Starting Your Own Business? Shop for ideas at T.O.P.S. Show

Finally decided to start your own business? You probably have finished drawing up your business plan, the identity package, licensing and all the pre-requisites of new venture. If you've got it all done, then it's the right time to set up your office. Oh, the freedom of choosing your furniture, equipment and supplies. Here are some essentials in designing your office.

1. FINDING YOUR WORKPLACE. The first thing you need to think about is your workstation. You might want to consider the right room in your house for your home office. Or lease a space in a commercial district. But wherever or however you'd want your workstation to be, make sure to separate from household members and distractions. Get enough space for desks, chairs, equipment, office supplies and space to move around. Have adequate electrical outlets and power for all of your equipment. Get enough phone lines and secure heating, cooling and air vent for good ventilation.

2. DESIGN PLAN. This is the time to get out some paper, ruler and pencil. Map out the office, as it is when you make layout plans. On the paper, draw how you'd like your office to look like. Make a list of all the equipment and supplies you will need in the business such as chairs, desks, filing cabinets, bookshelves, computer, fax machine, paper, etc. In doing the layout, bear in mind to place bookshelves, filing cabinets and telephone within arms reach.

3. GO SHOPPING. This is the fun part of it all. Once you're through with the location and layout plan, it is time to look for the items in the list to make it all come true. It is time to go out and shop!

For more equipment and office supplies choices, visit the T.OP.S. (Total Office Products & Services) SHOW at the Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino from July 7 to 9, 2006.

The T.OP.S. SHOW is the ideal venue to shop for the latest in Audio, Video & Communications Equipment; Copying Facilities; Computers & Printers; Corporate Gifts, Desktop Publishing Systems, Fast Printing Facilities, Graphic Art Equipment, Security Systems and other corporate image building products available in the market today. It is the perfect place to tune into the latest market trends and establish links with suppliers, key target groups, investors and decision-makers.

This three-day event is held under the banner of Manufacturing Technology Cebu, a synergy of trade shows which also includes Woodmach Cebu and Industrial Machinery.

For more information about the event, please contact Studio 7 Designs at (032) 233-4550 / 233-4558.