Some start-ups spend too much time choosing a new building or workspace. They want it to represent their spirit, right down to pens and supplies, but overlook other important aspects. Others hardly think about it and simply choose an inexpensive and modest place.
In reality, there are more important decisions than choosing a good place to settle. For example, you may need a much larger space later, or on the contrary only need a direct debit. Here are some tips for finding the perfect workspace that will help your business grow and thrive.
Think of your office as your second home
While buying or renting workspace for your business is not common, it is often quite pragmatic. The main considerations tend to be “what’s the price?” and “do we have enough space?” But, like buying a good bed, it’s often a good idea to consider how much time you’re going to be there and what you’re going to be doing there. The office is like a home from home when you spend a third of your day at work.
Take the same approach to find out the costs of services and charges or other hidden charges. What is the speed of the internet connection? What about nearby transport? Are there any good places to eat or buy food? Is there a place to sit and eat? These will be important factors for your employees, even if they are not necessarily important for you.
The comparison may be a bit simplistic, but a business is like a family. You wouldn’t buy a home without consulting (or at least considering) the other people who will be living there.
Consider as many factors as you can about the space and its location, and apply them to the employees and others who will use it. You can’t satisfy everyone, but at least you have to make the effort to try.
Give yourself room to grow
Your business plan may include a roadmap for your future success, but have you carefully considered the space to which you are linked? With 3, 6 or 9 year leases, you may find yourself cramped very quickly; and this, whether it is an office space, machines or equipment in a workshop or a godown for sale in India.
Making a business plan is generally good practice, but there are a few specific approaches to the issues that your workspace poses.
Obviously you have to consider the areas in which you want to invest and therefore buy a space that is larger than your current needs. However, this obviously involves spending more money and this is not always possible or acceptable for a small business.
The second approach is to be able to meet your contractual obligations. Some landlords will allow you to give up a long-term contract with fewer problems or sublet the space to another tenant.
Alternatively, you could benefit from a sublet yourself. Be careful though: you can end up renting an office space in sector 44 Gurgaon for just one year and lose it at the end of that period. In other words, always read your lease or sublet agreement.