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When you work from home make sure you don’t get drawn in to doing all the household chores when you should be working. Now I’m not saying leave a pile of dirty dishes in the sink, or damp washing in the machine but fit it in around your working day.

Going to put the kettle on for a cup of tea? While it’s boiling do the dishes. Stopping for lunch? While it’s on the cooker or in the microwave, hand out the laundry.

If you start each working day running through the chores before you start work, it’s very easy to become sidetracked and not get any work done before lunchtime!

For more information about managing your time visit: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-online-courses/start-your-virtual-assistant-business/

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 cant get hold of you.

For more information aobut how to set boundaires and maanage your clients visit: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-online-courses/start-your-virtual-assistant-business/

Consider an all in one printer, scanner and copier as it saves space. You can also get one with an intergral 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.

For office furnture and equipment suppliers visit: https://www.ukava.co.uk/html/furniture_and_office_supplies.html

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.

For suppliers of computers and back up systems, including online back up from Carbonite, visit: https://www.ukava.co.uk/html/computers.html

Set up professional call handling for when you are away from you desk otherwide who will answer your telephone if you are on a call or out of the office? There is nothing more likely to loose 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.

For more information about telephone call answering services visit: https://www.ukava.co.uk/html/telephone_services.html

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.

For more information about telephone services visit: https://www.ukava.co.uk/html/telephone_services.html

For information about how to start your own virtual assistant business visit:  http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-online-courses/

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.

For suppliers of office furniture visit: https://www.ukava.co.uk/html/furniture_and_office_supplies.html

For more information about setting up your home office visit:  http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-online-courses/start-your-virtual-assistant-business/

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.

For more information about setting up your home office take a look at the VA Success Groups “Start Your Virtual Assistant Business Online Course” at: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-online-courses/start-your-virtual-assistant-business/