Work Wherever

How to Find the Right Spot for Your Business

Written by Blake on . Posted in Work Wherever

Location. Location. Location. It's all about location. Or is it? In today's Internet-driven world, many businesses operate from the home, from the local coffee shop or from a coworking space. There are thousands of office options out there to work from. But what if you're ready for an established place of business? What if you're ready for the corner office? What if you're outgrowing the local coworking space? It may be time to move into your very first office.

But when it comes to choosing the right spot for your business, what's most important?

  1. The Demographics: Getting in with the right people.
    Don't forget that choosing the right location may also require you to do some due diligence! Find out the demographic overview of the area that you are looking at and be sure to zero in on the age, income, households, gender, education and the like. Entrepreneur Magazine also suggests that you look at neighborhood traffic generators such as other retailers that draw people to the area, industrial or office parks, schools, colleges and hospital complexes. It is also important to look at both highway and foot traffic.
     
  2. The Energy: Matching your company's values with the walls you put it in.
    Choosing the right location for your business is critical to your company's daily vibe. For example, it is important for a tech startup to be located in the downtown area in a modern office space. A more traditional company may be located in an office park in the suburbs with a corporate-feel. When your company's atmosphere matches its mission, values and personality, employees are more likely to think with a complementary mindset. Want your company to be creative? Rent out an office space with an inspiring view. Would your employees benefit from taking breaks outside to revive themselves? Try a place with a rooftop garden or a park nearby.
     
  3. The Competition: Keeping your friends close, but your enemies closer.
    Many successful entrepreneurs and CEO's believe that it is beneficial to locate as close to a competitor as possible. Although foot traffic is important, having the "right foot" come into your space in particular is even more critical. By being in close proximity to your competitors, you can actually benefit from their marketing efforts. After all, your competitors share the same demographic as you and have probably done the same research as you. Keeping the competition in your backyard can also help you and your employees stay more driven and motivated.
     
  4. The Surroundings: Staying close to professionals and stores.
    Convenience is key! Most startup companies may need to use outside resources in order to keep their businesses up and running. It's convenient to have a few restaurants located near you to order lunch or cater a launch party, or to have an office supply store down the road in case you need to pick up things for the office. An entrepreneur's workday can seem short sometimes, and having close proximity to these locations can be a big time saver.

Remember: location, location, location! It's an important part to finding your perfect office space.

Executive Office Space vs. Collaborative Workspace

Written by Blake on . Posted in Work Wherever

Regus, Officescape, and Alliance Business Centers vs. bizperc
No entrepreneur or growing company is the same. Some prefer the comforting silence of a closed-off office. Others enjoy the energetic collaboration of a shared workspace. While some would rather work from the comfort of a conventional desk or cubicle, others would rather work outside, on a roof, or side-by-side other entrepreneurs. When some entrepreneurs choose to work in a traditional, habitual office spaces, others may need a more inspiring, innovative environments.

There's no wrong way to work—but there is a way that will work better for you.


If you're a traditional, conventional entrepreneur or high-growth company who enjoys a corporate-feel during the workday, there's a space for that. If you're an innovative, collaborative thinker who works well with others, there's a space for that. The environment that you choose, however, is up to you.

While some choose to work at an executive office space such as Regus, Officescape or an Alliance Business Center, others enjoy the atmosphere of bizperc. But when it all boils down to it, what's the difference? We're here to tell you. Because believe it or not, the atmosphere that you work in, whether its suit-and-tie or jeans-and-tshirt, may have an impact on how your business runs.

I want...absolute privacy.
If you are looking to work on your business in a private matter (closed doors, quiet atmosphere, no interruptions), then Regus, Officescape or ABCN is the place for you. Regus office spaces are there for just that—if you need a traditional desk or a simple meeting room—Regus will provide you with the privacy and seclusion that you need.

I'm looking for...a traditional finish.
If you're an entrepreneur or high-growth company that has enjoyed the atmosphere of the corporate world—full of tradition, customs and business comfort—look no further an office space like Officescape or Regus.   Their traditional finishes provide entrepreneurs everywhere with original workspaces without losing the corporate touch. 

I'm in need of...a nationwide mobile office.
Regus, for example, offers cost effective packages for 2, 4, 8 or 12 days per month or an unlimited use plan. Regus, Officescape, and ABCN offices are available for any entrepreneur in need of an office or meeting space solution (but less offered services).   All provide nationwide mobile offices for the entrepreneur or growing company that needs nothing but desk space. 

I'd like...a traditional business culture
With office space that encapsulates a traditional business environment, Regus, Officescape, and ABCN offices are good locations for serious entrepreneurs who want to get down to business in a formal setting. 

