The Basics That Your Office Needs
As a new business owner, you need to save money where possible, and setting up an office for the first time can be a strain on the start-up budget. Thankfully, you don’t need to have everything at once. Below is a list of the most important pieces of equipment that you should have before you go live. As your business grows you can add other accessories, electronics and furnishings to meet your needs.
Office Furniture
The office furniture should include a desk for each of your employees that’s large enough to provide room for their computer and files while leaving plenty of work space. You should also purchase a conference table to host meetings. Consider beneficial upgrades like adding a desk power outlet with a USB port on each end so you can easily power devices without a tangle of cords or having to worry about crawling around whenever someone needs to plug something in.
Business Phones
While most people use their smartphones for just about everything, your business needs its own phone system. You can use traditional landlines or choose a VoIP system. The biggest difference in the two is that the VoIP operates directly from the internet so if your business has customers or contacts around the globe you can reach them more easily. VoIP is becoming more popular to businesses because of the flexibility and convenience it offers. Unlike a traditional phone system where you have a set number of entries stored, all you need is the proper bandwidth to gain access to as many numbers as you like.
Computers
With so many different brands and types of computers on the market, selecting the right one for your business is an important task. The first decision you need to make is whether you want a stationary computer like a desktop or if you want employees to have the ability to take their computer to another location. If you have no personal preference as to brand names, you can solicit the help of an expert in the field and then use their recommendations based on your given needs.
Network Server
Whether you own a small business with a few employees or a larger one with 50 or more, having a network server is essential. Not only does it manage and store the data entered and protect against viruses, but it also lets you prevent people from accessing certain areas of confidentiality. And, unlike a computer that you shut down after hours, a network server runs 24/7 year-round.
All-in-One Printer
You will at some point need to copy and print material, scan it and send a fax to a client or a vendor. This is why it’s important, from the start, to invest in a multi-functional printer that does everything you want from one easy-to-operate piece of equipment. Not only will it save you money by eliminating the need for other pieces of equipment, but it will also minimize the space required. Consider buying one with a larger output volume than you currently need so you won’t have to upgrade as your business grows.
Whiteboard/Projector
Just like the traditional whiteboard, projectors prove to be invaluable to the business owner. They offer a way to motivate and engage employees during meetings and training sessions through videos and graphs to help take your business to the next level of success. There are several types including multimedia, digital and LCD models. Electronic whiteboards that let you print the writing on the board are also an option.
Whether just starting a small business or if you are looking to improve your existing office space, having the right equipment can make all the difference in helping you achieve your business goals. Start with the basics above and add more as you grow.