Small Office Home Office Key Terms

Discover key items for the home based business office

By Sherry Grant

Small office home office (SOHO) and home based small businesses are sprouting up nation-wide, as house shoes replace high heels and commuter’s cars don’t leave the garage. The small office home office requires much of the same supplies and equipment as larger corporations, such as a computer, software, phone system, office supplies and furniture – only on a smaller scale. The two office home is becoming increasingly popular as working from home emerges as a growing option for many individuals.

SOHO

SOHO is the acronym used for small office home office. SOHO business types include, but are not limited to, home businesses, small businesses, independent contractors and telecommuters.
Try: Score discusses the emergence and growth of the SOHO market as well as the driving forces behind the trend. View Working Solo for answers to frequently asked questions about SOHO and SOHO entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneur

An entrepreneur is an individual who starts and manages a new business venture or markets a new product. Entrepreneurs aren't just on Wall Street - they also run small, large and home based businesses.
Try: BusinessTown.com gives a detailed description and profile of an entrepreneur. Suite101.com outlines the rewards and advantages of a home based business for entrepreneurs.

Independent contractor

Independent contractors are persons or businesses who are strictly self employed. They market their services or expertise to a particular business or client, but are not actually hired by that business.
Try: Small Business Notes formally defines an independent contractor. Nolo answers frequently asked questions about independent contractors and their professions.

Two office home

A two office home is a house equipped with two offices or work areas for two individual people who telecommute or work from the home.
Try: The Dallas Morning News presents an article showcasing the two office home. The two office home is becoming more common as an increasing number of people choose to telecommute. HGTV.com gives advice to the small office home office worker in regard to organization of their work space.

Telecommuting

Telecommuting is working at home for a business using computers, faxes, phones and electronic mail as the means of communication and transfer of documents.
Try: Daily Writing Tips looks at the pros and cons of telecommuting for the employee. Undress for Success has put together a book based on their two year study of telecommuting. They address telecommuting and its effect on the community, companies, employees and the environment.

All-in-one, fax, copier, printer and scanner

An all-in-one fax, copier printer and scanner is a machine that allows you to fax, copy, print and scan documents using only one apparatus. An all-in-one device is beneficial for the small office home office due to its versatility and condensed state.
Try: Digital Trends lists the ten essential items for a home office. The all-in-one multifunction machine is number one, in addition to a computer, phone and speaker system. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy awards the Energy Star rating to all-in-one scanners, printers and devices. The all-in-one unit is 25% more efficient than traditional devices.