Do you work mostly with online products or do you have a fully stocked room complete with fax machine, copier, etc.
I use Excel. Word. PhotoShop. Youtube(ok.. I like some music while I work) Flikr(Ok, so I like to play while I work
I have an all in one fax machine, which I love and use daily.. Some clients I have to print off a lot, so this is amazing to have. Lets see. My Lap top, PC.. I guess thats about it.
If you work with hardware, what items do you have in your office? Which ones do you feel you just couldn't live without?
]Laptop!!! Can't and won't live without this!!
Number one favorite piece of equipment?
Once again, my laptop is precious cargo!
If you work with software, what items do you have in your computer and which ones do you feel you just couldn't live without?
I work a lot in Excel, so this is just basic for me. Software...hmmm.. guess I am blank on this.. but if you know me, I am not a computer guru, so you ask computer software, and I say, "what software?"
Number one favorite program?
]Program.. ok.. were talking computer right, because you say program and I think of tv.. Heroes for sure.. ok, back to this.. sorry, had a lapse there.. My favorite program.. well, as my computer and me are still in a developinf freindship, I'm not sure.. Can I wait a while and see how this friendship works out??
How is your home office set up for ease of use and comfort? What kind of furniture, setting, plants, decorations, etc. do you surround yourself with?
A bed. A sleeping husband. A snoring dog. A Full office on my side of the room. From calendar on the wall.. My Rates/ What I offer. A computer. Did I mention the snoring dog? Phone. ok.. I am dying for an office..
A private one at that. without the snoring dog.
Do you ever meet with clients at your home office? If so, how has this impacted your business for the better or worse?
No. all of my communications are done via fax, phone, and email.
Do you have a sep. phone line for your home office? If so, why do you feel this is important?
I use cell phone for business, but either is available.. I only don't give out my home phone unless they are a qualified client and we've build a relationship.
Do you have set office hours? If so, how did you decide what they would be and how do you ensure you and others maintain/respect them?
Hours are crucial. 10-5 M-F.. But honestly, I try to work over so I don't work on weekends any more than I have to.. usually keep it to an hour or two on weekend.
What do you most love about your home office?
Well, I love the sleeping husband for one.. Kind of makes the scenery worth having..
I usually find myself in the living room, on my laptop working. I homeschool also, so I stay near the kids.. If I am working at night, I'm in the bedroom. If I've hired out my hubby, he will be on the computer, I'll be on the laptop, working toghether.. Sigh.... love is a wonderful thing.
What do you like least about it?
I]ts my bedroom. And during the day, I'm in the living room. My office goes where I go!
If you could suggest to a new VA how he or she might best utilize space at home to create a home office, what would your top three suggested guidelines be?
First, you have to be able to get what you need, when you need it. If a client calls, you need be able to get to all your stuff in seconds.. Organization is a must. It needs to have your own flare.. What makes you smile. I have music. the snoring husband. and my cup of tea..
My favorite. Of course, is the snoring husband.