There are many factors that help you decide what is important when choosing an office space. Today, office spaces are becoming more innovative and less traditional. Open desks plans are cost-effective solutions and are replacing spacious offices. While coworking seems to be the modern day option, what matters most to you when searching for an office?
Here are a few topics to consider when searching for an office:
Location, Location, Location- Location is one of the most important factors when choosing your workspace. Convenience of your office location is key!
* Is the location of the office convenient and near public transportation? Is parking available? Are there restaurants nearby?
* Will my clients be able to find it easily?
* Is it close to my client site?
* What other businesses operate in this area?
Cost- What can you afford in relation to what the market dictates? Some other questions to consider are:
*Are there any hidden costs or amenities to help make the best decision?
*Is there any flexibility on the cost of the office if I sign for a longer term?
*Is there a deposit?
Size and How You Work Best- While the size of the office often drives the cost, you want to consider how you and your team will work best.
*Am I looking for an impressive executive corner office to
wow my clients or does
just a desk, chair, and internet cut it?
just a desk, chair, and internet cut it?
*Do I want my entire team working together in one open space or do we work best in separate spaces?
*Is there flexibility to grow or downsize?
Style-First impressions are vital. The style of the office is the first impression your guests will receive when visiting your office. You may want to ask yourself:
*Does the style of the office fit with my brand?
*Do I want an office that is modern or more traditional?
Connecting with a Community- Entrepreneurs are always looking for new ways to grow their business. Shared office spaces usually have a diverse group of clientele; from startups to fortune 500 companies. Your neighbor down in the hall might just be in need of your accounting expertise for his/her new business. Consider asking:
*What other companies work within my space or building?
*Do I have the opportunity to connect with other businesses that can benefit from my services?
*Are there opportunities to network with my neighbors?
Access to different workspaces- Maybe the square footage of your office space isn't what is important to you, but having access to a common area, coworking space, or meeting rooms is. You may be fine with sharing an office to cut costs, but you would like the ability to make a phone call in a private space.
*Is there a place I can meet privately to conduct meetings/interviews?
*Is there a community space where I can collaborate with my colleagues on a project and/or conduct trainings?
What is most important to you when looking for an office?