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Home Office Basics: Stuff
2008-08-09 | Filed Under Home Office Basics, Virtual Assistance |
Are you still waiting to start your Virtual Assistance business because you don’t have all of the stuff (furniture, supplies, hardware, and software) that you think you’ll need? Well, you won’t know what you’re going to need until you have clients. And those clients are each going to have their own special needs.
Home Office Basics: Stuff
There are some basics that you can’t be without if you’re going to be a VA.
Computer:
- Desktop or laptop? Choose a computer that will complement your work style. If you’re planning on traveling while you’re working, or you want to take your work with you to the local coffee shop, get a laptop. To be honest, I can’t think of a reason to buy a desktop over a laptop these days.
- PC or Mac? I don’t mean to start a fight over this, but, this really doesn’t matter anymore. I have both a Mac and a PC, but you really just need a Mac where you can also run Windows programs. Might as well have the best of both worlds!
- High speed Internet access is a must!
Printer:
- An inkjet printer will work just fine. Most of the time you’ll be emailing documents.
Software:
- Microsoft Office is almost a requirement. Not because it is the best or easiest to use, but because this is what your clients will use and they will expect you to be comfortable with Word at the very least. Excel is another Office program I’ve found to be useful for most clients.
- Outlook is a program that many of my clients (and I) use. It’s also good to be familiar with online mail programs such as Yahoo! mail, which are very popular.
- Niche software. If you’re going into be providing specialized services, there may be some software that you will need for your niche.
Furniture:
- Somewhere to put your laptop. That could be a desk, kitchen table, or even your lap! You’ll be on your computer A LOT, so it helps if you’re comfortable while you’re working.
- A chair to sit on is helpful
Supplies:
- Paper and ink for your printer, writing pens and paper, stapler, staple remover, and chocolate.
That’s it! This stuff will get you started, and you can add on more stuff when you find out what your clients need from you.
Oh, yeah. I forgot one thing…
Money:
- One year’s worth of earnings and a nice stash that can be used to buy that special software that a client will want you to have. Nothing will stop your business in its tracks faster than underfunding.
And don’t forget – being knowledgeable, enthusiastic, approachable, and willing to learn will get you further than all that stuff!
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2 Responses to “Home Office Basics: Stuff”
This is a great post, Melodee – although you did forget to mention coffee!
Having a year’s worth of earnings in the bank is a good idea. So many people think they’re going to start making money right away, but it takes time to build up a clientele.
Sorry, Janet! As a non-coffee drinker, I know I’m in the minority. Now…hot chocolate I can relate to