икона за подаръкAre small businesses aware of their office space options? If you’re looking for something other (or more) than your home office, there are lots of choices out there now.
Earlier this week, I referred to a blog posted by Jim Osgood with OfficeFinder.com. There is another, earlier entry in which he explores various solutions to office issues. See what he has to say at a href=http://bit.ly/f9bEdQhere./a
Since I’m an executive suites owner/operator, I often meet business people who ask me why they should rent an office when they can work at home and save lots of money, time, etc. Of course, I can give reasons, but this recent blog states them effectively and succinctly. Of course, James Osgood of OfficeFinder.com, author of this blog, also examines the benefits of a home office.
How many of you can identify with these issues? I know I worked from a home office many years ago. While the convenience can’t be beat, I admit I lacked the self-discipline to work as diligently during the day as I should have, so I ended up working all hours of the evening/night, thereby taking away family time. I also hated my clients coming to my house! But when they also had a home office, what were we to do (we didn’t have a Starbucks in my town)?
What about you?
кухненски масиI am so proud of this business and our abilities!
We had a phone call late Friday from someone desperate for an office to work out of for just a week. They just moved into the area from another state and had leased an office elsewhere. However, despite promises, the Internet was not in place there. This business works solely over the Internet — their phone system is strictly VOIP as well.
Because we have recently installed a new VOIP system, we were able to meet them here on Saturday and get them up and running that afternoon. Yes, it took quite an effort on the part of our IT department to program appropriately, but we did it!
So, when I say College Park Executive Suites can sign you up today and have you operational tomorrow — WE MEAN IT! And that’s the kind of service you can expect from us!
I’m curious whether this would fly in Hampton Roads. I just read an article about “jelly” work spaces. I guess these started in New York (where else?) and are popping up in other major cities around the country. They are very casual spaces (people’s apartments, even) where mostly self-employed web entrepreneurs gather to get out of their own houses. You can read more about it at http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/news/2007/07/coworking.
Anyway, I’d love to hear from some of you entrepreneurs out there about this sort of arrangement. Would you participate in this? or would you prefer a more structured arrangement? Would you like to find a place to escape your bedroom/home office without going to Starbucks or some such?
First thing — I’m not perfect. Nor is my grammar perfect. And I often have to think twice about the correct spelling of a word. But my point is…. I do think twice about it all. I seem to be in the minority, though, when it comes to the use and familiarity of our country’s “official” (although never officially declared) language.
I still remember my primary school English classes where the teachers drummed into our heads the basics of grammar and spelling. (I will never forget knowing when to use “me” versus “I” because of the very simple rule she taught me.) Yes, English is one of the world’s more difficult and confusing languages. But it shouldn’t be so difficult for those of us who grew up here! And if you know you don’t have the knack for spelling, there are dictionaries! Don’t rely on spell check; you may have used the wrong word but spelled it correctly.
Recently, I read a blog entry from a man who is a successful sales professional. He was stressing how important it is to return calls in a timely manner. However, he always spelled it as “manor.” A manor is a large house. That was an error in the very basic command of the English language! This blatant mistake affected my opinion of him and his knowledge. And spell check wouldn’t have caught that error! I know it’s petty of me, but how could I give him the respect he may deserve if he didn’t bother making sure his words make sense?
So, even though today’s world is very fast paced and we all send out e-mail messages and/or blogs in rapid-fire fashion, think of how much credence your words carry on the other end! Will people question your credibility or intelligence because of your spelling and/or grammar? Take the time to re-read what you’ve written — sometimes you need to walk away from it for 5 minutes — or ask a trusted assistant to proofread your work. It could make all the difference in your words and their impact.
What do you think?
I’m so excited. SBI Magazine did a feature article on College Park Executive Suites,. SBI (Small Business Insight) Magazine is a new publication in Hampton Roads (Virginia) that is geared to small businesses and features many in the region.
I know this is a common question. I’d love your input. When most things are equal (product, overall service, price), what is the deciding factor?
A common axiom is that people do business with people with whom they have a (good) relationship. If we don’t know somebody in the particular field that we need, we’ll ask for a recommendation from someone we know and trust. This is the raison d’etre for networking groups.