I value...independence.
If you're intrapersonal and enjoy doing work on your own in a quiet area, traditional executive offices are the perfect place to start or grow a small business.

I want...privacy within collaboration.
If you're looking to innovate, collaborate, and create, bizperc is the ideal workspace. For the interpersonal entrepreneur who wants to bounce ideas off of others, provide other hard-working individuals with advice, and become a part of a community with no closed doors, bizperc is the solution.

I'm looking for...a cutting-edge finish.
bizperc is for you. This space is all about modernity and being unique. bizperc's modern, urban loft space provides an inspiring finish for those who are looking for innovation and creativity. Complete with electronic white boards, idea boards, a mini-Kinko's, breathtaking rooftop garden, natural light, idea boards, and open windows, bizperc takes "cutting-edge" to a whole new level.

I'm in need of...flexibility.
Stay as long as you want, use whatever services you need (if any), and come and go as you please. bizperc provides ultimate flexibility so that you can get exactly what you want out of your work space, when you want it. No long-term contracts, and rates start as low as $35 a month—bizperc is a space that fits your schedule and your budget. 

I'd like...a fast-paced business culture.
Looking for a culture that's fast-paced, fun-loving, collaborative, and innovative? bizperc wants to see you succeed and will walk you through each of the innovative and unconventional steps to get you there. 

I value...community.
If you value a sense of community with close interaction, tenant and client events, and day-to-day stimulating conversation, bizperc is excited to invite someone just like you into its community.

Keep in mind that where you work determines how you work. Whether you prefer an executive office space with Regus, Officescape, or Allianance Business Centers or a collaborative coworking space like bizperc– the choice is yours. Good luck with finding the right spot for you and your business. Just remember, that no matter where you are, it's a great place to Think Big! 

What Not to Wear...In the Office

Written by Blake on . Posted in Work Wherever

It's a difficult question to ask yourself every morning: What should I wear to work? And while some professionals dig through their closets, throwing article after article of clothing behind them, others simply throw on a dirty pair of sweatpants and shove off to work. But are you dressing appropriately for your business, or are a victim of What Not to Wear? With these 5 tips, you will be able to determine how your small business should present itself in terms of clothing—some of the tips may surprise you!

1. Set the Standard
Jeans or slacks? Business casual or business professional? Hose or no hose? Your business needs to set a dress code standard so that all of these questions can be answered. If all employees dress in different ways, your company could be sending mixed messages to the community, to potential partners, and of course, to clients.

Be sure to set a standard for office attire. If your business decides to dress casually, let it be known that is okay to wear jeans to work. If your business often does not do work with clients, it may be okay to dress even more casually than jeans! If your business conducts many presentations, sees important potential clients, and does a lot of networking, it may be important to dress more business professional each day.

2. Fitting the Environment
In addition to fitting in with your fellow co-workers, employees, and partners, it is important for your business attire to fit in with the environment in which you work. Newer companies with younger staffs and modern workplaces tend to follow the business casual approach. More established companies tend to dress more on the business professional side with suits, skirts, hose, and sometimes ties. More "against the norm" companies, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who work from home can dress in anything they want, including pajama pants, sweats, and hoodies. Some even work poolside in their swim suits!

It is important to take your surroundings into account when dressing to impress. If you are going to be standing all day, wear comfortable shoes. If you are going to be working long hours, wear clothing that isn't too constricting or itchy. The more comfortable you are during the day, the better you will operate a business.

3. That One Awesome Suit
Every entrepreneur, CEO, or small business owner needs that one awesome suit. Although it may cost more than most of your other day-to-day office clothes, it will be worth every penny. A good suit that is tailored to your body can be worn during important pitches, presentations, and business-related events. Believe it or not, people can tell the difference between a nice suit and one that may have been found off the rack and untailored.

4. What Not to Wear
Some businesses struggle to draw the line between business casual and just plain sloppy. So, for a down and dirty guide to help clear the blurry line here is a list of things that you should definitely not be considered business casual:
- Flip flops
- Tie-dye
- T-shirts
- Holey jeans
- Tracksuits
- "Revealing" clothing (tube tops, halters, ripped shirts, etc.)
- Distracting hair, makeup and accessories
- Clothing with derogatory terms

5. Interview Attire: The Good, The Bad, The What Happened!?
People always want to make a good first impression in the office, which ultimately goes hand-in-hand with our human tendency to judge a book by its cover. Dress to impress when being interviewed (whether it's for a new job, for a partnership, for the media, etc.). Likewise, you should dress to impress when you are interviewing somebody else. That's why new employees tend to look their best during their interview and then a few weeks after they have started at the company. But if a "new" employee is no longer "new" and tends to dress below the dress policy, it is time to speak up.

