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Get an Office
There are several types of offices to think about when you transition your side hustle to a small business. There are some questions you will have to think about before deciding what is best for you. First, you must determine your needs before you can determine what type of office you should get.
- Do you have a business that needs a storefront such as a barber shop or pizza parlor?
- Can you realistically conduct business from home?
- What can you afford?
- Would you consider sharing office space?
- Do you need to hold meetings?
- Will there be employees (now or in the future)?
Once you have decided what your needs are, you have to decide exactly what type of office best fits those needs. There are many different types of offices. Here are a few examples.
Home Office: A home office is a good fit for someone who has a business that takes them into the field a lot such as home improvement or cleaning services or a business that is mainly done online. Most home offices will need the same basic starting equipment:
- Computer, printer, copier, scanner, and fax machine.
- Desk and office chair.
- A dedicated work area (such as a spare room, basement or secluded area).
- Private phone line or cell phone. A dedicated company phone with a professional message for missed calls can work wonders for your company’s appearance.
A home office might be right for your business, but you have to think about if it’s right for you. Is there a room in your home where you won’t be interrupted by family and other distractions? Are you the type of person who can take work seriously even though you are at home? Is your home presentable enough for the occasional customer and business contact that may need to stop by? Can you hold meetings in your home? If not, are you okay with holding all meetings at a public place such as a coffee shop?
Traditional Office: A traditional office would be considered space in an office building. These types of offices will need the same equipment as a home office (sometimes you can find an office that is already furnished), but there are some other things you need to consider.
- How large of an office space do you need?
- Will you need to hold a lot of meetings?
- Will you have products or equipment to store?
- How long will you need the space?
- Are you going to lease or buy?
- In what part of town do you want an office?
Shared Space: Some companies are willing to rent out empty offices in their buildings. In most of these situations, you will have a private office or work space and have the luxury of using their equipment and facilities such as copy machines and meeting rooms. Some things to consider:
- There are many different versions of this arrangement and most are negotiable. Common arrangements can range from the company providing a desk, computer and a secretary to just renting out an empty room.
- You might only have access to your office during their business hours.
- The space will help you to present a professional image to your customers.
Virtual Office: A virtual office is a combination of a home office and a shared office. Your actual work office is in your home and instead of renting a shared space you pay a company to provide you with a handful of services that meet your needs. Here are some specifics.
- Most virtual offices will provide you a place to meet with customers, a professional mailing address in a business district, a fax number and a phone line with a receptionist.
