Meetings are a common part of an entrepreneur’s day. If you want to make sure that you have a safe home office that is a functional space for meetings, here are some tips brought to you by AngelytiX that can help.
Focusing on Safety During Client Meetings
Certain best practices are essential for client meetings today. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are a few must-dos:
You should also use technology to limit the need for direct contact. For example, payment and invoicing software is an easy place to start, allowing you to eliminate the need to hand over a paper bill or handle their payment card.
Selecting the Space for a Safe Home Office
When you’re choosing a spot for your home office, privacy and safety are both critical. Ideally, you want your home office to be a separate room in your home, allowing you to close it off when meeting with clients. Additionally, creating a home office with a separate exterior door makes it unnecessary for visitors to cross through your house, which is beneficial.
For entrepreneurs that may sell soon, adding a functional home office is incredibly worthwhile. It may increase your home’s value and attract more buyers. Just take before and after photographs and track your spending. That way, you’ll have an easier time showing why your home’s value went up.
Designing Your Home Office for Client Visits
When you’re creating a safety-conscious home office, social distancing is usually a major concern. Luckily, it’s easy to achieve by using the correct furniture and proper layout.
If you have a large meeting table, make sure that any seats are positioned at the furthest ends. That way, the table acts as a buffer.
For offices without meeting tables, take larger furniture pieces – like sofas – and position them six feet apart. While a client might try to move a chair closer to you, shifting a couch into a different spot isn’t something they’ll likely attempt, making it easier to maintain the proper distance.
Contact a local furniture upholstery service if you have a chair you’d like to use but need to address some damage. Often, a furniture repair costs between $1,200 and $3,500, though factors like size, fabric choice, and customizations can alter that price. Before you reach out to companies, do a quick search for “chair upholstery near me” and spend time reading online reviews. Then, contact the best and discuss your needs, allowing you to get a more accurate quote.
Setting Up for Video Conferences
Since video conferences are far safer than in-person meetings, make sure you’re set up to offer this option. Get a high-quality camera and microphone as a start point. Additionally, go with a broadband internet connection and hardline in if possible.
Also, choose a background in a nice color. Options like light blue and beige work well on camera. If you don’t have a wall in that color, consider getting a pulldown or collapsible screen. That way, you can use it when needed.
For lighting, combine natural light with table and floor lamps. Additionally, consider getting a ring light, giving you a simple way to make sure your face is clear on camera.
Bonus Tip: Asset Protection
Many small business owners worry that their personal assets may be at risk if there is any litigation. Luckily, by selecting the proper business structure, you can protect personal assets.
In many cases, going with an LLC is an intelligent move. You’ll reduce your liability significantly. Plus, you can bypass attorney fees by using a formation service or filing on your own. Since rules regarding LLCs can vary from one state to the next, check the regulations in your area before you begin. That way, you’ll head in the right direction.
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