If you are self-employed, you need a technically well-equipped office. Technology must not be neglected in the digital age.
Every entrepreneur really needs a few basics, no matter what industry they work in. Here is the right overview of the most important technical office equipment for founders and freelancers.
THE CLASSICS: PC, LAPTOP, OR NETBOOK
It starts with the display of special characters and ends with the upgrade to a new operating system, nothing works without a digital device. Entrepreneurs have the choice between the classic permanently installed PC, a mobile laptop, and small, handy formats such as netbooks or tablets. The following table provides information about the advantages and disadvantages of these devices.
As a rule, a mixture of these three devices can be found in most offices these days. The laptop and/or tablet are with you on the go, while in the office the desktop PC is waiting to be used at full power. Basically, the equipment of the computer depends on the respective branch of the entrepreneur. Common applications such as word processing, browsers, and e-mail are among the defaults, while hard drive size and memory, and resolution are among the personal selection factors.
THE INDIVIDUAL: SOFTWARE, PROGRAMS, AND TOOLS
In general, software, programs, and tools are among the things that every entrepreneur sets up individually in his office. However, there are also a few important basics among them that neither a large company nor a freelancer should be without. These include, for example:
- Uncomplicated and high-quality accounting software that permanently saves costs for the tax consultant.
- A fast invoicing program to easily create invoices for completed jobs.
- An online cloud where all important documents, photos, etc. are doubly secured and reliably protected.
- A clear organizational tool where orders, tasks, or projects are stored in a structured way with deadlines and status.
The other software and programs depend on what is required for the respective industry. For example, while graphic designers or technical draftsmen benefit from InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop, copywriters and journalists make different demands on individual programs. Classics such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are in demand here. In addition, the equipment with programs, tools, and software depends on the operating system of the digital device. Basically, the decision is made between iOS (Apple) and Windows (Microsoft).
COMMUNICATION: INTERNET, TELEPHONE, AND WEBCAM
In order to reach customers and potential clients, self-employed entrepreneurs naturally need the right communication options. The most important purchases therefore include:
- Internet: Hardly anything works these days without online access. Companies need internet access both to send e-mails and to use online clouds.
- Telephone: Many customers still prefer to contact a contractor by telephone. In this way, a first impression can be gained and many can already assess whether the chemistry is right.
- Webcam: The possibility of talking to a customer via webcam is becoming increasingly popular. No wonder, because projects can be implemented perfectly together over a long distance. An Internet connection is of course a prerequisite for a webcam. In addition, the self-employed often need additional equipment such as a headset and/or microphone.
Note: An important element for anyone working online these days is quality and reliable antivirus software. At best, this should offer a firewall as well as phishing protection and general PC security for company data. As a rule, good software costs a little more. But this is definitely the wrong place to save. At the end of the day, an attack on your own system is much more expensive than good protection.
OTHER TECHNICAL ACQUISITIONS FOR THE OFFICE AND ON THE GO
In addition, there are some technical devices that are also a great asset in the office or on the go.
- With a printer in the office, contracts, invoices, and offers can be flexibly printed out at any time.
- Entrepreneurs can always be reached for customers and queries on the go via their work mobile phones.
- A power bank provides additional battery power for business trips or long journeys by bus and/or train.
- External hard drives are a must for the office because all data can be saved here to be on the safe side.
CONCLUSION: TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT IN THE OFFICE DEPENDS ON THE INDUSTRY AND WORK AREA
Statistics from the IfM Bonn (Institute for SME Research) show that self-employment in freelance professions has become increasingly popular, especially among women. It remains to be seen whether this trend will continue or whether there will be a slight decline in general – as already observed in 2017. However, the existing fact is that the technical office equipment depends on the industry and the work area of the self-employed person.
However, the elements listed above are the most important basics that no entrepreneur can actually do without in the 21st century. A lot is expected to change in the future so that new achievements and other technical gadgets will receive more importance and attention. Working toward a paperless office is already important to many business owners, so having a printer may no longer be a basic in the future.
Editorial Team
