Creating the space you will work in can be a fun and exciting process for the budding entrepreneur or work from home professional. Afterall, this is one of your first opportunities to embrace your new found independence, and create an office the way YOU like it.
In addition to creating your physical office space, our goal is to create a “virtual office,” so that you will literally have the ability to work from anywhere in the world. If you’re a “checklist person,” I’ve created a step by step process you can follow, so that you’re office will be up and running in approximately 2 hours.
First, let’s deal with your physical office space and equipment. When we talk about a home office, and you’re just getting started, you can create that space with a simple laptop, printer, and cell phone. In my case, I started out at my kitchen table, but I’ve had colleagues who started with a card table, or even traveled to their local coffee shop or library to start working. Unless you have a hug amount of money to invest in your physical work space, in your initial start-up phase, all of the additional “want” items can be added at a later date.
On the other hand, if you have an extra room, or an area of your home that is not in use, why not put in a desk and comfortable chair so you can create a private work space? When it comes to creating your physical work area, find a place where you can feel at home, yet, remain focused on your work tasks.
Now, let’s move on to the exciting part of creating a fully integrated virtual office.
1. Sign up for a virtual switchboard service, that offers your business the following:
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a “corporate” image.
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enables callers to obtain information, and connect to you directly (follow-me service).
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multiple extensions.
There are two excellent, low cost services we recommend you check out, that are user friendly to set up and administer.
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FreedomVoice Systems
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Callture (if you want to use a cell phone, but attach a toll free number)
Set up your service, and be sure to include your new number on your website (to be discussed), business cards, and printed literature.
2. Sign up for a virtual fax service. This will allow incoming gaxes to be delivered to your email box, and will save you money, space, (no huge fax machine on the desk), and energy. You will easily be able to fax information from your computer to customers and vendors – no matter where you are. Many of the virtual phone providers offer a fax service in conjunction with their phone services. My experience has found that only the providers who specialize in virtual fax services have proven to be 100% reliable. The two services we can recommend you check out are:
*Set up your virtual fax service, with templates for ease of sending.
3. Order your website domain name, but do not begin constructing your website yet! Think about the name that best conveys what you do. When you’re ready to purchase your domain, we suggest the following low cost domain providers:
One, little known fact regarding domain names is when choosing the right one for your business, you should reserve the name for a period of 3 or more years at a time. Otherwise, some of the major search engines will view your site as SPAM, and this will ultimately impact your website’s rankings.
If you’re serious about making a splash in your internet business, spend the extra $25.00, and keep the domain name for at least 3 years.
Now, it’s time to set up a web based email address, that allows you to also access important documents, your calander, contacts, blogs, etc. This account will be secondary for you, but is very important to your business – because it will be an alternate means of contact for you and prospective customers. Call it a “back-up,” if you will. You will use this account to sign up for everything, including any new accounts, etc. Go to gmail.com, and sign up for an email account that reads YOURBusinessName@gmail.com.
The best part of owning a gmail account, is the fact when you are away from your computer, you can access all of your work related documents and emails via your gmail. If you have a mobile phone with email capability, or better yet, a Blackberry, gmail is easily accessible.
5. Order business cards. The cheapest prices and best quality available are fine when you’re just starting out. The company we recommend also offers great prices on direct mailing products that match whichever custom cards you choose.
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Vista Print (We couldn’t find anyone with comparable prices, whatsoever.)
6. In an attempt to get started creating our internet prescence, you will sign up for free memberships with the following networking sites:
You’re off to a great start today, and we’ll pick up where we left off tomorrow.
Here’s to your success!
Chris Archer
www.ChrisArcherInc.com – “The Home-Based Business Connection”
