More entrepreneurs than ever before are launching companies from the comfort of their homes. Running a business from home reduces costs, eliminates the commute, and increases flexibility. If you are currently running an at-home business, a few important items can facilitate your work and increase your company’s success.
Set up a Private Office
When you work from home, it can be difficult to find the right balance between work and family. It’s helpful to set up a private office in your home that contains everything you need to do your job. This can reduce distractions and give you the solitude you need for focused work.
Acquire the Necessary Equipment
In today’s high-tech world, you need equipment to help you do your work and stay connected. The first item on your list should be a computer. A desktop and monitor combination works well if you don’t need portability, but if you prefer having something you can travel with, a laptop can be a better choice. You might also benefit from additional equipment, including:
- Printer
- Scanner
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Webcam
- Wireless keyboard and mouse
Invest in a Reliable Internet Service
Once you have your office and equipment set up, you’ll need reliable internet to get you connected. Traditional internet service can work as long as you get a plan with enough capacity for both your family and business, but a fiber-optic setup would be even better. It can achieve speeds up to 100 times faster than regular internet service, stand up to weather and electrical interference, and ensure equally fast upload and download speeds due to its symmetrical bandwidth.
You should also have a back-up plan in case your internet service goes down. Ooma Connect is a good option because it offers an LTE data connection that kicks in if your primary internet service fails. It can also split your bandwidth into two streams so that your work internet is protected from being overrun by your teen’s video games!
Have a Cloud Phone Service
To streamline communication within your business, a cloud phone service is a must. Look for a service with options for:
- Transferring calls
- Holding video conferences
- Maintaining call logs
- Recording calls
- Transcribing voicemails
- Managing incoming calls
- Utilizing phone and computer apps
- Routing calls to a virtual receptionist
When you run a business out of your home, relying solely on a traditional phone line can create the wrong impression. A comprehensive cloud phone service, on the other hand, gives your company a professional look by providing the continuity and access clients expect.
Additionally, this kind of service allows you to separate business calls from personal calls. When you rely on a traditional phone line with one designated number, personal calls can interrupt your work, and business calls can interrupt your family time. Once the workday is done, a cloud phone service can be used to direct your business calls to voicemail or a virtual receptionist. This protects your family time while simultaneously addressing the needs of your clients.
Running your business from home can be very rewarding, but it requires some thought and planning to ensure you are set up for success. By carving out a private office space and acquiring the equipment and services you need to stay connected, you can optimize your work environment and improve your company’s performance.
