It’s a fantastic feeling when you realise that your idea for a small business has generated enough interest for you to quit your day job, and take it on full time. Excited, yet daunted, you start to plan out what you need to drive your business forward and keep boosting interest in your products and services. However, before you get too carried away there is something you need to have sorted; a place of operations. Even if you began your startup with nothing more than an idea and an eye-catching website, you’re going to need a bit more to set up your new base of operations. Here is a short checklist to get you started.

Good Technology

When you first start working by yourself, it’s easy to feel like you have no co-workers picking up the slack when you’re overwhelmed, but you would be mistaken. Technology is the best colleague all small businesses can have, because can make make everything run more efficiently; that is, if it works. We’ve all felt the frustration and panic when your computer experiences a technical fault with an upcoming deadline, and it will only feel worse if your first customers are waiting on your to send them products. If your technology is breaking down one too many times, it’s time for an upgrade.

Get Comfortable

As this is now your new job you’re probably going to stick to traditional office hours. This means you’re going to be spending eight hours at your desk, and working extra hard to get your business up and running. This will increase your chances of suffering from back pain, fatigue, and eye strain. You can do this by getting an ergonomic office chair as these provide the necessary lumbar and pelvic support to promote healthy posture. Good spinal alignment leads to reduced headaches, back pain, and it can significantly improve breathing, concentration, and endurance through long hours of seated task work. You should also reduce eye strain by taking a break every twenty minutes.

Desk Supplies

No matter how good your technology is, you cannot deny that the basics still have a purpose; after all, you can take down phone numbers if you’re already on your phone. The next time you visit the stationery store, pick up a generous supply of notepads, highlighters, paper clips, and as many pens as you can carry - these always go missing or run out of ink so it’s good to have spares. If you think you’re going to be printing a lot, make sure you get a good quality printer and plenty of paper, but bear in mind that going paperless will spare you from getting buried in paperwork.

Business Forms

You’re the boss now, which means you’re in charge of expenses, billing, invoices, and other basic business documents. When working with suppliers and business partners, it looks more professional if you have formal documents printed out. Not only do forms help you stay on top of things, they lend credibility to your startup.