When opening a business, every small detail matters. Before opening any business you will certainly spend hours formulating and organizing your business plan, speaking to lawyers and accountants, purchasing necessary equipment and supplies, working with IT experts, networking – and that is just the start.
The importance of details hits a new level when you are opening a business with a physical presence. Not only do all the online aspects of the business need to be functioning without a hitch, but the physical location needs to be in tip top shape, be safe and appear aesthetically pleasing both to your employees and for your clients.
As the process of opening a business is overwhelming under the best of circumstances, some important details may easily get overlooked. Here are some critical things that some entrepreneurs don’t think about until too late, or that erroneously get pushed to the back of the priority list. Take care of these and you will be a few steps closer to getting your business off to the best start.
Lighting
Light bulbs are too easily overlooked when opening up a shop, but they are actually quite important. The safety and atmosphere of the space as well as the productivity, comfort, and mood of the people using the area is largely dependant on the lighting, or lack thereof. Proper lighting allows employees to read work instructions, see product details, and take notice of hazard warning signs and labels. Insufficient or poor lighting can contribute to accidents, fatigue, eye strain and other discomforts and hazards. Make sure to consult a lighting expert or a designer to help you find the right lighting to enhance your workspace.
Color
Like the lighting, the color in which you choose to paint your office has a significant impact on day to day operations. A workspace that is painted a dull color such as drab gray or beige, or one that is painted a harsh white can leave your employees and your clients feeling uninspired. These colors can induce a sense of sadness and lethargy in some people. Decorating the office with a pleasant mix of both stimulating and calming colors such as blues, greens, yellows will go a long way in contributing to increased efficiency and mood.
Plumbing
Out of all the details there is one that can’t go overlooked, and that is the plumbing. While poor lighting may be a nuisance or too white walls may be draining, if the plumbing does not work properly the entire business is unable to function. Improperly installed plumbing, plumbing that has not been well maintained and other issues can be at the root of costly plumbing problems. Plumbing issues are among the most common issue that new establishments face. Even Walmart had to shut down five stores due to plumbing problems! Fortunately, plumbing problems usually come with warning signs. According to Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, if you notice any warning signs such as drains that are repeatedly clogged, mold growth, odors of sewage, or standing water it is always best to call a trusted professional to get it checked out – before it is too late.
