While you’re sorting out location, you’ll also need equipment and office supplies – computers, software, etc., right down to post-it-notes.

Make a list of what you believe you’ll need, marking off those in the splurge category. You can (hopefully) splurge later. In addition to a computer and software (which you already have, right?), below are more items to consider. Note: a given, it will depend on your specialty - Web, graphic design, illustration or a mix. Choose your elixir.

The new business wish list

• Office furniture (desks, computer chairs, filing cabinets, etc.)
• General office supplies (pens, pencils, paper clips, etc.)
• Presentation materials (boards, spray mount, etc.)
• Printer paper and ink/toner (have extras)
• Decent collection of fonts and photo CD’s
• Spare parts (keyboards, mouse, cables)
• Phone with separate business account
• Or office mobile / cell phone
• Internet connection
• Printer, scanner, digital camera
• Various sketch pads
• Reference books
• Trade publication subscriptions
• Pantone and/or other ink books
• A method to back up your files
• CDs/DVDs & labels
• Portfolio case
• Briefcase

If your office is located away from home, you’ll possibly need day-to-day items like a coffee maker and/or tea kettle, microwave, paper towels, etc.

All through this series we’ve followed main posts with BoDo Experiences. This will be no different. Coming up next we’ll be Neil, Leslie and Cat. All sharing their equipment experiences.

Until then,
The BoDo Team
cat - nt - jay