If you are starting up a new home based business and have been told to talk to everyone you know so you can get a fast start, which you should do, it would be worth it to consider a few things first. We are going to discuss an area that you may or may not think is important and that is not being prepared to handle your new business because your basic fundamental home office is not set up for success.

For example, you are talking with a prospect and you need your business partner to speak with them, but you don't have 3-way calling setup on your phone system. Guess what, you now are going to miss out on some invaluable training because you will not hear how your business partner handles the prospects questions.

8 Tips for Setting up Your Home Based Business for Success

1. A great phone plan is essential to your success, so make sure you have the following:

* UNLIMITED Long Distance

* 3-Way Calling

* Caller ID

* Call Waiting

* Voice Mail

* Call Forwarding

* Anonymous Call Rejection

* Call Return

* Repeat Dialing

2. You must have a calendar

Your calendar is the backbone of your office. Without it, nothing moves forward. You can choose an online calendar such as in Google or Yahoo or in Outlook, or you can purchase an appointment book from your local office supply store.

3. Your computer software tools:

* High Speed Internet Access

* Adobe Acrobat 8: Free download - http://www.adobe.com/

* Flash Player plug-in: Free download - http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/

* Internet Explorer: Free download - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp (Internet Explorer 6 is sufficient)

* JavaScript: Free download - http://www.java.com/

* Email Software - You may want to use Outlook or Outlook Express for your business email. Most other people use one of these, so it will keep uniformity in your business organization.

4. A good filing system

Staying organized is extremely important because doing so will help you work efficiently. Organization is very personal, so I suggest you personalize your folder names in a way that makes sense to you.

Here are some examples of folders you will need:

* Your "Main Business" Folder

* Sample Business Emails

* Training Material

* Advertising

* Announcements and Promotions

* Faxes

* Leads

* Tax records and payment receipts

5. Email signatures

Your signature should include a closing, your name, contact information (website, email address, and phone number) and a quote or favorite expression is optional. (always be mindful if using a quote to keep the message appropriate for a business environment)

Your signature can be a powerful advertising method, use it wisely.

6. Staying connected: Instant Messenger Service

Instant Messenger services allow you to communicate with your online contacts, get your questions answered and leverage your time because your phone line will be open for incoming calls from prospects.

Be sure to get the instant messenger ID of your mentors and business partners so you can always be in touch!

Yahoo Instant Messenger: http://www.messenger.yahoo.com

MSN Instant Messenger: http://www.msn.com

AOL Instant messenger: http://www.aim.com

Skype: http://www.skype.com/

7. Shopping for office supplies

You will need:

* Large 3-Ring Binder with Tab Dividers

* Plastic Sheet Protectors

* Calendar

* Pens and Pencils

* Paper (printer paper and writing pads for taking notes)

* Correction Fluid

* Manila folders

* Plastic organizer to hold pens, paper clips, sticky notes, etc.

* Post it Notes

* Paper Clips

* Stapler

* 3-Hole Punch

* Filing Cabinet

8. Creating the mood - your office environment:

Your office should buzz with positive energy. Motivate yourself by posting your goals and the reasons "WHY" you started your home based business. Family photos may help you keep your focus. Motivational slogans or an inspirational quote can keep you focused on your goals.

Decorate your office in a way that reflects your taste and personality. Create an up tempo climate which motivates you to do your best. Surround yourself with pictures and objects that relax, energize or inspire you.

One of the biggest perks of working at home is having the freedom to personalize your workspace, so be creative in setting up the ideal work environment.

If you follow these simple tips you will set yourself up for a successful start in your home based business. They will help you stay motivated and on top of your growing business. You will be more focused on building your business and that is your goal, is it not? I wish you the best in your business venture.

Brian Jones runs a successful home based business and has a mission to help other people achieve time freedom in their life. He coaches others to run their own online business because this is one of the key ingredients to success at home. Visit him to learn more and also receive your free gift of the Top 15 Online Marketing Questions.