Dressing for the office may be more important than you think. Not only does business attire determine the atmosphere of the office overall, but it also can affect the productivity and efficiency of a small business's staff. Keep in mind these five simple rules when deciding how your office will dress—but make sure to leave room for casual Fridays!

5 Ways to Become Everyone's Favorite Coworker

Written by Blake on . Posted in Work Wherever

So you love the coworking environment. But are you a good fit for a coworking space? Within a collaborative office space, every worker has to get along in order to create a productive ambience. So what can you do to become a better coworker? Read the five tips below and you'll easily become one of the most-liked guys in the office...maybe.

1. Respect the space
Coworking is all about sharing a space. Therefore, the space that you are working in belongs to everybody in it. It's important to treat a coworking space with respect. Because when you respect the space, others will respect you.

Keep your desk neat and tidy, pick up after yourself before you leave for the day, and mind others' belongings within the space. Offer to do more chores around the space than you normally would. This may mean emptying the dishwasher, locking up after work, changing out toilet paper, and making coffee more than others do. In addition, don't hog bandwidth, meeting rooms, and desk space. It's these little things that make a difference, and it all starts with respecting the space in which you work in.

2. Actually cowork
If you're stationed at a coworking space and treat it like your own personal office, you may not be in the right location. Coworking offices are built for interaction, so keep in mind that you are highly encouraged to interact with the people around you. Bounce ideas off of other coworkers, give expert advice to those who ask for it, and encourage the people around you to work hard.

3. Make the coffee
Coffee makes the world go round—especially in a coworking space. In a collaborative office, making tea and coffee for everybody becomes a much appreciated activity. One rule of thumb? Never leave an empty coffee pot. Allow coffee to percolate throughout the day and your coworkers will be happy campers.

4. Treat your coworkers
To become everybody's favorite coworker, you only have to do one simple thing: bring treats. The office will love having occasional treats every once and awhile. They provide a great "break" for the hard workers and a medication for people with a sweet tooth. Bring cookies, cupcakes, fruit, and even leftovers to the office to share with others. And if it's somebody's birthday, bring something extra special for that person. Treats bring happiness to an office environment.

5. Lower the volume
If there is one thing that will annoy your coworkers, it's loud, obnoxious volume levels. A coworking space must provide the right sound balance in order for effective work to be done—but are you disrupting the peace?

If you want to play your own music, it is best to wear headphones. Having multiple songs playing in an office can cause a headache to everyone. Additionally, if you have a long phone conference that you must conduct, it is best to take it to a meeting room for privacy. Keep your voice at a respectable level throughout the work day.

Implement these 5 tips into your everyday coworking routine and you're sure to be the least-annoying, best-treat-giving, idea-bouncing, coffee-offering guy in the office. And who wouldn't want to be that?

The Weirdest Places to Work (And Be Productive)

Written by Blake on . Posted in Work Wherever

In an age where business is driven by social media, entrepreneurs can work anywhere. And we mean anywhere.

From the home office to the business incubator, from the local coffee shop to a park bench; you can find entrepreneurs working anywhere and everywhere. But would you believe us if we told you that, yes indeed, these entrepreneurs are being productive?

A change in an entrepreneur's working environment can actually amp up productivity—new surroundings steer clear from the notion of the "same old, boring workday."

But entrepreneurs aren't just working in local Starbucks coffee shops and the home office anymore. Now that many startups are internet-based, entrepreneurs can be found at virtually any corner of the world. Here are some of the weirdest places that entrepreneurs go to work...and surprisingly, get the work done!

1. The Airport
Simply sitting around and waiting for a flight can be a huge waste of time. Entrepreneurs tend to take advantage of these "wasted minutes" by catching up on emails, researching, and contacting important partners. When working in an airport, be sure to work in an area with low traffic, preferably where you can sit down and remain organized. Also, don't take up too much space when working in the airport. There's nothing worse than looking for a place to sit when just one person takes up five chairs for paperwork!

2. The Car
Since a car usually does not provide Wi-Fi service, a whole lot of room, and access to other electronics and technologies, it is best to work in the car if you need to do some reading or some research. While waiting in an idle car, try pulling out some reading that you've been meaning to get to, or look over some important memos that need editing. It's the small minutes that you spend outside of work that can add up to the biggest time-saving benefits.

