Here are some tips to set up your office when providing home-based secretarial, data entry, word processing, or typing services.
Assigning a work area is important for the home-based typist, secretary and data entry processor. A separate room with a door you can close is ideal to avoid and minimize interruptions and distractions from your children and family members. However, many people work in a small corner of a living room, dining room, kitchen, or bedroom.
1. Get a desk that has room to accommodate your computer monitor, keyboard and mouse. A computer desk typically has a slide-out shelf for your keyboard and mouse that retracts completely under the desk surface when not in use. Select a desk that will improve your comfort and productivity. A mobile computer cart provides the added flexibility of easy relocation when you need it and is ideal for small spaces.
2. Buy a comfortable typing chair. You'll spend a lot of time in it while typing and processing data entry work. Consider a chair that is specially designed for typists and data entry processors. The back rest must provide you with good lumbar support and fit well against the curve of your back. Arm rests can help relax arms and shoulders and prevent strain.
3. Get a computer and software. You'll need word processing software to provide typing and word processing services and database software for data entry.
4. Consider getting an ergonomic keyboard as you'll be doing a lot of typing and data entry.
5. Check your typing work with a good dictionary. The computer spellchecker is often not enough to check your work as performing accurate work is important for secretarial, word processing, and data entry services.
6. Organize your paperwork in a filing cabinet. Keep it close by to pull up resources and client files.
7. Get Internet access and an email account to deliver finished work to your client.
8. Keep your printer close. Select a laser printer for quality and speed or an inkjet for color.
9. Order a separate phone line for your secretarial business. Use either voicemail or an answering machine to get messages from clients while you're away from your desk.
10. Keep supplies and resources you are using when working on a word processing or data entry project within reach such as pens, address book, notebook and software manuals.
Keep start-up costs low when starting a secretarial service business or providing data entry work. You can buy new and used equipment at low cost at eBay and classified ad sites such as Craigslist. You can add additional equipment later when you are getting regular typing and word processing and data entry work.
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