Modus Operandi is Latin for saying “Mode Of Operation". Modi Operandi (plural meaning “Modes of Operation") was a way that law officers would use to establish certain habits or characteristics that would define a criminal’s behavior. Observers of any kind can use someone’s MO as a manner to see how they function, and actions they take.
Office Operandi is my attempt to plot out the top 10 pitfalls or bad habits people make when selecting, buying, and organizing their office furniture for new home office. I will also explain why it’s a pitfall, which in turn will present a clear and simple solution for a Top 10 List, so listen up.
1- Office Budget: It may sound like a no-brainer, but I still have to mention it - with any project for the home or office, write out a budget. By establishing a rough estimate of what you have to spend it will establish guidelines for the project, in this case an office for the home.
2- Office Space: Map out and measure the space you have for your office. The space you have will influence what you buy. People many times will buy a desk or a chair that does not fit right in the space of the room. Always measure the room before anything. It gives you an idea what you can get and how much breathing room you need to work comfortably.
3- Office Essentials: Make a list of the things you really need in your office. Keep in mind at the core an office is a place to work and be creative or just simply buckle down. Fancy paperweights or other attractions that snag your attention are not essentials.
4 - Buy Smart: When buying your office furniture, please keep in mind that you don’t need the most expensive nor do you need the cheapest. Look for furniture that is built to last, by going with a trusted name. Stay away from dumping your budget into a $1200 office chair if you only have a $1500 budget. Remember to buy smart.
5 - Compare and Contrast: When you find the brand you want of a particular piece of office furniture – shop around. You would be surprised the varying degrees you can find the same item in a different place. Don’t buy in a rush or on impulses. If you are buying online check return policies and for things like free shipping. Don’t settle on the first thing you see when it comes to price but instead take a little more time to research it. In 5 minutes you may save $30 on the same office chair – It’s worth the double check for any product, especially online.
6 - Office Design: Buy furniture that is consistent. Having an office that looks the part goes a long way when you’re in it. If it looks professional, you feel professional. Always keep that in mind. It’s a common mistake to mismatch here and there; the end result is just that, a mismatched feeling for a place to get to work.
7 - Office Accents: This is the where you can place the left over money from your budget, and the most enjoyable part of building a home office. Weird lamps, interesting paperweights, hologram clock, or retro radio – anything that’s not a necessity but down right cool. Here is where you can go crazy to give it your personal touch.
8 - Do a Double Take: After you have all your pieces of furniture – Don’t open a thing! Measure the room again quickly and double check the items you purchased. It’s a common mistake people make when they open up a chair or a desk to find it’s the wrong item or they measured wrong. Sometimes the retailer may have made a mistake as well; it does not hurt to quickly go over things. It will not be fun to have a shredded box and put together a desk to realize you have one that’s 5 inches wider and won’t fit. Always, always, always take a recap.
9 - Putting it together: Two heads are better than one. If you have another person to help you assemble, then ask for their help. Lining up a desk and putting it together can be done with one person, but a lot of times less handy people end up with a desk that slightly rocks, or draws that don’t close all the way. Its better to have someone holding on to whatever is being pieced together. It will also pay off if you get lost on the instructions. There is nothing bad about having a helper, especially when lugging a desk around.
10 - The Home Office: Now that everything is done make sure you use it. The last step seems like common sense, but most home offices collect junk and paperwork but never see any real use. Enjoy the hard work you put into piecing together your home office. Enjoy!
So that sums it up, Office Operandi is a perfect observation of the bad choices people make when investing time and money into a home office. Follow this easy 10 step process to keep fresh some good things to think about to avoid the common pitfalls. Step 11 is for you to step out the door and get to work. Good luck and enjoy your new home office!
This article may be redistributed freely on the Internet as long as the links and copyright stays intact.
Copyright 2006 by Damon N. Burgess
To make sure you don't get caught up in the excitement of a new business opportunity, use the following check list to give yourself a realty check. Do your research on the company or product and check references to avoid any home based business scams. There isn't a shortage of business opportunities out there, so pick your new business wisely by making sure your business meets all 10 requirements listed below.
Top 10 Requirements for the "Perfect Business"
1. Large profit potential of $30,000 per month within first year (or equivalent of $200 per hour for part time business)
How much profit is needed from your new business will vary for each person. Maybe you have a hobby type business and just breaking even is okay. However, achieving the financial goals mentioned above is very possible if you chose the right business model.
2. Recession proof business that would thrive in a downturn
Even if the US doesn't slip into recession, the next few years are certain to be rough for most people and businesses. Finding a business that won't just survive, but will actually thrive in a recession is key.
3. An industry with a strong upward growth trend
Each industry or product niche goes through up and down cycles. Real estate for example is suffering in a down market right now. Find products or services that are at the beginning or in the middle of an upward trend and you will see an increased demand and higher profits.
4. Low start up and overhead costs
Even if you have a lot of money to invest, it just makes sense to keep your start up costs low. There are many business opportunities available with start up costs below $2,000. Likewise, a business that has high overhead brings added risk. Operating from a home office and not needing to keep inventory are the two best ways to limit overhead costs.
5. Ability to work from home office if desired
Working from the comforts of your home office have many benefits. Even for those who prefer to work from an office, just having that choice is a big advantage. Shared office systems are a great alternative and can be cost effective.
6. Receive income quickly (short account receivable timelines)
If you have to wait 30 or even 90 days before receiving payment for your services or goods, then you are sure to have cash flow issues. Receiving payments quickly is important in maintaining a healthy company. Paying close attention to cancelation and refund policies is also important.
7. A simple business, yet challenging enough to create reasonable entrance barriers
If you have a hard time explaining your business model to a close friend, then it may be too complicated. Complicated business models often run into problems. Keep it simple and the business will run smoother.
8. Ability to systemize and delegate to free up owners time
You eventual goal should be to turn over operations of your new company to other people to run on your behalf. This frees up your time to work on other projects or businesses, or to vacation at the beach. If your product or service depends on your personal creative abilities then systemizing the business could be difficult.
9. Part of income needs to be passive income which could be increased each month
Earning money while you sleep should be the goal of every entrepreneur. By having part of your monthly income coming from passive functions that don't require any effort on your part, you are building a stronger company.
10. A fun business that you can feel good about
Sure, you will work hard at your new business but it should be exciting and fun to operate. Find what gets you excited and you will see a lot more success. Having a business that is ethical in nature should also be a priority.
I developed this top 10 list after spending 3 months of full time searching for my perfect business. I looked at over 80 different business opportunities before finding the right one for myself.
Both Damon N. Burgess & Byron Walker are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Damon N. Burgess has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interior Design, Home Improvement and Home Management. Damon N. Burgess is a search engine conceptualist, writer, and an award-winning designer. The founder of, a Long Island web design company &. Damon N. Burgess's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
Byron Walker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Accounting Bookkeeping General Svc, Interior Design and Limousine Service. Learn which business opportunity met all for the perfect business model by visiting Byron Walker's website at. Byron Walker's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.