If you peruse Google or Pinterest for ideas for your home office, you’ve probably seen photos of beautifully designed spaces with matching office furniture, charming but practical office supplies, organized shelves, and elegant wall decor. While this would be ideal (and oh so cute), it’s not always doable, especially when just starting out. Below are five recommendations from VA Biz Lady for what you truly need in your virtual assistant home office.
1. Quiet Working Space
A quiet working space with no distractions is probably the most important part of your new home office. This space can be anywhere – an extra bedroom, the family room, even a desk in the corner of your bedroom. A small table or desk is all you need, as long as it is big enough to hold a computer along with some space for writing or taking notes.
2. High-Speed Internet
Along with a quiet place without distractions, you cannot provide virtual assistance without access to high-speed Internet. While you can utilize the Internet somewhere else besides your home, like the public library, working from your home is a major perk of becoming a virtual assistant.
3. Computer & Printer
Of course, you need a computer to conduct your virtual assistant tasks. Whether you choose a desktop or laptop computer is up to you. A laptop computer does allow you the flexibility of working away from home, like at the public library or at a local coffee shop. As long as it can connect to the Internet, you’re in business.
A scanner/printer combination may be necessary depending on the exact tasks you’ll be conducting for your clients. At VA Biz Lady, we’ve found them to be useful for printing and signing documents and scanning important paperwork or photos.
4. Landline or Cell Phone
A phone is a necessity for your home office. If you want to keep your business separate from your personal life, we recommend getting a separate landline number or a separate cell phone. Even if your work does not include answering phone calls or providing customer service over the phone, you’ll need a phone when interviewing clients or for meetings with your work team.
5. Calendar or Planner
A calendar or planner will help you keep both your day and your schedule organized. Whether you choose a digital planner or a paper one is up to you. Be sure to use what works best for your schedule and lifestyle.
Help With Your VA Career
Now that you have an idea of how to prepare a home office, be sure to check out our other virtual assistant resources. At VA Biz Lady, we offer free products and valuable services such as our Done For You social media graphics, free business forms, and website hosting services. We look forward to assisting you in your own work from home journey.