| One of the great privileges of the direct selling | | | | * Placement. Decide what goes where. Place key |
| profession is being able to work from home. But | | | | equipment in a way that flows with the way you |
| with the freedom of your career, also come the | | | | work. |
| challenges. The sink is full of dishes, your son left | | | | * Organization. One great way to stay organized |
| his crayons on your desk, and the laundry is piled | | | | is to create centers for the tasks you frequently |
| up in the corner. A well designed home office will | | | | perform. For instance you might want to put all |
| help you transition from the role of domestic | | | | your brochures, order forms, and catalogs |
| goddess to high power entrepreneurial executive. | | | | together in one place. Other "centers" may include |
| Just like Clark Kent changes in the phone booth to | | | | a mailing center, a faxing center, and a printing |
| become Superman, as you enter your office | | | | center. Boxes and bins are great for keeping |
| space, you turn into queen of your home | | | | smaller office supplies organized. |
| business empire. Instantly your mind shifts from | | | | * Ergonomics. Place your keyboard, lighting, and |
| the laundry list of household chores, to strategies | | | | monitor at proper heights. By being good to your |
| for earning that big check next month and | | | | body, you can function at peak performance |
| enjoying a hard earned Hawaiian vacation. | | | | without tiring as quickly or getting injured from |
| But how can you plan the perfect workspace; | | | | incorrect positioning. |
| one that keeps you organized, inspires you, and | | | | Create an inspiring atmosphere you'll love. |
| boosts your productivity? Here are some rules of | | | | * Personalize. Now's the chance you have been |
| thumb to follow when designing your home office | | | | waiting for to create the office of your dreams. |
| space. | | | | Make your office a space that truly inspires you. |
| Plan a space that meets your needs. | | | | Little things make such a difference. Choose a |
| * Space: Imagine your dream space. You have | | | | paint color that brings you joy. Pamper yourself |
| the freedom to create the space of your dreams | | | | with treasured photos, candles, and artwork on |
| Where is it? What items do you need to have in | | | | the wall. Add a touch of romance and a dash of |
| it? Some questions to ask yourself are: what | | | | color with a potted plant or vase with flowers on |
| equipment you'll need, what things you'll have to | | | | your desk. Finally, having inspirational quotes, a |
| store, and how much privacy you'll need. Do you | | | | dream map, and visual reminders of your goals |
| need to stay close so you can keep an eye on | | | | can be powerful tools to keep you motivated and |
| the kids? Do you need a meeting space? Will you | | | | on the track to success. |
| have customers or other consultants stopping by? | | | | * lean and tidy. There's nothing like starting the |
| * Location. Choose a space in your home that | | | | day with a clean desk. Try to get in the routine |
| best supports those needs. Whether it's a spare | | | | of either cleaning your desk at the end of the |
| bedroom, a corner of the living room, a large | | | | day or doing a 5 minute tidy first thing in the |
| closet, an attic or a converted garage; find a | | | | morning. By having a place for everything and |
| room that that has enough space for the | | | | everything in its place it's easy to stay organized |
| equipment and furniture you need. | | | | and be more efficient. |
| * Storage. While not every direct seller needs to | | | | * Lighting. Don't skimp on lighting. In addition to |
| keep inventory on hand, those that do know that | | | | creating ambiance in the room, proper lighting |
| having an organized space to store product is | | | | keeps you from straining your eyes. As well as |
| critical. Make sure the space you choose has | | | | having enough overhead lighting, you'll also want |
| ample room for shelving and storage. Think about | | | | task lighting. Today there's a wonderful selection |
| the items you handle on a day-to-day basis in | | | | of stylish and functional lamps to choose from. |
| your business. Now make a list of the items. Do | | | | Start your Dream Office Today. |
| you need a bookshelf or wall holders for catalogs | | | | What are you waiting for? Get a jumpstart on |
| and brochures? With the proper space and | | | | your home office now by taking the following |
| containers to keep your office tidy you'll have a | | | | actions in the next 48 hours. |
| clutter free, organized work space. | | | | * Walk around your home and visualize your |
| * Furniture. Next it's time to outfit your work | | | | office. What space feels good and inspiring to |
| space with a desk, bookcase, and filing cabinets. | | | | you? Where can you see yourself spending a lot |
| Today with the boom in home based careers, | | | | of time and loving it? Choose the perfect space |
| there is such a variety of office furniture to | | | | and clear it out. |
| choose from. Whether it's a simple desk, an office | | | | * Flip through catalogs and magazines. Clip pictures |
| armoire, or a complete L-shaped unit, make sure | | | | of furniture, décor, and items you'd like to |
| you'll have the desktop space you need to keep | | | | include in your dream office. By getting crystal |
| key items at your fingertips. Dare to splurge a | | | | clear on the intricate details of your perfect |
| little on getting yourself a comfortable and | | | | workspace, it makes it easier to spot those items |
| ergonomically supportive chair. It's a back-saver | | | | as you come across them. |
| and worthwhile investment. | | | | * Shop around and look for smart buys. Scan the |
| * Equipment. Plan a spot to put your computer, | | | | newspapers, store fliers, and online office store |
| phone, and fax. Buying an all-in-one printer/scanner | | | | coupons for sales and special offers. |
| fax machine is a smart choice that saves you | | | | 2005 © Kristie Tamsevicius. All rights |
| desktop space and money! | | | | reserved. |
| Put it together in a way that makes sense. | | | | |