But again, if you don’t know somebody — and nobody can refer you — what factor(s) can or will sway your decision? Do you start the negotiating game to get the best price, conditions, service? Do you go with your gut reaction to the person you first encounter…. whether it’s the sales person or the receptionist? Is it a combination of everything?
I’d like to share an incident from my past, and how I approach my business. I have been a receptionist many times, a position that has always been coupled with other responsibilities. Many years ago, I was not only the receptionist, I was also the office manager. It so happened that I was visibly pregnant at the time. Two men came into the reception area when I had stepped away so when I came back to my desk I asked, “Have you been taken care of?” One of the men answered, “Yes, and it looks like you have, too.” Now, granted this was many years ago, before women had reached the professional levels they enjoy today, but feminism was still strong. Regardless, that was still a very crass statement to make to a woman they didn’t know! It turned out that they were salesmen from a copier company trying to sell us a new copier (that we needed). Needless to say, their gaffe cost them a sale! Had they treated me with respect, I might have bought a copier from them. But my first impression from them was not a good one.
There have also been incidences where I’ve been treated less than professionally by receptionists, whether at a doctor’s office, business office, car dealership, repair shop…. whatever. That kind of treatment does NOTÂ make me want to return!
So, with those experiences, I always try to treat everyone with respect when they come to my desk. I still act as receptionist, even though I own this business and am the office manager and their landlord, people first encounter me when they come  to see my tenants. And I know that how I treat EVERYBODY who comes to my desk can affect my tenants’ business — as well as my own!
So what’s your deciding factor?
Everyone is talking about customer service. How important is personal touch? When you’re dealing with a small business, how much attention do you get from the owner? When you get their attention, how do you feel? How attentive were they? How much do they care about you and your businesss?
For those of us who own and operate small businesses, we recognize that we are the business! We are its face, its image and its soul. In short, we are its brand! And we all know how important branding is!
It’s no different here at College Park Executive Suites. As a one-person operation, I have to make sure I do my best for my customers — my tenants. Not only am I the face and image for CPES, I also represent their businesses. And if their business suffers, so does mine. Recognizing that makes my business special. I had a lovely long conversation with a former employer today. She reminded me that my personal touch and attention is what makes this business special.
Here at College Park Executive Suites, I recognize the fact that your business success also affects mine. In fact, our mission statement says: “…..Our mission is to support and contribute to your business success by providing a warm, professional office environment, where your clients are our clients!”
We all appreciate the personal touch from people we do business with, especially when it’s from our vendors or suppliers. Remember how it feels being a customer of someone who treats you with that personal touch. Do you do the same for yours?
Which is more important in business — prestige or efficiency? When I say prestige, I’m mostly talking about superficial appearances. And I equate efficiency with effective performance — getting the job done. And, to be perfectly honest, I’m talking about your office.
Which brings me to my more specific question: Why do some businesses feel it’s so much more important to pay extra just to be in a more prestigious location? My case in point: I have this executive suites operation at a fabulously central and convenient location. Granted, it’s set in a neighborhood so it’s not easy to see from the main road. But we’re one-half mile from the major interstate in the region and fairly equidistant from the primary places to do business (town center/downtown, airport, military bases, etc.) Yet I have many vacancies while the executive suites in town center are filling up! We know their prices are higher because they are in town center, but they don’t necessarily offer better service. They may have more “bells & whistles,” but not everyone needs those!
I understand image. I understand that one much LOOK successful to their clients, especially in certain professions (attorneys, accountants, etc.). But in my years, I have spoken with MANY people who dread coming to a downtown office because they fear the traffic! One other point: Let’s be honest. Don’t you sometimes walk into a posh office in a high-rent district and wonder if the rates you’re paying your accountant (for example) would be lower if they weren’t paying so much rent? What if they could get an office that is just as convenient — if not more so! — with just as professional an atmosphere at an easier location and warmer feel?
So that’s what I’m wondering. Is image and prestige more important to you that efficiency?
We’ve heard that the economy is improving and we’re feeling a small flutter of optimism and activity. So now’s the time to go with your gut feeling and expand, whether it’s to a new region or out of your home office. Here are a few things to consider:
Let me know if you need help…. and good luck with your expansion and move!