# Home office cheat sheet

Source: Cheat-Sheet-Homeoffice.pdf. The PreSales Handbook by Dr. Johannes Hangl, presales-handbook.com.

AI-ready Markdown version of this template. Paste it into your AI assistant and ask it to fill in or adapt the template for your deal.

## Cheatsheet Home office

### Why is a Good Home Office Important?

- **Professionalism and Trust:** A well-organized, professional-looking office with a clutter-free background and proper lighting creates a positive first impression and enhances video presentation quality, embodying professionalism and trust.
- **Productivity and Efficiency:** An ergonomic workspace and high-quality equipment enhance productivity and efficiency by reducing physical strain, improving focus, and ensuring smooth communication.
- **Enhanced Communication:** Clear audio and video are essential for conveying messages accurately and building rapport. Dual monitors aid multitasking, allowing for seamless management of presentations and client interactions.
- **Improved Demonstrations:** Tools like drawing tablets and high-resolution monitors make demos more interactive and engaging.

### Key Components of an Effective Home Office

#### Location and Space

- **Dedicated Space:** Choose a quiet, low-traffic area, preferably a separate room. No bedroom, no living room.
- **Adequate Lighting:** Use natural light when possible, supplemented with task lighting.
- **Ergonomic Furniture:** Invest in a supportive chair and an adjustable desk. Change your position from sitting to standing in at least 30 min.

#### What to Wear

- **Professional Attire:** Wear business casual or professional clothing, such as a collared shirt or blouse. Solid colors work best on camera.
- **Comfortable Clothing:** Ensure your clothing is comfortable for long hours of work.
- **Avoid Distracting Patterns:** Stay away from busy patterns or bright colors that can be distracting on video calls.
- **Minimal Accessories:** Keep accessories simple to avoid noise or visual distractions.

#### What Not to Wear

- **Casual or Sleepwear:** Avoid wearing overly casual clothes like t-shirts with logos, hoodies, or sleepwear.
- **Bright or Flashy Colors:** Steer clear of neon colors or overly flashy attire.
- **Distracting Accessories:** Avoid large or noisy accessories that can be distracting during calls.

#### Technology and Equipment

- **Reliable Internet:** Ensure high-speed internet
- **Computer and Accessories:** Use a reliable computer with necessary peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor). Dual monitors are recommended. Things like a Stream Deck or remarkable are nice gadgets.
- **Video Conferencing Tools:** A high-quality webcam and microphone are crucial.
- **Backup Solutions:** maybe additional microphone, headset, mouse near you in case you need it.

#### Comfort and Personalization

- **Temperature Control:** Ensure the space is well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature.
- **Personal Touches:** Decorate with inspiring items like artwork or plants to create a welcoming environment.

#### Health and Wellness

- **Break Areas:** Have a separate area for breaks to separate work from relaxation mentally. Please do not use your bedroom as your office.
- **Exercise Equipment:** Incorporate small exercise tools like yoga mats or resistance bands.
- **Hydration and Snacks:** Keep water and healthy snacks within reach to maintain energy levels.

### Lighting Setup for Professional Video Calls

#### Basic Lighting

[Diagram shows a top-down room layout: table with camera and two monitors in front of the chair; key light (45°) front-left and fill light (45°) front-right, each 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) from the chair; a hair light (top-down) behind the chair at 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters); the chair 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) in front of the background; a background light at the side.]

- **Key Light:** Main light source, positioned at a 45-degree angle to one side of your face. Aim for 1,000-2,000 lumens.
- **Fill Light:** Reduces shadows from the key light, placed on the opposite side. Use 500-1,000 lumens.
- **Back Light:** Adds depth by separating you from the background, using 500-1,000 lumens.
- **Background Light:** Illuminates the background to prevent a flat appearance, with 500-1,000 lumens.

#### Advanced Lighting Setup

- **Consistent Color Temperature:** Ensure all lights are around 5,500K for a natural daylight look.
- **Diffusers:** Soften the light to reduce harsh shadows.
- **Adjust for Natural Light:** If you have natural light, use it as the key light and supplement with artificial lighting.

### Professional Video Background Tips

- **Neutral and Clean:** Choose a background with neutral colors like white or grey. Avoid clutter.
- **Personal Touches:** Add minimal personal items like books or plants.
- **Avoid Virtual Backgrounds:** They can reduce trust and create distractions.
- **Depth and Dimension:** Position yourself a few feet away from the wall to add depth.
- **Tidy and Organized:** A neat background conveys professionalism.

### Camera Positioning

[Illustration contrasts a camera placed below the face and angled upward (thumbs down) with a camera at eye level (check mark).]

- **Eye Level:** Keep the camera at eye level to avoid awkward angles.
- **Center Framing:** Center yourself with space above your head and visible shoulders.
- **Distance:** Keep the camera at a comfortable distance to capture your head and upper torso.

### Recommended Equipment

| Type | Low Costs | High Quality |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Camera | Elgato Facecam - Full-HD-Webcam | Canon M50 Mark II |
| Key Light | Elgato Key Light Air | Elgato Key Light |
| Monitor | ASUS ROG Strix XG49VQ - 49 Zoll | Samsung C49RG94SSU |
| Table | Ergotopia® Desktopia Pro X | |
| Chair | noblechairs Epic Gaming chair | |

### Additional Equipment

| Type | Low Costs | High Quality |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fill Light | Elgato Key Light | Aputure Amaran |
| Hair Light | Amaran 60x S - LED | |
| Fill Light | GEEKOTO Softbox Set | Amaran 200d S |