Is it a good time to start my own business?

People always wonder if this is a good time to start their own business. The fact is, there's really never a bad time to launch a business. It's obvious why it's smart to launch in strong economic times. People have money and are looking for ways to spend it. But launching in tough or uncertain economic times can be just as smart. If you do some research and there's a high need for the business you're starting. Because many people are reluctant to launch in tough times, your new business has a better chance of getting noticed. And, depending on your idea, in a down economy there is often equipment (or even entire businesses!) for sale at bargain prices.

When you start a small business you face lots of challenges. In order to improve your chances of beating the odds, what is important is that you educate yourself about business development. Starting and running a business, or any form of self-employment, requires a range of skills and attitudes. It can be very demanding.

It’s important that you understand all the responsibilities you’ll have, and as many of the foreseeable challenges as you can. On the other hand, it’s also important to recognize the rewards of working for yourself and providing a quality product or a needed service to your customers and the community.

Working from home might seem to be cheaper than leasing or renting an office space, but in the current climate with lots of property available, office space rental isn’t the costly exercise you might think it to be. In fact, thanks to the recession, many landlords are simply eager to lease out their dead office space, and so as a result, prices are actually more competitive than ever.

You’ll be surprised at how cost effective this option can be and the extra benefit with renting an office space from Van Nuys Offices with one of their short-term contracts  It also allows convenience and flexibility, which are both essential things when a business is in its fledgling state. Shop around, take a look at the deals – it could be the best thing you’ve done to date.

An Advantage of Moving to a Traditional Office

There are plenty of great reasons to set up a home office. One of the perks of working from home is being able to take breaks when you want to, spend time with family, etc. However, this can quickly eat up your day without you realizing it. There’s nothing worse than picking up the phone with an important client and having a knock on your door or your child ask for something. 


But as your business expands, you might begin to feel a little cramped in your home office. If, for instance, your “office” is little more than a desk packed into one corner of your living room, then it won’t be long before your freelance life—printers, paperwork, contracts, and file cabinets—begins to invade your personal space.


That's when you know it's time to go out and look for a small office space for lease. Establishing an office that runs efficiently requires accurate calculations of the space needed and what is affordable.


There is credibility that comes from an office with a business sounding address.  For example, you nothing about two consulting firms.  You only know that  one consulting firm everybody worked out of their homes and the other firm had an office in the building next to the courthouse, you were a serious buyer of consulting services, from which consulting firm would you purchase consulting services?

How to Save Money When Renting Office Space

There comes a time when that basement or spare bedroom you’ve converted into an office just doesn’t cut it anymore. You need a real office space — a place where you can meet clients without your small toddler crying in the background, a place where your filing cabinet doesn’t double as a table for the microwave.

And unless your business is picking up pretty good then you probably don't have that extra money to rent an office space.  However, there are a few things you can do to help you save money without feeling like you’re cutting too many corners.  Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. DO THE LEGWORK YOURSELFHiring the help of an agent may seem like the correct thing to do.  But hiring an agent means there's going to be fees to pay. So in order to save some money you might want to go solo on your office search. You'll find it easier to find the perfect space, after all you're the one who knows more about your business.

2. HOW MUCH SPACE DO I NEED? Before you go out looking for an office space, you need to stop and calculate how much space you will need.  You don’t want to end up renting a 10,000 square feet office when you only really needed 7,000 square feet.  Which would mean you will be paying every month for an extra 3,000 square feet of office that you don’t really need and aren't really using.

3. FURNISHING THE OFFICEWith the great list of used and refurbished office furniture available today, purchasing new is most often a waste of money.  Don't go buying new furniture when there is many thrift shops or classified ads that have office furniture that is in very good condition and for a very good price.

4. PREMISES TO MATCH YOUR TYPE OF BUSINESSDon't underestimate the value of appearances. How your office looks can have a huge impact on business & investor relations so it is crucial that the premises you choose match with the image you want for your business.

5. NOT CONSIDERING FUTURE NEEDSRenting office space can be risky because it may be difficult to predict your future business needs. Renting the proper amount of space, in a location that suits the business, is sometimes a great risk you will be taking. The property owner does not share in your risk-taking, and it won’t be the landlord's problem if the office turns out not to suit your needs. If you signed a contract, it’s your space until the lease terminates.         

