Choosing your provider wisely

There are many sources for office equipment. Whether it be an online source or a face to face purchase, you want to make sure you are getting the best deal on quality items.

For office furniture, three of my favorite manufacturers are OFM, Flash Furniture and Balt/Moore Inc. Each of these manufacturers have their own little niche in the furniture world and have a history of producing durable and attractive items backed by long term warranties.

Flash Furniture has just come out with a new line of custom embroidered chairs, collegiate, MLB and NFL themed chairs. Not only can you represent your favorite team, but do it in complete comfort.

OFM recently came out with a new line of connected seating, benches and tables. These are perfect for a company break room, airport, doctor office waiting rooms and any space or business that requires a larger seating area.

Balt/Moore Inc. is a leader in providing dry erase boards, magnetic boards and easels for businesss and schools. They have also become known for their Best Rite section full of kid friendly seating and desks.

This week, I will dig in deeper to each of these manufacturers and highlight some of their greatest and newest items!

It Can't All Be Business....

Sometimes you gotta let loose!

These days, offices recognize the need for their employees to relax through out the day. Some offices provide massage chairs in the break rooms, some have tv's or music playing and some even have pool tables and video games. Working from home should be no different. Studies show that taking breaks through out the day and doing things that are enjoyable and fun actually make people more productive. So....take a break!

Short on space? Odd shaped room?

Sometimes a conventional desk just doesn't fit in the work space you have available. Instead of getting a super small desk, the Balt Flipper line of tables solves this problem for you!

Balt Flipper tables can be combined to creat different U shapes, corner desks, large conference tables and so much more! And with locking wheels on each table, these move with ease for the changing needs of your life and business!

Oh wait, there is one more thing....these are flipper tables, meaning you can flip the actual workspace portion on its side for those times when you need full space in your room or office!

Working from home can be hectic

Sometimes being confined in your home office space is not the most practical thing. As a parent and someone who works from home often, I find that life requires my home office to be mobile at times. When I have a sick child or just want a change of scenery, having a portable desk makes that possible.

So many chairs to choose from

When choosing a chair for your home office/business its important to remember that your chair not only needs to be comfortable and functional, but it should reflect who you are and the industry you are associated with. There are so many different options to choose from, one does not need to only look to the executive, high back chairs you would find in corporate America.

There are very retro stools available, with or without backs. These look good in an artistic sort of environment or a business that is maybe geared towards a younger demographic.

Ergonomic, kneeling chairs are out there as well. These may not look that comfortable, but to many, these are just the thing for a small work space and someone looking to improve their posture while they work.

Of course, there are a myriad of executive, high back chairs with or without arms, in cloth or leather material. This are probably the most professional looking and to the vast majority, are going to be the most enjoyable to utilize for a long day at a desk or typing on a computer.

Whatever your taste and needs are, its important to remember that you have tons of options and, like any other purchase you are making, you want to be completely happy with the look, feel and price of your purchase.

Step one to your new home office

Computers can be updated with new software, so even your 10 year old tower, operates efficiently. An old desk may not look that great, but it will get the job done. An old, back breaker of a chair....now that is something you cannot tolerate.

No one wants to sit in an uncomfortable seat for 8 or more hours a day. Not only will you find yourself getting up more often and in turn, leaving your work.... you will be tired and sore once your work day is over.

There are many chairs to choose from online and in retail stores. Just like a new pair of shoes or a mattress, you want to make sure that your chair is going to be comfortable for a long time. Sit in it for a while, move around and get a good feel for how it works with your body and needs.

Once you find the perfect fit, make sure that there is a good, 1-2 year warranty on the chair and its components in the event something does need replaced down the road.

Then just sit back....relax...and enjoy your new purchase....

Work from home... or plan to?

Most everyone wishes they had a place in the house to carve aside for work. Whether it is to do taxes, pay bills, or even run a small business from your house, you need something more than the kitchen table to make this space conducive to productivity.

As an employee in a small company (where we are often asked to work from home), I understand how important this is. Here are some reasons why it is better to call an area your "home office":

1. Mental Separation: On lazy Saturday mornings, have you ever just grabbed something to eat and plopped down on the couch, only to find that 3 hours have passed and you're still in your pajamas? When working from home it is as important to have a routine that separates your "leisure" mind from your "work" mind. Getting up, getting dressed (even if just out of your sleep attire), and heading to your office area will prep your mind to be focused on work rather than picking up after the kids or doing laundry.


2. Privacy: While I am working at the kitchen table, my 5 yr old will ask me for a snack, to play a game, watch a movie, or 11 other things with me responding "I have to get some work done" repeatedly. Even your spouse may not understand that you sitting in a common area doesn't make you fair game to start dinner or bring in groceries. The home office helps provide some degree of separation and puts you more "off limits" to the rest of the house (at least until you call it a day).


3. Focus: Focus was mentioned in bullet #1, but is worth its own mention. There are far too many distractions while working out of your home. There are always 100 things needing done. To get your work accomplished, be it taxes, bills, or doing year end books for your business, you need time and space to focus on the task at hand, or else the quality will suffer and deadlines may not be met.

These are all reasons why you should have a home office. Next thing is to think about how you will start this home office. Look to online resources or even local deals to find what will work for you without breaking your bank. Local resources can offer you some great prices, such as listings on Craigslist or the local paper. The only catch with these is finding a way to go pick up that 3 piece sectional desk with hutch. The back of an Accord may not have space to get all that, so you're scrambling to find someone with a truck (or have to go rent one).

Online resources are a good move here, where you can get brand new lower rate items with front door delivery included. Always inquire about the optional charges involved with front door delivery, as truck delivery may require lift-gate service or hand truck. Look here for some low-cost home office products. Or email here with any questions about getting your home office started. Good luck!