The most important element for a successful startup is an idea that can revolutionise the market you are targeting. But to put it into practice, there are some practical matters you have to set up. Your office is your headquarters and it has to include all the equipment you are going to need to run your company. While this might seem like a given, it will play a very important role in the development of your business. Here is the essential equipment for your startup office:
Furniture
Startups involve a lot of time spent at the office, from extra hours put in after work all the way to all-nighters. Since this is the place you are going to spend so much time in, you should make it one that you enjoy being in. Your office must be welcoming and it also has to be practical. You will need to have desks, office chairs, and sufficient storage space (shelves and cabinets).
Make sure the desks are durable and that the chairs are comfortable. Opting for chairs with lumbar support will pay off in the long term. Employees should have their own desks and these should be spacious enough to be comfortable. On the other hand, keep in mind that you may want to expand one day and hire new employees, so don’t fill up the entire space just yet.
Computers and Internet Connection
Regardless of the focus point of your startup, you must have computers in your office. Opt for laptops if your employees have to be on the road for part of the work, but keep in mind that desktops have a much longer life and they are also much more affordable. If there’s no travelling required, one laptop for meetings should be enough for the start. You also need to have a strong backup system for your computers because you simply can’t afford to lose your data.
As for the internet connection, it must be reliable at all times. Choose packages for companies and make sure they offer a backup connection. In a startup, you can’t afford to lose momentum, and this really shouldn’t happen because your internet is down, so get a safety net for your internet connection.
Printers and Scanners
While most parts of a business can be carried out online nowadays, there is still an extraordinary amount of paperwork involved, so you need to find the best printer for your type of business. Choose a multifunctional printer that can do anything from scanning to copying, faxing, and printing in colour and black and white. Please note that you may need to print out documents in high resolution, so having a powerful printer is an asset for any startup. Purchasing a high-quality printer is an investment that will absolutely pay off in the long run.
Telephone System
Running a startup requires a lot of communication, so you need landlines, as well as mobile. Set up your company’s official contacts as well as lines for internal use. Then, depending on your array of business, you may need to have a larger telephone system for your office. Contact a phone company and set up a personalised business account that best suits your needs. Keep in mind that you will have to contact suppliers, as well as customers and clients and that some of your employees may need work phones.
Mailing Accessories
Whether your startup is going to focus on selling products or services, you will not be able to escape physical advertising. You should have an area of the office designated to mailing, which means that you will need to have shelving for envelopes, stamps, packaging, catalogues, and various other types of customer correspondence. You can easily save a lot of money by delivering your own packages when possible, so don’t underestimate the importance of the mailing corner.
As you can see, there is some essential equipment that goes into building a successful business. Make a detailed plan with all of these points in mind and be sure to take your time with it. Your office must include everything you are going to need on a daily basis, so think ahead to set up a practical work environment.
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