         

How to Know Your Home Business Needs an Outside Office

It can be complicated in determining when is the right time to move your home-based business to a separate office space in.  Moving too soon can result in overhead that is outside of the current cash flow ability.  Waiting too long may result in loss of customers or jobs. Operating out of the home can be a big plus for many small business owners. By significantly lowering your overhead expense, you can improve your profit margins in good times and reduce your risks if the business cycle heads down. The advantages of moving out of your home office boil down to increased professionalism, more space to work and unlimited growth potential. Of course, with any advantage come a few disadvantages, but nothing that can't be overcome.

There are a few signs that let you know it's time to go out and look for an office space.  For example:

Interruptions:         

• Dogs barking and family members needing your assistance will not only minimize your productivity but  can be heard on calls and teleconferences. While most understand the demands of juggling business and home life, constant interruptions and background noise are not necessarily helpful when you’re trying to project a professional image.

Outgrown Space: 

• Businesses that need a great deal of space or that need bulky equipment are obvious candidates for outside offices. But some businesses that don't need to be operated from outside offices can benefit from them.  You're struggling to fit the new printer but you're struggling because there just isn’t room between your file cabinet and the queen-sized bed that also sits in your office.   Maybe you do need a larger space that can be devoted just to your business.  Piles of equipment or papers that are interfering with either your work or your family life also send a signal that it’s time to consider an outside office.

Space for Clients:   

• When a big portion of your business involves meeting with clients, you may need more than just the local  coffee shop. When you want to present to a larger group or need a truly professional meeting space, you’ll need to find something a little more appropriate than a café. One option is to rent office space – you’ll get a set amount of hours in an office, along with access to a conference room.

Most  businesses with outside locations tend to be easier to sell and to bring higher prices. For one thing, the new owner doesn't have to scout out a new location and go to the expense of moving; for another, customers and clients are already accustomed to visiting a particular office and can continue to patronize it despite the new ownership.

Some businesses operate most efficiently when they are located close to customers, suppliers, or certain other facilities or businesses. For example, law offices are often located close to the county courthouse, in part to minimize the time spent running back and forth to court. Also, many customers or clients seem to feel that a business with a permanent address other than someone's home is less likely to be a fly-by-night operation, and more likely to be able to deliver on guarantees.

Want to start your own business but scared of failing?

People always wonder if this is a good time to start their own business. The fact is, there's really never a bad time to launch a business. It's obvious why it's smart to launch in strong economic times. People have money and are looking for ways to spend it. But launching in tough or uncertain economic times can be just as smart. If you do some research and there's a high need for the business you're starting. Because many people are reluctant to launch in tough times, your new business has a better chance of getting noticed. And, depending on your idea, in a down economy there is often equipment (or even entire businesses!) for sale at bargain prices.

When you start a small business you face lots of challenges. In order to improve your chances of beating the odds, what is important is that you educate yourself about business development. Starting and running a business, or any form of self-employment, requires a range of skills and attitudes. It can be very demanding.

It’s important that you understand all the responsibilities you’ll have, and as many of the foreseeable challenges as you can. On the other hand, it’s also important to recognize the rewards of working for yourself and providing a quality product or a needed service to your customers and the community.

Working from home might seem to be cheaper than leasing or renting an office space, but in the current climate with lots of property available, office space rental isn’t the costly exercise you might think it to be. In fact, thanks to the recession, many landlords are simply eager to lease out their dead office space, and so as a result, prices are actually more competitive than ever.

You’ll be surprised at how cost effective this option can be and the extra benefit with renting an office space from Van Nuys Offices with one of their short-term contracts  It also allows convenience and flexibility, which are both essential things when a business is in its fledgling state. Shop around, take a look at the deals – it could be the best thing you’ve done to date.

5 Signs Your Business Needs an Office

Need more space?

