Where do you work? You’re an entrepreneur and your business is your focus. You deserve to work in an environment that fosters creativity and growth. While your home and local coffee shop may have sufficed before, now may be the time to move on to a space more appropriate for serious business to transpire. Whether you’ve already moved into a coworking space, or you’re in the market searching for the perfect place to conduct your business, it’s important to understand the many ways coworking can work for your startup.  Here are 5 ways to make these innovative office environments work for you:

1. Pump up Your Productivity
   
   When working from home, distractions are abundant and the line between work and personal life is often blurred. To maintain a clear and concise focus on your vision, it is necessary to move from a home office into a space more suitable for your unique needs.  In a coworking space, productivity increases due to the environment alone. You will find yourself surrounded by like-minded individuals whose goals are directly aligned with yours. Hard work and focus are contagious and can be used to your advantage. You will be amazed at how much you are able to accomplish in a coworking space.
    
2. More Bang for Your Buck
   
   For a cash-strapped entrepreneur, moving into a coworking space is a smart financial decision.  Coworking spaces offer the flexibility necessary for a growing company. Most coworking spaces offer monthly, weekly, or daily packages. Find what works best for your budget and make the move.
   
   Once you’ve made the leap and moved into a space, you will find that you continue to save money. No longer will you have to make the trip to Kinko’s or Starbucks. You will have access to all of the tools necessary to conduct professional business from high-tech copiers and business-card scanners to fax machines and printers.  Make the most of these resources and in turn, you will make the most of your hard-earned money.
    
3. Gain Credibility
   
   Your days of conducting meetings in a coffee shop will be long forgotten once you embrace all of the amenities a coworking space has to offer. Most coworking spaces offer conference rooms and private meeting areas. Use these. Embrace the opportunity to meet with your client in a space that gives off an instant feeling of professionalism.
   
   Along with, conference rooms coworking spaces often provide business addresses, work numbers and mailboxes.  Take advantage of these services. First impressions are infinitely important and for this reason alone, a coworking space will do wonders for your startup.
    
4. Network with Ease
   
   The most praised benefit of a coworking space is the ability to network at your place of business. In a recent survey of coworkers, 93% said that their social circle had increased and 86% said that their business network had grown. Working with other entrepreneurs will put you in direct contact with individuals who could help further your business. You could meet new clients, potential investors, or you could even meet your next business partner.  The possibilities are endless in an environment with such a diverse collection of creative and driven individuals.
   
   You’re already putting yourself out there by moving into a coworking space go ahead and take the next step, chat up your neighbors. Who knows?  The person sitting across from you might become incredibly beneficial to you and your startup.
    
5. Inspire and Be Inspired
   Entrepreneurs, by nature, are optimistic. So, when you put a number of them in an office together, there seems to be instant inspiration. Coworking spaces have a way of fostering a team environment where support is abundant and advice is readily given and accepted. Your successes as well as the successes of your coworkers will be celebrated amongst the entire group. It’s an instant support system and this is much needed in the early stages of your business.
   
   If this is your first startup endeavor, be open to the inspiration and advice that others can provide. The knowledge gained from your coworkers is priceless. If you’re a seasoned entrepreneur with multiple successes under your belt, lend your knowledge to those who are just starting. You’ve been there before; you understand their needs and know the right advice to give. Don’t let the opportunity for inspiration pass you by, it’s a unique aspect of the coworking community and its value should not be underestimated.

Making yourself a part of a coworking community will prove immensely beneficial.  Keep these 5 ways to make it work in mind and you will find yourself accelerating your startup faster, smarter and more collaboratively.    

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.

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! 

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!

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?