No computers, no business - get the best

No computers, no business - get the best you can afford

Home Office Feng Shui: A Crash Course in Arrangement

Feng shui (pronounced fung shway) has recently gained popularity in the United States. It is the ancient art of arrangement and color usage that is presumed to promote balance and the flow of energy in a given space. Even if you don't believe in the philosophy of feng shui, applying some of the basic principles of this practice to your home office can help you operate your virtual corporation more efficiently-and may make it a pleasant place to spend the better part of your day.

Following are some quick feng shui tips tailored to the home office space, but you can apply these techniques to any office.
* Location: Situate your home office as close to the front door of your house as possible. If you can avoid it, do not locate your office in the basement-the first floor or higher is preferable, because energy flows upward. Basement offices can be painted white, with bright lighting and a fan installed to promote energy flow (or just to make you feel happier).
* Desk placement: Position your desk so that you are facing the entrance to the room, with your back toward the wall or a corner. Even outside of feng shui considerations, sitting with your back to the door is disruptive because you won't know who is coming in to the room. If there are windows in your office room, try to place your desk so the window is to your left if you're right-handed, and to your right if you're left-handed. Never position your desk in the center of the room.
* Color scheme: Feng shui recommendations for color in the home office vary according to your company's goals. If your business relies on selling or making deals, the aggressive red is a good choice. Yellow promotes discipline and stimulates mental activity and clarity of thought-a solid color scheme for any home office. Warm colors such as orange and tan represent collaboration and cooperation. This is an excellent option for offices with more than one team member. For writing and other creative business endeavors, consider blue-green, which is soothing and promotes creativity.

Keep your office a comfortable and positive environment!

Marking Your Territory

One of the most difficult aspects of working from home are the inevitable interruptions. Well-meaning friends and family members often have difficulty understanding that even though you're home, you're working; and particularly in the beginning you are likely to receive a steady stream of requests, demands and invitations that you cannot fulfill.

It is important to discuss your plans with everyone in your household, including frequent visitors. Show them your office or the space you intend for it, and explain to them (gently) that when you are there, they should consider you "at work" and only accessible in emergency situations. If your office is in a separate room, be sure you have a door. Post your work schedule on the door so that everyone knows when you will be available for non-work related matters.