Most of us work from home offices – or maybe just a corner in the bedroom, but one thing I have been thinking recently is what items of technology (old or new) could we not live with out?
This list contains the obvious ones – but I hope it also contains some things that some people will have forgotten. I was speaking with a friend (who is quite successful) the other day and I was surprised at some of the things they had not considered – in particular Disaster Planning.
I mean he had virtually no back ups (back-ups of websites, back-ups of PC, back-ups of Email Contacts etc). In addition they had never considered having a fireproof safe or an off-site location for back-ups.
Now I know not all of us need these things – but it is too easy when you don’t work in the so called ‘normal’ office environment to miss out on some essential Admin tasks.
Another note — Home Office Insurance – How many of us have it?
Question 1 – What have I missed of this list?
Question 2 – What one item (apart for a computer) could you not do with out?
Let me know your thoughts
#1 Dual Monitor Display |
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| I remember ages ago reading that having a dual screen can increase your productivity by over 29.7% and would have to say, since implementing this into my home office, it’s made a huge difference! I would always be flicking back and forth between lots of different things and now I can just manage so much more.
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#2 Business Cards |
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| Business cards are one of those vital things all entrepreneurs and business people should carry at all times. It amazes me how often and where I get asked for a business card, from waiting in line at the airport to having my hair cut. When people ask for your card, there basically showing an interest in your business and what you can offer them. | |
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#3 Whiteboard |
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| I love to brainstorm ideas, having a whiteboard is a huge advantage for this. I use to have to do it on small sheets of paper and everything got kind of messy. | |
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#4 Logitech Laser Mouse |
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| Over the last few years I have had dozens of mouse’s, all pretty much rubbish! Last year I decided to go for a wireless one because the cable always was getting in the way or wasn’t long enough for where I was work. Since using a Logitech Laser mouse I have been so much more productive, it may be such a small thing but it really does make a difference. | |
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#5 GoPro HERO4 |
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| I got my first GoPro camera for free when I entered a blog contest as a favor to a friend. Last year when I was in NYC interviewing Gary Vaynerchuk I was having trouble with my video camera and asked Gary what he used to video his web TV show and he told me he used his HERO4. So like any good entrepreneur, I had a back up camera which was my GoPro camera and I got it out and used it to do the whole interview. Once I had finished I was able to straight away upload to Youtube! | |
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#6 Backpack With Laptop Sleeve |
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| I travel quite a lot and there’s nothing worse than having to carry an extra bag through an Airport, you already have enough stuff and I usually want to buy more. Having a sleeve in your backpack just seemed like a no-brainer to me!
More Information |
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#7 Digital Camera |
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| Another thing I use often is my digital camera, it usually gets the most action at seminars and events, taking pictures for blog posts. | |
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#8 Mobile Phone With Internet and Email Access |
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| One thing I think we can all agree on is that we love email because it typically means money. The only down side is that checking email seems to be constantly on our mind and when we are around friends and family, they don’t seem to appreciate us constantly going off to our computers and checking. Having a mobile with email access is vital people! | |
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#9 Alarm Clock and Phone Charger |
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| I know your probably thinking, but we live the internet lifestyle, why do we need an alarm clock anymore? We still need it, weather its for our early flights abroad or to get up in time to meet a client, talk to programmers or to make sure we are up in time for lunch. | |
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#10 Printer |
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| I typically don’t print much but love to be able to see my work on paper, call me old school but it helps! Another obvious reason is printing of those e-tickets! | |
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#11 Bin |
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| If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly writing lots and ideas down, my table easily get’s in a mess and I know when it’s a mess, I don’t work so well. Having a bin just makes it easy for us to keep clutter free. | |
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#12 Microphone/Headset |
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| I like to work when it suits me, it’s one of the many perks of the job. However, my family don’t seem to appreciate me working late at night with loud music or talking to programmers on Skype which makes a head headset a no brainer! | |
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#13 Desktop Backup |
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| Desktop backups are a must for everyone, we have all lost things in the past and wish we could get them back, this little box makes sure that doesn’t happen!
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#14 Fire and Water Proof Safe |
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| I don’t ever think my house will catch fire or get flooded, however I would be dumb not to at least protect some of my most important things from it. Great for keeping backups, passwords, money and other important documents. | |
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#15 Ergonomic Office Chair |
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| Considering we spend all our working hours behind a computer on a chair, I would say this is one of the more important items I have in my office. Having a good work chair allows you to work longer which allows you to make more money! | |
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#16 Universal Plug Adapters |
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| As mentioned above, a lot of us entrepreneurs travel a lot and without universal plug adapters we wouldn’t be able to work while traveling, a vital piece of kit you should all have! | |
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#17 Filing Box |
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| I know a lot of us don’t write much down or print much these days so we can get away with such a small amount of filing but it is important to do! Keeping good records is important and without one, we wouldn’t be able to do that. | |
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#18 Good Lighting |
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| It may sound such a minor thing but it helps! A well lit work area does make a great difference to your productiveness as you can see more clearly and focus better. | |
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#19 Surge Protector |
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| Another essential for all of us, we all have so many devises and pieces of equipment that charging is often on our mind, having a surge protector takes that worry away. | |
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#20 Expandable Trolley Case |
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| Getting everything you need in a case is hard enough, trying to bring it half way round the world is another thing! Having a great trolley case makes traveling a breeze.
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