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5 Cool Cheap Office Gadgets You Need in your Small Business

Do you know that having some cool office gadgets within your workplace can boost your productivity and that of your employees? Do you want to know five cool cheap gadgets you can add to your business office that can speed up your performance and efficiency? Then read on.

Now I want to assume that you have an established business, and you are doing well, but if you critique your office from a professional point of view; it is kind of drab. Or maybe not. It might be a nice looking-space, but it lacks energy and it needs something more. Well here are some ideas of things that make any office more enjoyable to be in.

5 Cool Cheap Office Gadgets You Need in your Small Business

  • Community Boards

Community boards are a great way to get people interacting within your office. You can take this concept in a few different directions, so I’ve taken the time to list a few of your options.

  • Cork Boards

Cork Boards are great if you want to hang fliers and other paper information. It is easy to add and remove information and they are not difficult to maintain. If you want to spruce them up, cover the board with butcher paper and paper cutouts. You can theme the board for your business, the time of year, anything you want. Paper can still be put over the decorations, so you lose no space. You can buy cork boards at any office supply store, or look up craft sites on how to make your own. There are even some fun tutorials about using wine corks as bulletin boards.

  • White Boards

Dry Erase Boards are cool because not only is it easy to replace content, but most are magnetic as well. You can use these to write notes, post inspirational quotes, and share fliers and interesting handouts. If you have an artist on staff, they can draw designs to liven it up. White boards take less time to decorate than bulletin boards and make it easier to relay quick information. You can buy white boards at most office supply stores. You can also get white board paint and make your own board using wood, other found material, or even just a wall.

  • Chalkboards

If you like the idea of white boards but want something more old fashioned, chalkboards are the way to go. Bring back memories of playing with chalk and banging the erasers over people’s heads. These are a bit messier than white boards, as chalk dust accumulates. There is also chalkboard paint, and you can even buy chalk paint markers, which show up brighter than normal chalk and are still erasable.

  • Vending Machines

Everyone needs food, and vending machines often offer a welcome treat to break up the day. There are various styles and sizes of vending machines, so finding one to suit your office should not be difficult. This could also be an extra source of income for your business if you decide to invest in the machine instead of hiring an outside vendor. Placing a vending machine with unique items where both customers and employees can have access could provide supplemental cash flow. Be sure that if you do that however, you assign someone the task of regularly stocking and maintaining the machine. Having malfunctioning equipment or lack of product will just cause complaints and detract from the office atmosphere rather than add to it.

  • Reading Material

If customers and clients have to wait for service, be sure to provide books, magazines and puzzle books. Providing these materials in the staff break room is also advisable. Happy people leads to better business, so providing light entertainment is a great plan. Be sure to provide quality materials, and not just whatever boring trade magazines you can get for a discount. Content that is relevant to your business is great, but some fun is always appreciated as well.

  • Clocks

A simple and functional addition to an office, clocks may seem like a no-brainer, but in today’s technology-ridden office environment, they may get overlooked. When every computer, phone and microwave can tell the time, clocks seem a bit unnecessary and outdated. But in an office, clients don’t usually see the computer screens, and though it seems that everyone has a cell phone, that is not a safe assumption to make. So put a clock on the wall. You can tie it in with the décor and even make it a conversation piece if you get a really interesting one.

  • Plants

Not only does bringing nature into the office brighten up the place, but it attributes to a healthy environment as well. Plants release oxygen into the air and have other health benefits as well. Avoid flowers or other plants that are too smelly, as many people have allergies. Basic greenery with some splashes of color can complement a decorative theme. Make sure you assign someone the task of caring for them though; dead plants aren’t attractive or useful.

As a final note, adding these items to your office will help make it a delightful environment that clients and employees alike enjoy. Unearth your business personality by using these tips as a starting point; then use your own creativity to keep the character in your workspace alive.

