How much storage you need in your office depends on your type of business. Most people find that a lockable cupboard with drawers or shelves is ideal. Other people need a filing cupboard with hanging files to make access easier. Whatever you decide, you certainly need some kind of storage space.
While you can store many files and folders on your computer, you will usually need to keep hard copy files in a certain order; if this is the case you need the correct storage facilities.
You'll also need storage for those items you will use every day. A hutch is often provided on computer desks and this may be adequate, but if it is not, there are many other storage options. You could have a bookcase in the corner or along the wall nearby. Or you may prefer to use stackable units so you can add to them as your storage needs increase.
Remember that open shelving can look untidy and will eventually gather dust, so you may prefer to use shelves in a cupboard of some kind.
For most businesses, you must keep business records for a certain number of years and sometimes for as long as the business is operating. Your storage needs will increase over the years, so prepare yourself. If you don't think you can create any more storage space, then look up! If you don't have much floor space, a three-drawer filing cabinet could have another one set on top of it rather than along side.
There is plenty of room up high. You may need a footstool or steady ladder to reach it. While this may seem annoying, you can always keep the oldest files up there -- those that you don't need to access very often.
Make sure that the storage you decide to install is strong enough for the weight it will carry. Paper is actually heavy when it is stacked together. Sometime bookcases are simply not strong enough to do the job. Shelves sag and end up collapsing, so save yourself a lot of grief by using strong shelving.
Freestanding plastic and metal shelving is good because you can move it to another spot easily, but built-in shelving can be customized to use those spaces that are unique to your specific location.
Modern technology has made using a home office much more professional, easier and faster. You can access many files with the click of a mouse and do a host of useful tasks. Make sure you can manage all the technology in your home office -- don't let it manage you. Unless you are extremely computer literate, use the simplest software as long as it still fits your needs.
Technology increases every day. You can get software that will automatically back up all your files -- a wonderful thing to have if you accidentally hit the wrong key or suffer a power failure before you've had time to save. You can also get Shadow Copy software that will restore accidentally deleted files. You can have an automatic robot installed that will remember all those passwords you have and automatically log you in.
When you are really busy operating your business, you usually don't have time to learn new technology. But if that technology is going to save you a great deal of time and effort in the future of your business, it is worth spending time to learn how to use it properly.
You may need to take a training course online or offline, or have someone come to your office and show you how to do it. Do whatever you need to learn, even if you need to do it in small time-lots that don't take away from your business time. Six months down the track you'll be glad you did.
Always be sure you actually need that new software before you buy it -- this applies even to the free ones. It's no use getting bogged down with stuff that you rarely use or have no real need for, even if it does have cool features. If you do get software, get the latest and best version that you can afford, otherwise you will have to waste time to update the software.
Find out what sort of learner you are to facilitate the process of learning new software. If you are a visual learner, you will remember things best by seeing them written down before doing them. This allows you to visualize what will happen as you do each step. A kinesthetic learner needs to have hands on experience to learn. Others can learn simply by being told what to do.
Learn how to make money online today. Visit Brian's website, http://www.HomebasedBlogging.com and learn about homebased business opportunities to earn money working online from home.
No comments:
Post a Comment