3 Things No Small Business Owner Can Afford To Do Without

Don't forget about these often-overlooked items that are essential to your small business's security and efficiency.

When you spend as much time as I have working with different folks in their various at-home workspaces, you start to notice some of the things that are consistently important to being a successful work-at-homer. Of course, some of the things that help people do their best work are big, obvious things, like staying organized, managing one's time well, and the like. But I'd like to shine a light on some of the things that are smaller and more easily overlookedbut are also, in my experience, very helpful.

1. Data security. Every person who uses a computer needs a system for regularly backing up their data. Imagine what would happen if your hard drive crashed or your laptop was stolen. How long would it take you to reconstruct your client database, calendar, and financial informationif you could even do it at all? If you've taken the time to create anything on your computer, it's worth spending the time to back it up. Now, I realize that adding one more task to your already busy day isn't the advice you were hoping forbut there is a solution. More and more, I recommend automatic online backup services, like Mozy, that work while your computer is idle and upload your data to a secure offsite server. Also consider keeping hard copies of key documents in a safe location offsite.

2. Insurance. Having the right insurance is key to any business owner sleeping well at night. I'm consistently surprised how many of my clients just don't have insurance; most just haven't thought of itand why should they? After all, if you already have homeowner's or renter's insurance, your home office is covered by your existing policy, right? In most cases, wrong. Many insurance policies require a special rider or provision for home offices and home-based businesses to cover the material owned by the business, such as inventory, computers, and supplies. Additionally, you might want to consider general business liability insurance and/or specialized insurance for your profession. It's a good idea to check with your insurance agent to see what can be added or modified on your existing policy to cover both you personally as well as your business.

3. A label maker. You heard me! It might not be as weighty an item as data security or insurance, but everybody needs a label maker. Labeling files, containers, and drawers helps to define where your stuff lives. Believe it or not, this simple act of labeling makes you exponentially more efficient. When things are clearly labeled, it's easier to put things away, to stay organized, and to avoid that day when you look around and realize your office is a disaster. Label makers aren't too expensivesome of my favorite Brother models can be found on sale at many office supply stores for under $30. Keep your label maker and extra label cassettes handy, and as soon as you create a new file folder or put stuff in a container, create a label immediately.

by: Joshua Zerkel

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