | | | Connect one or two business-only phone lines. |
| Step One: | | | | One phone line should be dedicated for phone calls |
| Create a permanent, convenient space in your | | | | and one line should be dedicated for the fax |
| home for your office. A separate room is ideal. | | | | machine (if your business requires a fax). |
| Step Two: | | | | Step Seven: |
| Decide on an arrangement for your office | | | | Purchase a good-quality telephone. Set up voice |
| furniture. | | | | mail through your telephone service company or |
| Different arrangements are listed below:a) | | | | purchase an answering machine. |
| U-shape -ideal- three surfaces to keep everything | | | | Step Eight: |
| within reachb) L-shape - good if office space is | | | | Invest in a good-quality computer for your home |
| limitedc) Parallel - place two spacious working | | | | office. Research different computers on-line, talk |
| surfaces opposite one anotherd) V-shape -small | | | | to friends and fellow businesspeople, and visit |
| area in front for computer monitor, two surfaces | | | | various computer stores before making your final |
| angled at left and right - good for small office | | | | decision. Most people prefer to purchase a |
| space | | | | desktop computer for their home office. Consider |
| Step Three: | | | | purchasing a laptop computer if you are |
| Carefully plan your office design. Think about your | | | | attempting to save space in a small office. |
| ideal work environment. Natural light is healthy and | | | | Purchase a good-quality printer as well. Ideally, buy |
| refreshing, so many people prefer to have their | | | | yourself a printer-scanner-photocopier, as this will |
| desks face the windows. Some individuals like to | | | | help you save money as well as precious office |
| have their desk facing the office door. Some | | | | space. If you require a fax machine, seek to |
| people like to minimize distractions and have their | | | | purchase a printer-fax machine combo. |
| desk facing a wall. | | | | Step Nine: |
| Step Four: | | | | Purchase standard office supplies for your home |
| Purchase office furniture that compliments the | | | | office. Consider budgeting the cost of office |
| arrangement that you have selected. Research | | | | supplies with your monthly business expenses. |
| on-line and visit furniture and office stores in | | | | Step Ten: |
| search of the best desk that meets your needs. | | | | Keep your home office very organized, clean and |
| Invest in a good-quality desk. You will be spending | | | | clutter-free. Purchase organizational and storage |
| the majority of your time at your desk, so make | | | | items, such as a filing cabinet, baskets for papers |
| a wise decision. In addition, purchase for yourself | | | | and storage bins. Make the best use of the |
| a quality, comfortable office chair that support | | | | storage space that you have available to you. For |
| good ergonomic heath. Shop for a table, | | | | individuals with a small office, decide what items |
| bookcases, additional chairs and desk lamps. | | | | you use infrequently and move them to another |
| Step Five: | | | | storage area, including your attic, basement, |
| Ensure that you have plenty of light in your office. | | | | storage room or garage. Purchase tall bookcases |
| Maximize the natural light from your windows. | | | | and shelving units to make the most of the height |
| Purchase blinds for the windows and open the | | | | of your office space. |
| blinds during the day. Purchase stylish, light curtains | | | | |