Having an office space of your own is about getting down to work, getting work done without constant and multiple distractions, but it doesn’t have to be expensive
Yes, the trend today is towards sharing – sharing living space (airbnb), cars (Uber and Lyft) and even office space (WeWork and Liquid Space) – not to speak of sharing home life with kids and family and neighbors. With all that, the prospect of sharing office space can be daunting, and there are plenty of good reasons to have your own office space – one where you can spend focused time – not just to get things done, but to clear one’s head enough to remember what needs doing. Having a space of your own is about getting down to work, getting work done without constant and multiple distractions, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are five cost-saving strategies to make having your own office space a reality.
Five cost-saving strategies to make having your own office space a reality. Click To Tweet
1) FURNITURE
No need to go out and buy new office furniture! Repurpose an old door and a couple of nice filing cabinets to create an expansive desk. Use chalkboard spray for a massive writing space on your wall. Put a large plant near your desk – plants cost little but are said to increase creativity. Good lamps and bright, effective bulbs are also cheap, yet make a world of difference in a work space. You can check some affordable furniture from online stores such as The White Company.
2) RECEPTION
The trend today is away from the expensive receptionist, but there are many technological and human substitutes. Make ample use of networking in professional associations and use LinkedIn to find the people you are looking for. Technical aids include such virtual phone systems as Grasshopper or Google Hangouts/Google Voice with it’s super-inexpensive monthly charges, and business users can obtain it as part of Google Apps for Business.
3) MARKETING MATERIALS
Large or expensive signage and expensive marketing materials are not necessary – use super-inexpensive Vistaprint promo codes and coupons for 50% off flyers, leaflets and business cards to promote your own business in a simple, straightforward and, above all, affordable way.
4) EMPLOYEES
Instead of hiring a full-time employee to share responsibilities, try using a few of the many wonderful short-term labor brokers now available, or better yet, participate in a few online discussion forums as well as networking to find people who are looking for short-term and temporary work. Moms are a great resource for temporary short-term work – they want work but, depending on the age of the kids, may not be ready for a part-time or even full-time commitment.
5) RENT OUT YOUR SPACE
You may not want to share a large multiple-use space during your own working day, but you can still rent out your space at your own discretion to make extra money. You may want to work 9-3 in your office, but once you pick up the kids at school you’re out of the office for the day. Let the right person share your office at the right time and for the right price – many people crave a place to work the night shift, so you can meet a need and make extra money during your off-time – and still have complete privacy at work.
