The Business: Office Set Up

February 10, 2017

When you set up a business in an office environment there are lots of considerations to bear in mind. You need to get all of the hardware and software you need to succeed as a business whilst giving proper consideration to the business premises and area. It can sometimes be easy to overlook things, especially if it is your first time in business. This article can help you set up an office in the right way which will benefit your colleagues, yourself and your business operation as a whole. You may already have some of it covered, but it could still open your eyes to other factors nonetheless.
The Location
You need to research and give proper time to finding the right business location. Check out the accessibility of the premises. Is it close to any public transport links like train stations or bus stops? Is there adequate parking for you and your employees to use? Have a look at rental prices too because you’ll be paying this for a long time. Is the price tenable? Try to get it cheaper if you can.
Interior
When you have your premises the true likelihood is that it won’t have come already furnished. As such, you’ll have to buy chairs, desks, sofas, etc. You can get office furniture at arnoldsofficefurniture.com. You should try to buy quality chairs because otherwise your employees will just complain that they aren’t very comfortable. Before you get all the furniture into the actual premises you may want to do some work on the decoration. Go for brighter vibrant colours which can fight the drowsy dreariness that can affect so many people. Put up pictures, use some indoor plants. Make it as attractive as you possibly can without going overboard.
Hardware/Software
Of course any office will need the right hardware and software. A tip for getting this right is by hiring a business analyst. They can tell you exactly what your business needs to operate, covering both hardware and software. Many business owners end up buying too many computers or software that is overly advanced for their needs. Hiring an analyst can mitigate these unnecessary costs which businesses simply don’t need at launch. They can also help you get the best deals as they will have industry contacts which you may benefit from.
Internet
You’ll need internet too. The trick here is by calling the provider a decent amount of time before you go live. First, it usually takes them two weeks or so to switch it on. Bust secondly, if you call them and need it installed immediately then they will have you over a barrel. Take the decision to find your internet provider as soon as possible, that way you negotiate from a favourable position. There are many different providers so compare them against each other and try to haggle the price down. Make sure you get unlimited internet too, there is nothing worse than having to work with internet that is debilitatingly slow.

Mark Asquith

That British podcast guy, Mark is co-founder of Captivate.fm, the world's only growth-oriented podcast host. A Harvard, TEDx, Podcast Movement and Podfest speaker (amongst many more!), he's a wildly approachable Brit and Star Wars/DC Comics geek.

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