Do you work mostly with online products or do you have a fully stocked room complete with fax machine, copier, etc.

I do have a fax machine, copier, scanner and printer. Even though I have a fax machine, I tend to use Efax instead. It is nice to have the emailed fax come to me by email in case I am working virtually from a different location.

If you work with hardware, what items do you have in your office? Which ones do you feel you just couldn't live without?

I have a Toshiba Laptop (6 months old), headphones for VOIP telephone and digital transcription, web cam, and external hard drives. No way I could live without my laptop or external hard drives. My external hard drives act as my backups.

Number one favorite piece of equipment?

My favorite piece of equipment has to be my laptop. It is my life, personally and virtually. I can take my laptop anywhere and work. As I am typing this I am on my boat working in the bay in Traverse City, MI.

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 have lots of software. VOIP Skype, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Photoshop, Microsoft Office, WordPerfect, Open Office, Adobe CS3 software, digital transcription software, and much more. Can't live without any of them. They all serve their purpose.

Number one favorite program?

Photoshop. The possibilities are endless.

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?

I just moved my office from my living room to my finished basement yesterday. Much better. When one of my kids move out, it will be moved to their room. My office has a desk, chair, file cabinet, shelf, and television. I plan to hang my degrees on the wall and add a standup lamp this weekend.

Do you ever meet with clients at your home office? If so, how has this impacted your business for the better or worse?

Never. My clients are located in States far away from me.

Do you have a sep. phone line for your home office? If so, why do you feel this is important?
At this time I have a VOIP telephone separate from my home phone and a separate fax number through Efax.


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?

Office hours are from 8-5. I have the hours posted on my web site and also advise clients of the same. I don't want to work evenings or weekends unless absolutely necessary.

What do you most love about your home office?

It is quiet and unstressful. Unlike my office experiences when working with non-virtual attorneys and employers. No one there to come up behind your back and bug you.

What do you like least about it?

Sometimes its too quiet and I do miss colleagues. But, that is why I come here to the forum every day.

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?

Good lighting, big enough space, and windows.

Feel free to share any other details about your own fabulous home office setup, strategy, or scenario here too!