Even if you don’t believe in the principles of feng shui, the layout of your home office should still be a top priority. A clean, tidy workspace is crucial for those who really want to get ahead in the world of online business. Just as a corporate CEO would never put up with a messy floor and a cluttered desktop, you should be treating your office environment with the seriousness it deserves.

Your home office design should reflect your personal preferences. It’s possible to run a successful business with little more than a laptop computer, an Internet connection, a phone line and the willingness to make it all work. Of course you’ll still require all of the usual office supplies that are the bread and butter of the American workplace: pens, paper, a stapler, perhaps even a rolodex if you so desire.