Starting your own small business usually means that you start with nothing and try to build from there. For many entrepreneurs, not much is able to get built before they decide that this venture maybe wasn’t the right option for them. But for others, their startup could quickly evolve into something much larger that they may or may not have expected.
If this happens to your small business, one of the first things you’ll likely need is to find more space where you can get all your work done. So to help you with this, here are three tips for securing your small business’s first office space.
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Determine How Much Space You Actually Need
Before you really start looking at actual building spaces, you’ll first need to determine exactly how much space you’ll really need.
According to Sherry Gray, a contributor to The Balance Small Business, many entrepreneurs can get away with sharing office space when they’re first starting out. Not only will this help you to save some money by not wasting unused office space, but coworking can also be a good way to really find out what you want out of an office space before you make a big commitment to one.
On the other hand, if you need more dedicated space and are ready to make more of a commitment, leasing commercial space is another option for your growing business.
Choose Your Location Wisely
Once you know how much space you’re going to need in order to run a functional business, it’s now time to look for actual spaces that you can get into.
When on the hunt for your first office space, Annie Pilon, a contributor to Small Business Trends, recommends that you choose the location wisely. First off, you’re going to want to try to find a location that’s close to where you and your team live so you’re not having to spend a lot of time and money on transportation each day. Additionally, you’ll need a location that makes it easy for you to do business, meaning that those you’re working with, vendors, or customers will also need to find your location convenient for them as well.
Be Prepared To Negotiate
One of the biggest reasons small business owners put off getting their own office space is because of the costs. But luckily, Kim Lachance Shandrow, a contributor to Entrepreneur.com, reminds us that everything is negotiable when it comes to your business—even the price you pay for your office space.
For example, you may want to try negotiating down the monthly rent you’d be paying on a space. Or, if that’s not an option, you could also try to get a month’s rent for free for every year of a rental agreement you sign.
If you’re wanting or needing to secure your first office space for your small business, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you do just that.
