Mission Australia NEIS

Link: http://www.missionaustralianeis.com.au

When starting your business you need to consider where you’ll be operating from and how you will be setting up your office space. Careful planning of this ensures that you purchase the right equipment, run an efficient business and keep costs to a minimum.

Follow up:

Office equipment

As your business is starting up there is no shame in looking at second-hand furniture or going to auctions; this can save you a lot of money. Items you need to keep an eye out for include:

• Desks and chairs
• Storage for files
• Telephones, Faxes, Printers
• Furniture for visitors 
• Security items including additional locks

Stationary

Consider what type of impression you want to create. Have a look at how other business present themselves; what aspects don’t you like, what aspects do you like. You also need to think about how the stationary will be used, for example, who the material will be going to.

Most small businesses look at the following stationary:

• Business cards
• Letterheads for business correspondence
• Promotional leaflets to promote your products and services

Once you’ve established the material you would like to use, you need to consider whether you want to design the material yourself or whether you want to ask a professional designer for help. Always seek a proof of your material – the design on your computer screen may look different printed on paper.

Filing

It’s always good to have an effective filing system in place as soon as you start your business. This will allow you to be able to easily locate information when needed without having to trawl through disorganised notes. You also need to consider privacy issues particularly with your customers and suppliers.

• Useful tips for record keeping can include:
• File records promptly and make this routine eg. Daily or weekly
• Use a logical system of order eg. Chronological filing
• Make copies of important records and back up anything that is stored electronically
• Ensure security – password for electronic files and a lock for filing cabinets

Communications
Telephones

When you start your business ensure that you can be contactable – have a phone number ready. If you’re working from home it may be useful to have a second line solely for business calls. Mobile phones are good also as they allow you to be contacted away from the office.

When customers and/or suppliers contact you make yourself accountable by taking down notes and following up within a reasonable timeframe. In addition if you intend to take a holiday or will be unavailable make sure you leave an appropriate voicemail.

Computer equipment

Nowadays almost everybody uses a computer. Computers are useful for storing your information and allows for consistency in your correspondence. When purchasing equipment consider your business needs and affordability. Bare in mind that buying a computer also means necessary software as well as a printer and perhaps other accessories.

Files on computers can also be lost or corrupted, ensure that you back up your files on a regular basis or store it on another device such as a portable hard drive.

Internet, email and creating a website

The internet is a useful tool for business – it allows you to access your email, research suppliers and the market. The internet speed you choose should be dependent on your business needs.

In addition to the aforementioned needs, having a company website is also a great way to attract and inform your customers and suppliers. You can either pay for someone to design and create your website or you can learn to build one yourself.

If you're unemployed and have a good idea for a business, Mission Australia NEIS can help turn your dream into a viable business reality.  Visit www.missionaustralianeis.com.au for more information.