Why Having a Home Office Contributes to the Success of Your Business

Why Having a Home Office Contributes to the Success of Your Business

A home office may not be a requirement to start a home-based business, but there is no question that it will contribute to its success. Working from home comes with many distractions and challenges that can negatively affect your productivity and the quality of your work. However, a dedicated workspace has the potential to single-handedly fix this, so it’s definitely worth the effort and investment. Here’s how you can create your own.

Choose your space.

Before you can set up a home office, you need to find space for it. Homes vary, so depending on your circumstances, this can be a spare room, the garage or basement, or even a little corner of your bedroom or kitchen. A substantial area will be ideal, yes, but do not let a small space stop you from creating a workspace that serves you. In fact, beautiful home offices can be built in small spaces.

In some cases, the size requirement can’t be helped. This is true if you need room to store equipment and/or inventory, or if you need room to create your own products. You may then consider buying a new home, but make sure not to take any shortcuts. Like any home purchase, you first want to check your credit report and determine what you can afford, as well as get pre-approved for a mortgage. Moreover, it’s also smart to work with a real estate agent who has access to a wide range of listings and can provide you with one-on-one attention, like us here at Mark Bowers Homes.

Set it up for success.

Now comes the fun part — designing your home office. Your furniture is the best place to start. You will at least need a desk and chair. Depending on your business, you may also need additional work surfaces, storage units, shelving, etc. The key is to work with the space you’ve got. For instance, if you only have a small area to work with, you might want to consider desks that are more compact or even built-in.

You will also need office equipment and supplies. Again, these vary depending on the work that you do. A computer or laptop is definitely a must-have, as are internet and phone connectivity. As a tip, have a checklist when you shop for office essentials, so you have everything that you need and avoid unnecessary items. This is important — not only when you’re creating your workspace on a budget, but also to minimize distracting clutter.

Invest in your business and career.

Speaking of budget, yes, setting up a home office comes with costs. However, this is best considered as an investment in your business. You want to be able to provide the best value for your clients and customers, after all. This will likely not happen if you are unfocused and unproductive. Essentially, what you spend on your home office is your commitment to consistency and quality.

If you’re low on capital and need funding for your workspace and your business as a whole, it can be worth looking into the many funding resources that are available for small businesses. The federal government alone has several programs in place that you may be eligible for, including traditional SBA loans, SBA Express Bridge Loans, and the Main Street Business Lending Program. You will likely also find numerous grants for startups in the private sector.

In short, if you really want your home-based business to succeed, creating a dedicated home office is one of the best steps you can take in the right direction. Send us a message or call us at (309) 824-9016 to find the property that’s perfect for your family and business.