3. The Park
Get out of the office! Try working for an hour or so on a park bench or on the park's lawn. Simply being outside can refresh your mind and stir up some major creative juices. Nature has the ability to provide inspiration for any entrepreneur, so if you have some creative work to do, try doing it outside on a nice day.

4. The Rooftop
If your office provides a rooftop, try doing some work up there throughout the day. Much like working in the park, working on a rooftop provides fresh air and inspiration. Rooftops are a great place to take meetings and clients because they provide an atmosphere that most people are not used to. Therefore, whoever you bring up to the rooftop with you, will most likely be impressed.

5. The Bookstore
Many entrepreneurs tend to work at the local coffee shop and some have even ventured to the local public library. But for a different atmosphere, check out your local book store such as Barnes and Noble or Borders. Bookstores provide the best of both worlds—the coffee shop meets the library! Bookstores are often quiet and provide a great atmosphere for work or research.

You can be productive in some pretty bizarre places. Be sure to try out any of the above suggestions if you're looking to get work down outside of the office or the home—even if it may seem a little strange!

Increase Productivity—Paint Your Office!

Written by Blake on . Posted in Work Wherever

Sounds a little bogus, doesn't it? It's pretty bizarre that the color of your office can actually affect the way that your business is run. But it's true: the color that you surround yourself with while you work greatly affects your mood. And as all entrepreneurs know, your mood can greatly affect the direction that your business goes in.


There is a reason that McDonald's arches are bright yellow. Yellow is the color for happiness, joy, and youth.


There is a reason that the inside of a Starbucks is painted deep green and maroon. Both colors ignite feelings of warmth, comfort and togetherness.


There is a reason that a Hershey's chocolate bar comes wrapped in dark brown paper. Yes, it gives off the chocolate-vibe, but it also sparks emotions of simplicity, wholesomeness and surprisingly, health.


It is important for entrepreneurs to surround themselves with colors that promote creativity, energy, hard work, and a touch of relaxation. But what colors can help promote productivity without becoming too distracting?


1. Orange: Orange is often painted on the walls of a fitness center because of its ability to evoke excitement, enthusiasm and energy. It would be extremely beneficial to surround yourself with the color orange, not only in the gym, but also in the office. We're not asking you to paint every wall bright orange, but rather, use orange in simple, discrete ways throughout your work day; purchase orange pillows for the lobby, use orange Post-It notes, or make the background of your computer an orangey picture. Pale orange and terracotta are two color options for effective office wall paint.

2. Red: Red has been known to increase a room's energy level because of its ability to raise blood pressure and speed up heart rate. This color is a good choice when you want to stir up excitement. Red is also a stimulant for conversation and collaboration as it tends to bring people together. Additionally, red has been found to be the most "impressive" of the colors and gives off the best first impression. Therefore, if you're an entrepreneur who often brings clients into the office, consider a deep red for an accent wall or two.

3. Pale Blue: A pale blue color, rather than a bold one, does not evoke feelings of creativity and energy, which most entrepreneurs look for. A light blue color does, however, help an entrepreneur to stay focused and productive throughout a typical workday.

4. Brown: Although brown is often interpreted as a "soothing" color, it does not have the same effect that blues and greens do (these colors promote meditation, tranquility, and peace, which can actually slow down a workday). Brown, on the other hand, is more of a "comfortable" color that evokes feelings of security, credibility and reassurance.


And the worst colors to paint your office:

1. Yellow: There is nothing more irritating than an overdose of yellow. Yellow has been known to be a frustrating color to work in, especially for those that are after a deadline—entrepreneurs, this is often you!

2. Purple: Some people find a deep plum color to be soothing and warming for an office space. But as a matter of fact, purple is not a good choice for an office because of its tendency to stir up romantic feelings, which is completely wrong for a working environment.

3. Bright Green, Bright Red, Bright Pink, and Turquoise: Although some bright and bold colors are great for an entrepreneurial environment, these four are not. All of these colors have been found to be very difficult to concentrate in. Entrepreneurs who work around these colors often find themselves distracted and overwhelmed.


When decorating your home-office, office space, or cubicle, it is important to determine what colors inspire you the most. Maybe you'd like to be calmer at work, and so you decorate with blue accents. Maybe you want to reflect your company's logo colors within the space. Whatever the case may be, the office space is yours, so be sure to make it a comfortable, revitalizing place that helps you become an even better entrepreneur.

