Thursday, December 11, 2008

Home Based and Small Business Owners Office Management Tips

By Louis Soul

When many individuals, especially home based workers, think of office management, traditional workplace settings are often the first thing that comes to mind. Yes, this is most often the case, but it is important to note that even home based workers can benefit from office management. Even if you are your only employee, it is advised that you develop an office management plan for yourself, as there are a number of benefits to doing so.

One simple step that you can take to bring more order to your home based office is by acting as if you have someone to answer to. You will want to do this even if you are your own boss. This may help to improve your productivity and your performance. It is no secret that many work harder and produce better results when they have someone to answer to.

On small business owners

One of the biggest mistakes that small business owners make is assuming that they need to hire an office manager. Yes, office managers are one of the best ways to bring management and order into your company, but it is important to first examine your company. If you are small in size, you may be able to do all office monitoring yourself. This may eliminate the need for hiring an office manager. Office managers typically receive more pay than secretaries or other office workers. That is why it is advised that you first determine whether or not you really need to hire an office manager. If your company employs less than five office workers, you may not need an office manager, at least right now.

Speaking of your current employees, it is advised that you first utilize the ones that you have, before hiring a new office manager. If your business is small in size, you may want to consider promoting one of your current secretaries or other office workers. If your office is small in size, you may be able to do this promotion without hiring any replacements. For a reasonable pay increase, you may find that a number of your office workers are willing to add the title of supervisor to their name. This may be a nice, cheap way for you to bring order to your business.

Although it is advised that you introduce yourself to all office workers or other staff members that you are responsible for supervising, it is important that you proceed with caution. Office managers and other managers need to remember that there is a line that should not be crossed. That line is one that involves mixing business with pleasure. It is advised that you simply introduce yourself to your employees, new or not, in a professional business matter. As an office manager, you have a responsibility to handle all office related issues, but personal issues should be left at home or discussed outside of the office.

In keeping with making sure that your time is well managed, it is also important that you stay focused and on task at all times. It is common for office workers to become preoccupied with internet surfing, emails, bathroom breaks, coffee breaks, or even smoking breaks. Of course, you deserve a break every now and then, but it is important that you do not abuse your power. Not only will this result in you looking unprofessional as an office manager, but it may also jeopardize your job or your ability to meet deadlines. - 15246

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