When running a home-based business do you need a home office? If you have a space that can be set up with an extra phone line for business only and a proper business voicemail recording for whoever calls, YES, you need a home office.
The reason is simple; businesses need a place where children or pets do not have access. Depending on the type of business, there will be financial records, correspondence, a computer, files, records to tax purposes, and more. These are some reasons to have a space for your business. If you cannot dedicate a room to your business, the kitchen table will work. There are plastic crates available for using hanging file folders for keeping records separated for specific purposes. One for Taxes, one for current project, one for any records your business needs.
If you have a desktop computer, is it used for business, your children’s homework, or your partners use? Consider getting a separate computer for business only if you can afford one. It is best to have a high-speed internet connection. If your business is mainly online, having a separate computer will be a godsend. The business needs an e-mail of its own. The business needs to be available 24/7. Depending on the business, a reply that is slow in response to a question for a possible client can lose you that client.
It boils down to an issue of space, privacy of business records, and the ability to work on the business without interruption from outside sources. If you have a 9 to 5 job, having your business in a location that can be off limits to your children or pets makes sense. Thus, a home office is a requirement if you are running a home-based business, or at the minimum, some place you can put your business files, client business cards, or any records that need to be kept out of the range of mishaps. There is nothing worse than looking for something in a mess, when having a file container that you can go to and have it in a second when you need it.
If a home office is not practical, think about a wireless router and a notebook computer, this way you can work online from anywhere in the house. With a notebook you can also take your business anywhere there is a hotspot and do research or work online anywhere you happen to be at the time.
