| When you're just starting a home business, you may | | | | Software: Go open source! You can get setup with |
| not have the funds to spend on a fancy home office, | | | | great software without spending a penny. Check out |
| but you need a place to keep your business "stuff" | | | | opensourcewindows.org or opensourcemac.org You |
| together so it doesn't end up covered in Cheerios, juice | | | | can find free office software like Open Office, |
| or paste and glitter. Good news! You can get | | | | graphics programs like Gimp, and many other options. |
| setup with the basics you need without spending a | | | | Desk & Desk Chair: It does make working easier if you |
| fortune. | | | | have a proper desk and desk chair. So even if |
| The first step is to figure out what you really need. | | | | you're starting from the kitchen table, just keep your |
| Start with an inventory. For example, if you're running | | | | eyes open for friends or family who are getting rid of |
| a business online, here are some things you may need: | | | | a desk or watch the thrift stores, garage sales, and |
| - Office Space | | | | Craigslist. |
| - Computer | | | | Phone: Do you really need a dedicated line? Consider |
| - Printer | | | | a prepaid cellular phone or Skype as a possible lower |
| - Software | | | | cost alternative. |
| - Desk | | | | Fax: You can use an online service like eFax instead |
| - Desk Chair | | | | of purchasing a fax machine. Or, depending on what |
| - Internet Connection | | | | you're faxing, you can have things faxed to an office |
| - Telephone | | | | supply store (many offer fax, copies, print services, |
| - Fax Access | | | | etc). |
| - Business Cards | | | | Internet Access: If you don't already have internet |
| - Office Supplies | | | | access you may be able to work from a coffee shop |
| - Decor If you're running a local business or one that | | | | or library. Check with your phone, cellular or cable |
| requires creating and delivering a product, your | | | | company to find out what special bundle deals you |
| workspace needs will vary a bit, but start with the | | | | may be eligible for. |
| same step of brainstorming exactly what you need. | | | | Printed Business Supplies: For business cards, |
| The second step is to go through your list one item at | | | | stationary, and related supplies try VistaPrint, Overnight |
| a time to figure out if you already have something that | | | | Prints, and other online services, as well as local print |
| will work or if you need to acquire it. You can start | | | | shops, to see what each would cost. You might also |
| with what you've got, what you can borrow from | | | | be able to barter with a local print shop to exchange |
| family or friends, or pick up second hand, to keep your | | | | your services for theirs. |
| investments low as you start your business. | | | | Office Supplies: You can probably come up with the |
| Office Space: It doesn't necessarily require a | | | | office supplies you need with a quick scavenger hunt |
| dedicated room. A corner of a room can work if | | | | around your home including pens, pencils and note |
| that's what you've got. Just think smaller. Instead of | | | | paper. |
| a full size file cabinet use a small plastic file box. | | | | Decor: This might seem like a silly or frivolous item to |
| Instead of a big executive desk, use a corner desk. If | | | | include on a list when you're setting up your home |
| you need to get away to focus, consider the library or | | | | office on a shoestring budget, but what you surround |
| a near by coffee shop for a temporary office. | | | | yourself with can help contribute to a positive mood |
| Computer: Even if your computer is a dinosaur, if it | | | | and your success. Pick up inexpensive frames at the |
| works, you can start with it. Upgrade as your | | | | thrift store, then fill them with your own photography, |
| business takes off. If you don't have your own | | | | artwork by your children, recycled postcards or |
| computer yet, check with family and friends to see if | | | | calendar pages, inspirational quotes. Grab a plant |
| anyone has one they aren't using you can borrow or | | | | from elsewhere in your home and relocate it to your |
| purchase inexpensively. | | | | office space. |
| Printer: If you don't have a printer, check with family | | | | As your business begins bringing in a steady income |
| and friends on this one, too. If you can't find one | | | | you can upgrade your home office. All you've got to |
| cheap, just use the local FedEx/Kinkos or similar when | | | | do for now is get something that will work while you |
| you've got to print and pick up a printer for home later. | | | | get your new business started. |