One of the great privileges of the direct selling profession is being able to work from home. But with the freedom of your career, also come the challenges. The sink is full of dishes, your son left his crayons on your desk, and the laundry is piled up in the corner. A well designed home office will help you transition from the role of domestic goddess to high power entrepreneurial executive. Just like Clark Kent changes in the phone booth to become Superman, as you enter your office space, you turn into queen of your home business empire. Instantly your mind shifts from the laundry list of household chores, to strategies for earning that big check next month and enjoying a hard earned Hawaiian vacation.
But how can you plan the perfect workspace; one that keeps you organized, inspires you, and boosts your productivity? Here are some rules of thumb to follow when designing your home office space.
Plan a space that meets your needs.
* Space: Imagine your dream space. You have the freedom to create the space of your dreams Where is it? What items do you need to have in it? Some questions to ask yourself are: what equipment you’ll need, what things you’ll have to store, and how much privacy you’ll need. Do you need to stay close so you can keep an eye on the kids? Do you need a meeting space? Will you have customers or other consultants stopping by?
* Location. Choose a space in your home that best supports those needs. Whether it’s a spare bedroom, a corner of the living room, a large closet, an attic or a converted garage; find a room that that has enough space for the equipment and furniture you need.
* Storage. While not every direct seller needs to keep inventory on hand, those that do know that having an organized space to store product is critical. Make sure the space you choose has ample room for shelving and storage. Think about the items you handle on a day-to-day basis in your business. Now make a list of the items. Do you need a bookshelf or wall holders for catalogs and brochures? With the proper space and containers to keep your office tidy you’ll have a clutter free, organized work space.
* Furniture. Next it’s time to outfit your work space with a desk, bookcase, and filing cabinets. Today with the boom in home based careers, there is such a variety of office furniture to choose from. Whether it’s a simple desk, an office armoire, or a complete L-shaped unit, make sure you’ll have the desktop space you need to keep key items at your fingertips. Dare to splurge a little on getting yourself a comfortable and ergonomically supportive chair. It’s a back-saver and worthwhile investment.
* Equipment. Plan a spot to put your computer, phone, and fax. Buying an all-in-one printer/scanner/fax machine is a smart choice that saves you desktop space and money!
Put it together in a way that makes sense.
* Placement. Decide what goes where. Place key equipment in a way that flows with the way you work.
* Organization. One great way to stay organized is to create centers for the tasks you frequently perform. For instance you might want to put all your brochures, order forms, and catalogs together in one place. Other “centers” may include a mailing center, a faxing center, and a printing center. Boxes and bins are great for keeping smaller office supplies organized.
* Ergonomics. Place your keyboard, lighting, and monitor at proper heights. By being good to your body, you can function at peak performance without tiring as quickly or getting injured from incorrect positioning.
Create an inspiring atmosphere you’ll love.
* Personalize. Now’s the chance you have been waiting for to create the office of your dreams. Make your office a space that truly inspires you. Little things make such a difference. Choose a paint color that brings you joy. Pamper yourself with treasured photos, candles, and artwork on the wall. Add a touch of romance and a dash of color with a potted plant or vase with flowers on your desk. Finally, having inspirational quotes, a dream map, and visual reminders of your goals can be powerful tools to keep you motivated and on the track to success.
* lean and tidy. There’s nothing like starting the day with a clean desk. Try to get in the routine of either cleaning your desk at the end of the day or doing a 5 minute tidy first thing in the morning. By having a place for everything and everything in its place it’s easy to stay organized and be more efficient.
* Lighting. Don’t skimp on lighting. In addition to creating ambiance in the room, proper lighting keeps you from straining your eyes. As well as having enough overhead lighting, you’ll also want task lighting. Today there’s a wonderful selection of stylish and functional lamps to choose from.
Start your Dream Office Today.
What are you waiting for? Get a jumpstart on your home office now by taking the following actions in the next 48 hours.
* Walk around your home and visualize your office. What space feels good and inspiring to you? Where can you see yourself spending a lot of time and loving it? Choose the perfect space and clear it out.
* Flip through catalogs and magazines. Clip pictures of furniture, décor, and items you’d like to include in your dream office. By getting crystal clear on the intricate details of your perfect workspace, it makes it easier to spot those items as you come across them.
* Shop around and look for smart buys. Scan the newspapers, store fliers, and online office store coupons for sales and special offers.
2005 © Kristie Tamsevicius. All rights reserved.
Speaker, author, and consultant, Kristie is an entrepreneurial expert who has helped thousands of people to start and succeed in their online businesses. She is the founder of Webmomz.com, president of Branding on the Net, and author of several books, I Love My Life: A Mom’s Guide to Working from Home and Build it Big 2: 101 Insider Secrets from Top Direct Sellers (Dearborn Publishing - April 2006). Claim your free Home Business Success course and expert work at home tips at http://www.webmomz.com