Helpful Hints for Opening Your First Office

f that small business you started out of your basement is suddenly not so small, you’re probably readying to move to your first office. But the decision to do so may be one of the most complex and unfamiliar ones that you will have to make. Here are three helpful hints to ensure that your expanding enterprise gets off to a smooth and successful start.

Leave the Networking to an Expert

With a growing staff comes a wider communications network. While you may have successfully hooked up your phone and computer back in your basement, wiring an integrated office system is not for the faint of heart. There’s office layout, workstation phones, air conditioning units, and network infrastructure to juggle all at once. It’s best to look into low voltage cabling contractors in your area and hire one that’s experienced in top-to-bottom office wiring.

Don’t Go Overboard on Furniture

It’s understandable that you may want your first office to be decked out in top-of-the-line furniture, especially if you’ll be hosting clients. But you need to shop smart. There are many vendors who sell gently used versions of top brands. The money you save can then be invested in more critical areas such as technology and talent. Don’t skimp, however, on ergonomic desk chairs, which can aid employee productivity.

Conserve Your Office Supplies

Office supplies can often deplete rapidly if you overstock them. If an employee sees an entire shelf of sticky note pads, he or she can burn right through them. Order only what you need on a weekly or monthly basis, and put one person in charge of your office supplies inventory.

Opening a first office is one of the most exciting moments in an entrepreneur’s career. Making wise decisions from day one is the key to long-term success.