Moms and Dads Design an Empowering Home Office

original article posted in Work at Home Moms and Dads

Moms and Dads you  have made an enormous decision to start a home business and work towards being at home with your family more and to grow financial security for your family. Designing an empowering home office will help you achieve that success.

Before you go out and spend money that you may not have right now for your home office lets just take a look at what you will need to get started.

The Essentials Needed for Your Home Office

Things don’t need to be fancy to have a home office and you probably have most of the tools already. Here is a list of essentials that you will need right away:

1. You will need an updated computer and printer. You will want something that is going to be reliable so that you will not be breaking down. This may be your first and biggest consideration for you home business. If you can, buying a laptop with a wireless connection is also helpful so that you will be able to change your scenery from time to time.
2. Desk or worktable. This needs to a spot that is designated for your business only. We will go into this more later. But, do not make this a dual purpose spot.
3. A phone line. You will need a dependable phone and long distance plan. As your business grows you will be talking with potential partners, co-workers, or mentors on the phone and most if not all will be long distance calling.
4. Comfortable Chair. This may be something that you will want to pay very close attention to. I know for myself, without this I would be miserable. Outside of a good computer, this is a must. Take the time to decide what you need and go out a try a few office chairs out before you buy. Shop around.

 As your home business continues to grow, gradually invest in the materials that you find you really need. But to begin with start out with the basic necessities and rely on other businesses for faxing, copying.

Identifying the Work Space for Your Home Business

Identifying a specific area away from normal traffic and interruptions is key to productivity. Here are several ideas to help you set limits within your work space:

1. Remember that desk or worktable? In order for you to be creative and empowered you really need to consider having a private space for your home office. Setting up an area that has dual purposes does not empower creativity. Even with your children at home, they too need to learn a time for quiet and a time for play. So by setting your office up in a spare bedroom or any other place that has a door is ideal. This doesn’t mean that your children can’t come in and be with you, it just means that if you are in that room it is quiet time for them.
2. You Must say “NO” A simple word but hard to use, especially with family. But working from home doesn’t mean ‘available.’ Once you go to your work space it means that you too are at work and that nothing has really changed from going to work outside the home and going to work within the home. You are not available for the daily outside chores.
3. Set up a schedule. You can do this!!!! Work within the parameter of goals that you have set. This helps you stay on task and still keep the family in mind. Set schedules that are working around your children’s schedule. That is why having a laptop with a wireless connection is a good idea. This way you can go where they need to be and you won’t be missing out. Also, if it works best to get up an hour early to get some work done than by all means do that, and like wise for when your family goes to bed.
4. Don’t’ become a workaholic. Take time out for yourself. Keep as close as you can to a beginning time and an ending time. An exercise plan really helps here too.

When working from home you will want to discuss the changes with your family to be able to keep them in the loop and to help them understand what it is that you are trying to accomplish. This is especially important if you are also working outside the home till you can stay home full time.

The Atmosphere of Your Workplace

There  have been many studies and ideas of the ideal home office but the office needs to be all about you. Depending again on where you are able to set up your office and your budget, here are just a few ideas that I have come across.

1. Color It is a known fact that color can alter moods, attitudes, and productivity. Colors such as yellow or lighter oranges need to be used sparingly and only to fit a personality. But, keep in mind they are very energizing colors. White is too stark, yet comes off with a clean look. But, if you are in a bright area for extended periods, white can cause eye strain while working on the computer. Browns, although very warm, should be left to the furniture as accent colors.

The one color that seems to stand out for a clean, energetic, yet calming affect, is "blue." Soft light blues, not dark blues.

2. Make it Enjoyable Create a room that will be the happiest place in your home to go to. Surround yourself with family pictures and motivational posters and things that make you smile. Include a white-board or bulletin-board with your goals clearly written out to view every day.

3. Make it comfortable Decorate your room to suit the creative side of your personality. Plush pillows on a sofa, soft lighting, and a comfortable office chair. Make it a "No Stress Zone."

4. Furniture You want your office to look professional without the 'board-room' feel. Once you have the comfort down as stated above, you still want to have the look and feel of success. The furniture that you put in your room should motivate you and calm you and allow yourself to visualize your success.

All these things may seem trivial at this point but when you set your sights on success in a home business you must also set your lifestyle onto that same path. It is the visualization that is empowering and it sets the stage for life long financial rewards.

Written by Angela James

Angela brings to network marketing 24 years of offline business ownership, and business design, helping the workplace to be a more enjoyable atmosphere.  Angela finds that peace within the atmosphere of the home or office stimulates creativity and energy.  Angela is also guiding others home to work and play and to find comfort in their lives.  Look for more marketing ideas and solutions at Internet Network Marketing Solutions.