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Home Office Top Tip 7 – Set up Specific work times and create boundaries
Although one of the joys of working from home in your own business is that you can work whenever you choose, unless you set specific work times, one of two things will happen. You’ll either spend all day dipping in and out of work and end up achieving very little, or, you’ll find yourself working all the time.
Set specific hours of work and concentrate on work only during that time. Make sure your family and friends know you’re working during those times so that you are not disturbed. Also make sure that your clients know your hours of work so that they contact you when appropriate. If you have different working hours to the standard 9-5 that’s fine, just make sure your clients are aware so you are not constantly interrupted outside of your work time, or they are frustrated if they can’t get hold of you.
Home Office Top Tip 6 – Additional Equipment You Will Need
Consider an all in one printer, scanner and copier as it saves space. You can also get one with an integral fax machine, although you can also use an online fax services from your 0844 number provider or Efax if required.
You will also need a shredder for confidential documents and you may need a transcription pedal if you offer the service and are asked for it and potentially a binder, laminator and guillotine again only if you need them for a specific job or your own use for marketing materials.
Home Office Top Tip 5 – Research and purchase your Computer.
When deciding which type of computer to buy, consider how you will be working and which option would be best for you. If you are going to be working away from the office from time to time, you might choose a laptop. Make sure when you are using if for extended periods at your desk that it is on a stand with the screen at eye level and use a proper keyboard and mouse.
Consider a large external hard drive for making mirror back-ups and storing large files and make sure you also have an online back system such as Carbonite.
Home Office Top Tip 4 – Set up professional call handling for when you are away from your desk.
Who will answer your telephone if you are on a call or out of the office? There is nothing more likely to lose you a potential client than an unanswered enquiry call. You can’t be at your desk every minute of the working day so set up a real live person call handling service.
Home Office Top Tip 3 – Set up your telephone system.
Firstly you need to consider if you will use your home telephone number, set up a new line just for business use, perhaps use Skype (providing you have excellent broadband) or register a non-geographic or 0844 number that will divert to your home number during office hours.
There are benefits to all options so consider each one carefully before making your choice. Don’t use more than one or they WILL all ring together!
Just a note about using a mobile telephone number, don’t use one for your main business number as it will destroy your credibility. It screams ‘one-man-band’. If you want to use a mobile, divert your landline to it using BT Call Divert.
Home Office Top Tip 2 – Create a permanent, comfortable and healthy desk space.
When choosing a desk make sure it is large enough area to accommodate the work you will be completing. It is tempting, particularly when using a small space, to go for a small desk or one of those cupboard work stations. Just make sure you have enough room to spread out.
Make sure the chair you choose is fully adjustable and comfortable. You will be spending a lot of time at your desk so ensuring a healthy sitting posture is essential.
Top Tips For Setting Up Your Home Based Office
One of the fun parts of setting up your home business is setting up your home office. Here are some hot tips to make sure you invest wisely in everything you will need.
Tip 1 – Create a dedicated space that is your ‘office’.
Ideally this should be a dedicated space, an entire room if possible or at least a sizable portion of one. You will need a clear space to work that has sufficient power sockets and a phone line connection nearby. Make sure your work space is clear from noise and distractions like a t.v. or washing machine.
Also think about the additional room you will need for other furniture you will need including a filing cabinet, stationery storage etc.
Who Are The UK Association of Virtual Assistants?
The UK Association of Virtual Assistants was formed to fill a void in the UK virtual assistant market. There was increasing demand for virtual assistants and virtual personal assistants, but there was no real association where prospective clients or virtual assistants could go for information, advice and recommendations. What the industry needed was a one-stop shop for both potential clients and virtual assistants alike. The UK Association of Virtual Assistants was born.
For potential clients looking for a part-time home based secretary, a virtual assistant, personal assistant or even a full blown virtual office, our Virtual Assistants Directory provides an online source of contacts listed by location and skills. Each listing provides details of the services offered by each assistant, their contact details and links to their web site where appropriate. There is also the added assurance that each virtual assistant listed agrees to adhere to the associations CODE OF CONDUCT. To find a virtual assistant to suit your needs, visit our DIRECTORY OF UK VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS.
For virtual assistants, the Association gives the opportunity to become part of a virtual team, to share ideas and experiences. It also gives you the opportunity to be recognised as a professional in your field by becoming an accredited member of the Association and adhering to our CODE OF CONDUCT. If you would like to become a part of our professional team and have you details listed within our DIRECTORY why not JOIN US today?
Visit: https://www.ukava.co.uk