About the Author: Stacy Lewis is an entrepreneur who likes to share tips about small business and alternate income with everyone she meets. She currently writes for the vending machines supplier vendingmachinesunlimited.com

Top 10 Best Small Home Office Furniture Design and Decorating Ideas

According to statistics, over 50% of new startup businesses are started from home and most will also run from home. Also, most CEOs and executives maintain a small home office; aside their main corporate office. Now the question on the lips of most startup entrepreneurs is this:

                “How do I design and decorate my home office for increased productivity; without breaking the bank?

Well, I am going to answer this question by sharing with you, the best home office design ideas and cheap decorating ideas.

The function of a home office space often determines the home office design and the layout of the room. Therefore, before getting started with process of lay-outing, it is important that you determine first what the space is for. Besides your home office being a work space, you must take into consideration the storage function and whether it may be used for meetings as well. Doing so will not only cut down the time you will need in building it but will also set your budget for the entire room. The top 10 best home office design and furniture ideas listed below will help you in achieving your dream office.

Since millions of Americans work not only from the office but from home as well, paying attention to the design of your office is a smart move in terms of your career’s progress. This creates a comfortable environment where you can work so that you can be able to increase your productivity and bring it more profit to your company. Whether you are an employee or you own a small business, your personal office space will become your silent partner. So without wasting your time, below are consideration used by the top 10 best home office design ideas that can serve as your inspiration in building your own:

                Top 10 Best Small Home Office Furniture Design and Decorating Ideas

  • Determine what you intend to use the room for

Will it be for office use alone or will it have secondary purposes like meeting rooms and library? This will help you a lot in determining the space you will need; and help you choose the best location for the storage and cabinets. If it will function as a meeting room at the same time, you will need a bigger space that will allow more individuals in the room and a table and chairs set that will accommodate your people.

  • Determine the tasks that you will be doing in the office

If you will primarily use the computer, you might need a smaller table to hold your computer in place and a small space for your paper works. If you are an architect or an engineer, you might need an extra table or a drafting table for your plans. What this means in essence is that the kind of tasks you intend to execute daily will determine the home office design ideas to implement.

  • Determine how many people will be using the office

If you are working on your own, a smaller space may be enough compared to sharing the space with your partner. If your space is limited, you might have the need to properly layout the furniture so that you can both work comfortably.

  • Now before you begin, you also need to determine what your needs are so that you can be sure you have all the essentials in your office.

This also allows you to layout the design properly in such a way that everything is accessible and placed where they need to be. Computers are one of the essential elements in any office nowadays. However, it is not enough that you simply allot space for your computers. You must first know how many computers are needed in your home office especially if you are working with a partner. Also, you need to determine whether you will be using a laptop or a desktop because desktops often occupy larger spaces; although modern desktop designs may be placed in tables with narrow widths.

                Top 10 Best Small Home Office Furniture Design and Decorating Ideas

  • The administrative storage is one of the key elements in an office space. If you are working at home, you will need to have a storage area where you can keep your files in place. This ensures that you will not overlook any important document, mail and bills.
  • If you are holding meetings in your office, designate a location for it. If possible, you can put room dividers that will allow you to hold meetings while your partner is busy with his own task. This way, you will not be sacrificing your time so that the other can work.
  • Designate a project station where you can work on your other activities. This works well if you are a painter, a seamstress, or any profession related to handy works.
  • Pick the best location in your house and make sure that your office is far away from traffic and from noisy areas like the family or entertainment room.

  • Develop your home office design plan

This includes everything from the dimensions, themes, layout and equipment that you will be incorporating in your design. Make sure that your office has enough space for all the activities that you will be holding in that area. Choose a color that you are comfortable working with. Avoid those that are hurtful to the eyes like bright colors. Choose the computer, the table and the chair that you are comfortable with.

  • After working on the interior design and decorations, you must install adequate lighting that will allow you to work during the evenings.

As a final note, the above are important guidelines that can help you fashion out the best home office design ideas. Once you implement these tips, you can be rest assured of creating a workplace that will inspire you and guarantee maximum productivity.