Your Office and Equipment

One of the most exciting, and important, aspects of planning your business is deciding on the facility in which you will conduct it. Of course, once you have a place to operate your business, you're probably going to need some equipment and possibly a car or truck to effectively do your work. You're also going to need to insure your workplace and equipment, and to be concerned about security and safety issues.

Facilities and Equipment Information You Need

• Your home office will help you decide if running your business from home is right for you. We'll help you to consider such factors as whether family and friends will allow you to work efficiently, and whether you can generate enough business from your home. If you choose to establish a home business, you'll find practical tips on setting up the home office and complying with zoning restrictions.
• Business facilities outside the home explores the choices you must make if you're planning to locate your business outside of the home. Should you purchase or lease a facility? How do you select the right location? How much space do you need?
• Equipping your business discusses the equipment you'll need to operate your business, how to acquire that equipment, and how to obtain the maximum use from your equipment once you get it. We'll help you determine what your business can and can't live without, and how to negotiate purchases and leases of equipment.
• Vehicles and your business tells you what you need to know about purchasing, maintaining, and selling cars or trucks used in your business. Discussions about obtaining insurance, managing employees who use business vehicles, and disposing of obsolete vehicles complete the overall picture of what to expect if you use vehicles in your business.
• Protecting your business and assets helps you prepare for, and prevent, many of the unfortunate things that can happen to your business's property. Obtaining insurance, taking security measures, and planning for disasters are among the topics discussed.
• Safety in your workplace discusses OSHA rules and regulations for businesses that have employees, as well as general safety programs and suggestions for dealing with office automation hazards and AIDS in the workplace.