You Are A Small Business Owner, Act Like One

When you have a small business running out of your home, you also need a workspace that’s dedicated only to your professional. This not only helps to separate work from leisure, but also can give you a tax deduction if you’re self-employed. A home office also requires more than just your computer, though, even if you spend most of your time on it. There are certain supplies and equipment to have that’s not only tax deductible, but will inevitably come in handy at one point or another. Here are three small home must-haves that will serve you well in the long run.

High Quality Printer

Even if you don’t do a lot of printing, it’s a good idea to have a decent laser printer in your home office. A printer that does other things, such as faxing and scanning, is an even better idea. Although you probably conduct most of your business online, having a printer allows you to physically print things when necessarily, like correspondence, or even make copies. Not everyone might be as tech savvy as you are, and there might be a need to fax something once in a while. It’s an old practice, but sometimes it can still be the most efficient. Scanning is also a must, because if you ever have to send a document with an original signature, you can simply scan and e-mail it. One of the most important things a printer can be used for, though, is preparing reports and proposals. At one point or another, you’ll probably want to make a professional presentation to clients or potential investors. Although Power Point presentations and online documents are useful, it might come down to a face to face meeting. Having access to a printer is much easier than having to go to the library or some other place to print. Leave that option to college students, and invest in a decent piece of equipment.

Separate Phone Line for Business

You Need The Right Supplies For Your Home Office

Although you might do a lot of your business on your cell phone, you can’t go wrong also having a primary landline that’s there to service your home business directly. This is not only tax deductible if it’s used solely for your work, but it also makes it possible to fax. It’s also a nice feature of having a home business to be able to have a line dedicated solely to your professional life. Having too many contacts on one phone can get overwhelming, and you don’t want to accidentally send that funny photo to one of your clients. Landlines are also useful for proving occupancy and other practical necessities, and make your place of business more legitimate as a home doubling as an office.

Mobile Device for Emergencies

Choose The Correct Location In Your House For Your Office

The third piece of equipment to have that’s a good idea is a mobile device for emergencies, and preferably a tablet. For example, if your Internet service cuts out and you have an important meeting, having the ability to access the Internet using the mobile web with a tablet can save you. This is an unusual situation, but unlike a larger company that can blame its problems on network issues or ITTS, you need to be available at all times for clients. Therefore, if you have an emergency and can’t afford to miss a meeting or e-mail, having a tablet dedicated solely to your professional life will be a great boon to keeping business up and running.