Inexpensive alternative to expensive office accommodation
Today, it is the people and companies that are able to employ smart cost-saving strategies that thrive in business. Among other things, they would actively explore multifaceted channels to do more with less.
For example, a multi-disciplined company with diverse interests ranging from office management to import/export as well as events/entertainment is likely to be better off operating from its own building to keep “rental” overhead low. .
This approach would make it easier for such a company to offer customers affordable services, in line with their budget needs.
But we all know that not every business, especially a sole proprietorship or a small business, can afford to own their own building. At least not in the early stages of growth. Even when the money is there, chances are there are other considerations for which it can be used more profitably.
To complicate things…
A. maybe you want to rent one, but the prices you keep hearing from landlords/realtors in the neighborhoods you prefer are beyond the limits of your budget.
B. or maybe you have tried working from homebut your landlord won’t have it and/or (if you don’t live alone) just doesn’t give the professional/corporate impression you want.
So what should an honest, results-focused, vision-driven business owner like YOU do when you can’t own your own office?
Would that mean you have to give up the idea of operating an office presence suitable for your business?
The answer, fortunately, is no.
In fact, there is a flexible and affordable alternative solution: It’s called Serviced Office!
This custom solution will most likely meet your needs, if you face the limitations described above.
The only thing is that you need to find a provider that offers it near the area where you plan to do business.
Actually, it goes by different names in the markets of the world, for example, managed offices, executive centers, executive suites, etc.
But all those names basically indicate the same thing: a professionally configured office space equipped with the essential aesthetic and functional amenities SHARED by businesses.
Here are 3 features of Serviced Office Solutions that can make them right for YOU…
NB: This is a practice that has been around for decades and is still in use in major cities and business districts around the world.
Feature #1: All in One
A Serviced Office is a COMPLETE solution that makes it possible for the “user” to settle in and simply start their business. No need to worry about settings etc.
For example, serviced offices often come already equipped with work desks, chairs, etc. In addition, they can provide quick access to other resources such as meeting rooms, projectors, computers, Internet connection, etc.
There is often a common reception center with a receptionist and a telephone answering service.
Depending on the “package” you want to adopt, it may initially seem like the fees are high. The truth, however, is likely to often be that what you pay will be close to the rate of a regular office, BUT a conventional office space comes without the “extras” that serviced offices provide!
For example, you will not have to make additional payments for electricity, facility maintenance, insurance or even security. Those overheads are handled by the provider on behalf of all users.
Feature No.2: Flexible
Take the business traveler arriving in Cotonou on a 3-day business visit to explore potential partnerships with some local entrepreneurs and companies in the Republic of Benin and neighboring states.
Let’s say some of the people you plan to meet come from your bases in Nigeria’s Porto Novo, Ouidah and Lagos, for example.
Perhaps the meetings will include private interview sessions and presentations, etc. In such a case, the business traveler may need adequate office space for a few hours per day during the 3-day duration of their stay.
Unfamiliar with the environment, and unless you are willing to pay high hotel conference room rates, a serviced office will be a viable solution for the above visitor needs.
In other words, due to the out-of-the-box nature of Serviced Offices, people with limited time and pressing needs can easily make effective use of them. At the same time, business owners who want medium- to long-term access to an affordable, yet functional and aesthetically appealing office presence will also find use for serviced offices.
Feature No. 3: Pocket-friendly
As you can imagine, the fact that the amenities provided are shared gives you the benefit of accessing resources that you would not normally be able to pay for on your own.
In general, serviced offices are configured to allow users to adopt different sizes of “offices”, for example to accommodate a sole proprietor or a group/team of people in one or more rooms.
If the need arises, you can choose 2 or more adjoining office spaces. In other words, you spend only on what you need, and nothing else. More importantly, depending on the provider and YOUR negotiation skills, you may be able to negotiate prices, terms, and conditions that suit your needs.
In conclusion, regardless of what they are called, serviced offices provide similar core benefits – that is, high-profile, convenient, affordable office space – for busy business people with limited budget needs.
If YOU have the needs listed above, don’t rent expensive and potentially limiting conventional office space!
Instead, research your intended location for potential serviced office providers. Your needs will be much better served that way, and you will SAVE a considerable amount of money in the process.
If you need help, contact me.