5 Ways to Work Effectively, Anywhere

Written by Blake on . Posted in Work Wherever

Entrepreneurs have been known to work in crazy places, at crazy hours, in crazy ways.  You may see them typing away at a Starbucks, easily downing over 6 cups of black coffee.  You may see them crunching numbers at the airport while stuffing their daughter’s souvenir from Disney World into a suitcase.  You may see them working in pajamas, on a park bench, in the car, upside-down, on the phone, in the basement.  And no matter where these entrepreneurs are; they seem to always be working on something!

The most effective entrepreneurs, however, are the ones that sit down in a spot and focus solely on their work.  From the local coffee shop to the business incubator, entrepreneurs know how to get work done.  But what if I told you that entrepreneurs are most productive under certain “office” circumstances?  Apply these aspects to whatever “workspace” you may be in and you will be a more productive entrepreneur all around:


1. Organize Your Work

A messy desk, a disorganized binder or an unfiltered email account does not make you look busier, it makes you look sloppy.  Organize any workspace by:

  - Removing personal items from your desk

  - At the end of the day, throw away or recycle papers that you no longer need to carry with you

  - Use a spam blocker and filter through your email once a day to clean it out

  - Keep Post-Its at a minimum

  - Use an organizational binder or folder

 

2. KISS

Everybody’s heard it: KISS.  Keep it simple, stupid.  When clutter is blocking your way of work, it is obviously doing you more harm than good.  Only display office décor that truly makes you proud or is a very recent accomplishment.  No need to thumbtack posters to the wall or keep a dead plant by the window.


3. Find a Style

If you have an office, home office, cubicle or just desk space in a business incubator, be sure that you find your own subtle style.  If you decide to decorate with trinkets, err on the side of subtlety.


4. Find Inspiration in Your Workplace

An entrepreneur’s work place must be inspirational.  Since an entrepreneur must be creative (Article- The 5 Best Ways to Brainstorm) all day long, they will often need stimulation throughout the workday to keep their brains firing.  Find a place that inspires you!  And once you have found that place, if possible, decorate it with more aspects that tend to inspire.


5. Get Comfortable

Entrepreneurs have been known to work long hours throughout the day.  Therefore, you must be comfortable when you’re working.  Be sure to find a comfortable desk and a comfortable chair when you are doing work.  At the same time, however, don’t get too comfortable.  Often times, reclining on a Lazyboy or lying on a bed while doing work can lead to a “leisurely” feel and can decrease the productivity of entrepreneurs.

 

No matter where you’re working, be sure to implement these 5 key ingredients.  It will boost your creativity, productivity and efficiency while at work!

Wii vs. Work: The Challenges of Working from Home

Written by Blake on . Posted in Work Wherever

You're sitting at your computer, working from home, as usual. It's two o'clock in the afternoon and you're starting to feel that after-lunch exhaustion. You know you have to finish writing some memos but then you look up from your desk: your 32 inch television screen is staring at you, begging for you to take a small break. You open your desk drawer, looking for a pen to begin writing your memos, and then you see it: a Wii remote. "I suppose I could take just a few minutes and relax with a little Wii Tennis", you think to yourself. A few minutes eventually turns into a few hours, and before you know it, it's dinnertime and the memos suddenly get moved to tomorrow's "To Do" list.


This is just one of the many challenges of working from home. Unfortunately, there are numerous other challenges that many business owners face when working under their own roofs.


Distractions
The first challenge is the distraction that many business owners experience while working from home. There are hundreds of temptations lying around every household: TVs, Facebook, chores, children, dogs, video games, food and couches are usually within about thirty seconds of the standard home office. Working from home is not for everyone. Below is a graph that shows the amount of personal work that is done from home during a typical work day in comparison to a typical work day in an office.

Office Options

Written by Blake on . Posted in Work Wherever

You’ve finally begun to develop your business, and now you realize that you need to find the right space to build a successful company.  Office space is an important factor in the productivity of your business.  An office space needs to be stimulating, comfortable, and have a business-like atmosphere in order for you and your employees to remain productive throughout the workday.  In addition, your office space must be able to uphold the right equipment and supplies (this may include electronics, technologies, mailboxes, storage rooms, supply rooms, desks, etc.).  So where will your business operate?  What should you think about before leasing or buying a space?  We’re here to help.

Questions to Ask: Is This the Right Space for My Business?

Here are a few questions that you might want to ask yourself before leasing or buying your office space.

1.  Is the office location beneficial?

By looking where your competition is located, you may develop a good feel for a beneficial office location.  You need a space that is easy for your employees to get to, with convenient access to suppliers, vendors, and restaurants, accessibility by public transport, and adequate parking.  The area in which your office is located should also be located in a growing area with surrounding buildings “in good shape”.  The area should also be safe for employees and clients that decide to walk to and from the office.

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