Here are some signs that your business may be ready to move out of your home:

• You have frequent face-to-face meetings with clients, but no place to hold them. Not having an actual office can get in the way of creating a well recognized business image if you need to meet with clients frequently. Always asking them to head to Starbucks may not send the right message. Noise (like your kids asking for something) during conference calls can also convey a less-than-professional image.
• You outgrew the space that was dedicated to work only.  If your inventory, equipment or other aspects of your business are spilling out onto your kitchen table, overflowing the garage or otherwise invading your personal space, it may be time to look for an office. Have you taken over your children’s closets? If you have evicted your children from their closets to make room for your products, you need to find a better place to store your merchandise.
• Your home is too noisy or has too many distractions for you to get your work accomplished.  Many home-based business owners struggle to resist the siren call of the fridge, the TV or the phone. Kids or overly friendly neighbors can hurt your focus and cut into your productivity.
• You don’t have a dedicated work space at home.  When company comes over you have to move boxes off chairs in order for them to have a place to sit.   This is a sign that your space problems are becoming critical.
• Your business’s blooming rapidly and you can afford the added expense of an office.

A Commercial Address Required For Some Business Licenses

To run your business legally, there are certain federal and state licenses and permits you will need to obtain in order to conduct your operation.

Virtually every business needs some form of license or permit to operate legally. However, licensing and permit requirements vary depending on the type of business you are operating, where it’s located, and what government rules apply.

You can expect to secure the maximum amount of credit available if you set up your business in a commercial office location. A physical location that is zoned for business speaks volumes for your company and its operation.

If you’re determined about having a commercial address but renting office space is out of the question then you may want to consider the following 3 alternatives:

Commercial Address – There are many leasing companies liken Van Nuys Offices that offer you the ability to have a qualified commercial address for your business for the purpose of only receiving mail and packages.
Virtual Office – A good way of saving money and at the same time still maintaining a professional image is to have a virtual office. A virtual office will give you the right impression at a fraction of the cost of having your own office. With a virtual office you have the ability to run your business out of your own home and at the same time building a professional image for your business.
Dedicated Office – You can obtain a complete turn-key office operation which includes a private office with your own phone, fax, internet, full furnishings, meeting room and much more. Some turn-key offices give you the privacy, security and professionalism of a workplace that is not in an open environment or room-share. You will have your own suite number, own mailbox, and your own phone line. You may choose from one single private office or several offices with many options.

 

5 Mistakes People do When Renting Their First Office

Renting office space can be complicated because it’s difficult to tell what needs your business will have a year, or five years, into the future. If you’re considering renting office space for your business, it’s necessary for you to understand how the process works. Renting the proper amount of space, in a location that suits the business, sometimes involves making a gamble. Remember, though, that the property owner doesn’t share in this risk-taking, and it won’t be his or her problem if the office turns out not to suit your needs. Below are 5 mistakes that can often be made when renting a new office space, and can be easily prevented:

• Make Sure Premises look Professional: Don't underestimate the value of appearance. Depending on how your office looks is how your customers will see your business. If your office doesn't look professional than chances are your customers won't take your business so seriously. Look for something nice and not expensive. Check out an office from Van Nuys Offices, they have a variety of offices available for any type of business use and their offices have a professional atmosphere.

• Negotiate the Price: Offices in places hard to find offer lower rent prices than those within easy reach of amenities and transportation. Yes maybe this is how much you can pay and all the other offices are off your budget. But will your customers be able to find you. Negotiate the price on an office easy to find. It won't hurt by asking.

• Signing a lease: Signing a lease for renting office space isn’t something to be taken lightly, and it can have serious consequences on the success of your business. Before you sign a lease or agree to rent, make sure you have an attorney in your area look it over to ensure your rights are protected fully and that you understand all clauses and obligations contained within the lease. Van Nuys Offices has a set flexible agreement, so you are never tied into a long term agreement and can change your office space as your business requires.

• Not Verifying Building Mobile Phone Reception: In today’s environment, data, power, networking, and HVAC capacity and availability are crucial. We all experience weak signals on our mobile phones at some times in particular places as we go about our daily lives, but it's a major issue if each and every member of staff has issues making use of cellular devices and smart phones from the work environment. You should ensure that the building you intend on occupying is capable of providing the network connectivity and other building systems necessary for a your business operation before signing any lease.

• Not Designing the New Space Prior to Lease: Many companies fail to consider their future business requirements when looking for office space and they end up outgrowing the office space before the lease is even up. Ensure you have enough space for additional employees or equipment when calculating how much office space you will need.