The
Birth of a Successful Internet Business
Part two of ten -- Tools of the Trade
An important part of developing a successful Internet business
is setting up your office space. Whether you operate your
business from an office building or out of your home, having
your own "space" is an essential part of your success.
Your office space should be used exclusively for your business
and be set up to best suit your needs.
Below, are some suggestions to assist you in setting up your
office:
Desk and Chair
When selecting a desk for your office, make sure you get a
desk that is specifically designed for a computer. Computer
desks provide plenty of room for your monitor, a cabinet for
your computer case, a shelf for your printer, and a slide
out shelf for your keyboard.
When selecting a chair for your desk, keep in mind, you'll
be sitting in this chair for many hours. Make sure it is very
comfortable and that you try it out before you buy it.
Take your time and select a desk and chair that you'll be
very comfortable with. If you don't, you may find that you're
straining yourself in one form or another (back, neck, arms,
etc.), which will result in poor work performance.
Computer Equipment
If you haven't purchased a computer, make sure you purchase
one that will grow with you. If you don't, you'll find that
you'll either have to upgrade your system or purchase another
one a few years down the road.
In addition, make sure you purchase your computer from a reputable
company that will provide you with quality customer support.
Printer
When selecting a printer, you will basically have two options
-- laser or ink jet. You should select a printer depending
on your needs. If you'll be doing a large amount of printing
and speed and high quality are important, your best option
will be a laser printer. Laser printers produce better quality
black text than most ink jet printers, and are much faster.
However, an ink jet will enable you to print in color, which
is a big advantage.
Another important consideration is the printer's resolution.
The resolution determines the print quality, and refers to
the number of dots per inch on a page -- the higher, the better.
Most printers today support a 600 x 600 dpi resolution that
will produce a good quality for most print jobs. Keep in mind,
although a printer may support as high as a 1200 x 1200 dpi
(dots per inch), you most likely won't notice any quality
difference, when compared with a 600 x 600 dpi, with most
print jobs.
Scanner
A scanner will enable you to scan photographs and documents
into your computer. For example, if you'd like to place a
photograph of yourself or your products on your website, a
scanner will make it possible.
Fax Machine
With today's advanced technology, you can use your computer
to send and receive faxes. All you'll need is a telephone
line, fax modem and software.
Digital Camera
A digital camera will enable you to take pictures of your
products, or whatever you'd like, and transfer them into your
computer. They provide a great way to create your own images
for your website or product development.
Telephone
A business line will enable your customers to contact you.
Even if you're using your telephone line to connect to the
Internet, most phone services now offer voice mail. Voice
mail will enable your callers to leave a message while you're
connected to the Internet. There are also software programs
and devices that will enable you to take calls while you're
connected to the Internet.
Filing Cabinet
A filing cabinet will enable you to organize your paperwork
such as your receipts, tax information, and business records.
In addition to the basic office equipment, you'll also need
to stock up on some supplies:
• Pens
• Pencils
• Pencil Holder
• Pencil Sharpener
• Address/Phone Book
• Business Cards
• Note Pads
• Envelopes
• Printer Paper
• Ink Cartridges
• Log Books Files
• Excedrin Migraine, Motrin IB, Advil, Tylenol or whatever
your favorite headache medicine may be. You're going to need
it:)
Take your time and set up your office according to your budget.
Start out with the essentials such as a computer and an Internet
connection. You can add additional equipment and supplies
as you go.
Setting up your office space is an essential part of your
success. Not only will it designate a specific area as your
business space, but it will also provide you with some added
motivation to work towards accomplishing your dreams.
Copyright © Shelley Lowery
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