Determine what you absolutely need to run your business, chalk up a budget, make a list and stick to it.
A second dedicated telephone connection for your business is a home office essential. Make sure your business line has its own answering machine, for those times you can’t answer the phone.
A computer
Consider what business tasks you are going to use your computer for before you buy one. For instance, if you run a computer graphics business, you will need a high storage capacity. As a minimum, you will need a computer that ‘s business capable, with at least a 2 GHZ processor and a 512 MB RAM, so you can multitask a business suite such as a MS office.
An ISP
Even if your business isn’t directly related to the internet, the net is a valuable resource of information and how can you possibly function without e-mail.
A cell phone
A cell phone, depending on the kind of business you are operating. In the service business, it’s a must have, because of the percentage of potential clients who don’t bother to leave messages and won’t call back if they can’t reach you the first time.
A fax machine
A fax machine is required only if you need to physically feed documents in the machine. Else, let your computer handle this chore. Fax software will allow you to send and receive documents.
A printer
A printer, depending on your printing needs. If its high quality color documents that you need printed on a regular basis, then invest in a top of the line color printer. If not you should be able to get away with a black and white one. If you need the occasional document such as a full-color brochures printed, it may be more economical to buy a basic printer and get your high quality documents done by a professional printing company.
A copier
A copier, if you need one. Again, it may be thriftier to take your documents to a photocopying center and run off copies there.