You’ve made the leap into entrepreneurship. Now comes the fun part — staging and decorating your home-based office.
But before you rush to Oak Unlimited to buy quality pieces for your home office, there are a few things you should keep in mind. This article will cover everything you need to know — from adding flair to your home office to optimizing your space for virtual meetings to ensuring your clients feel safe during in-person visits.
1. Location, Location, Location
How many hours will you be spending in your home office every day? Probably more than you think, so be sure to pick the right location for your setup.
If you have clients stopping by, then picking an area with adequate space is an absolute must. Another important thing to consider is the amount of foot traffic that will be passing through. If you need peace and quiet to get work done, then set up your office in an area where you’ll have privacy from the rest of the house.
2. Add Personality and Inspiration
Picking out your new home office furniture is half the fun. Why not opt for 100% Canadian-made solid wood desks, cabinetry, and shelving rather than traditional metal office furniture to create the ultimate rustic look that’s sure to impress your customers during in-person and virtual meetings? Also, don’t forget to take a look at your walls. Does the paint brighten up the space and inspire creativity? If not, then consider giving the room a paint job. If you’re happy with the colors, you may just want to decorate with paintings or photographs to liven up the space.
Another touch that can make your office stand out even more is by decorating with indoor plants. Not only do they look gorgeous, but they also help boost your mood and purify the air. Plus, they’ll look great alongside your new wooden office furniture.
3. Create a Safety-Conscious Space
It’s more important than ever to be conscious of safety when it comes to running your home-based business. That means minimizing contact whenever possible. The best way to do that is by using software that allows for a contactless experience with customers.
You also want to stay on top of your finances daily. There are many solutions available to help you optimize your day-to-day workflow for maximum cost-effectivity. Here are two of the most popular options, depending on which type of business you run:
FreshBooks. This accounting software was designed with service-based small business owners in mind, to help you simplify your financial management. The software can help with everything from invoicing and estimates to general ledgers and payroll.
QuickBooks Self-Employed. This is a great option for freelancers. Allowing you to separate your business and personal expenses, this software was created to help you prepare for tax season. You can send invoices and estimates, organize receipts, track mileage, as well as file taxes.
Of course, beyond being customer- and budget-centric, there are more things that you need to learn as a new business owner. Here are several more that need your focus.
The Bottom Line
Keep these three best practices in mind to set up your home office for success. It’s crucial that your space invokes feelings of safety and inspires your clients — and more importantly, inspires you! Explore the Oak Unlimited shop for the best pieces for home and office (or both) or get a custom quote today!
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