Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
What is an Executive Suite?
Executive Suites or Office Business Centers (OBCs) are shared office spaces. These office space set-ups are designed for small businesses that on average have less than 10 employees. Executive Suites allow companies with limited office space needs to rent only the space they need instead of renting a traditional office space with offices and administrative areas that will be unused or underutilized. Office business centers provide companies with the amenities, infrastructure and a professional image typical of larger companies. By providing this value, OBCs allow small businesses to operate their business without worry about acquiring, managing or maintaining these amenities.
Currently there are over 4,000 OBCs in North America. This industry generates over three billion dollars in revenue per year. Most business centers have a professional reception area, a full-time receptionist, and use of conference and break rooms. Offices have a state of the art digital telephone systems, dedicated fax lines, and T1 or higher high-speed internet access. Office business centers not only make amenities and technology available to small businesses, but they make them available at a price that is far less than you would experience in setting up a conventional office. There are many benefits in taking space in an executive suite including flexibility, low upfront costs, on-site management and short term leases. Most common agreement terms are between three and twelve months. Everything needed is in place to move in and start working immediately. You choose either a fully furnished or unfurnished office, with essential infrastructure for instant productivity.
Lakeville Executive Suites is the premier site for executive offices in the south metro area. For more information on our services, please call us at 952-356-3100.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Over 30 Home Based Businesses Have Already Signed with Lakeville Executive Suites Virtual Offices in 2012
Over 30 home based businesses have already signed with Lakeville Executive Suites Virtual Offices so far in 2012 to take advantage of the benefits its complete virtual office program offers. A premier provider of virtual office services, Lakeville Executive Suites equips them with the necessary tools and features that will help them increase their visibility, image, and sales, all at very low cost.
Lakeville, MN (PRWEB) February 20, 2012
Today is Valentine's Day, and so far this year over 30 home based businesses have already signed with Lakeville Executive Suites to take advantage of its complete virtual office program. Home based businesses and solo entrepreneurs working from home, from lawyers to plumbers, chose Lakeville Executive Suites, a premier provider of virtual office services, to help them increase visibility, image, and income. And with its low cost proven package of unique features, including live receptionists taking calls and messages, Lakeville Executive Suites equips them to achieve their goals.
52% of all small businesses are now home based, the US Small Business Administration reports. Low overhead, extra family time, being their own boss, and other perks appeal to more businesspeople each year. But too many home based businesses don't operate with the full range of tools expected in a standard office, a Lakeville Executive Suites study concludes. For example, it found that many home based businesses are difficult to reach, with personal home and cell phones doing double duty.
"Premier customer service is key, but Lakeville Executive Suites finds many home based businesses are missing potential clients by using personal phones and voicemail. If a single operator is busy or out on a job, potential customers often don't leave messages and simply call the next company which will speak to them live. Our virtual office solution insures this won't happen because it includes live professional receptionists, business quality phone services and call forwarding all in the $99 a month cost," explains Notasha Mauzy of Lakeville Executive Suites Virtual Offices.
Virtual offices are inexpensive complete business systems benefiting home based businesses through advanced technology. A choice of impressive corporate addresses with dedicated phone and fax keeps home addresses entirely private. Voicemail and faxes convert to email and can be received on smartphones, always within reach. Live receptionists, based only in the US, professionally take calls and messages during business hours.
Lakeville Executive Suites creates a polished virtual environment that gives home based professionals, consultants, marketers, business coaches, janitorial companies, electricians, plumbers and others the image, visibility, and accessibility of a fully equipped office. Over 30 businesses signed on in the first weeks of 2012 alone and Lakeville Executive Suites expects a banner year.
For further information contact www.lakevillesuites.com
For further information contact www.lakevillesuites.com
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Virtual Office- Is it right for you?
Are you starting your own business and need to save cash? Do you want to test the sometimes turbulent waters of the business world first before you sign a lease for office space or get a mortgage for a building? Does your business lend itself well to operating in a virtual environment? Are your employees willing to work from their homes, cars, or other moving targets? Or, do you simply think the environmental benefits are reason enough to consider a virtual work space? Lakeville Executive Suites offers Virtual Offices that include up to 40 hours of office time per month.
But where will you do your work?
Technically, your office is wherever you are. With the technology currently available, you can conduct business from almost anywhere. Your office could be in your home, in your car, in the airport, on the beach, or even on a mountaintop. In typical situations, your office will be based out of Lakeville Executive Suites for up to 40 hours per month regardless of whether you travel or not. Our clients find that 40 hours of part time office space is perfect since the rest of the month they are typically on the road with clients or traveling.
First impressions mean a lot!
Do you ever meet with clients? Lakeville Executive Suites allows its tennants full access to our conference rooms. Our conference rooms will leave your clients with a favorable professional impression of your business.
But, what about your business address?
If you're running a business from your home, you probably don't want your home address used as the business address. Depending on the type of business it is, it may just not give the impression you need. In this case, Lakeville Executive Suites can help. Lakeville Executive Suites offers a mailbox service that gives you a corporate address and a suite number.
Virtual Office Hardware Suggestions
If your work involves traveling to client locations or other places away from your home base, you should probably consider buying a laptop computer rather than a desktop system. With a laptop you will always have your files with you and won't have any of those embarrassing moments where you left an important document at your office, because...well, your office is with you. While a laptop may seem a bit cumbersome to always travel with, there are many lightweight models out there that are very powerful. Just make sure you get a good carrying case that has a shoulder strap and room for your hard copy documents.
If always working from the keyboard and small screen of a laptop doesn't appeal to you, there are other solutions. Yes, they've thought of everything! To make using your laptop more efficient in your home office or your Virtual Office Suite at Lakeville Executive Suites, a docking station can be set up that you can simply plug your laptop into. Docking stations make it easy to have a standard monitor, keyboard and mouse, printer, fax machine, scanner, and other peripherals always hooked and ready to use. By plugging your laptop into the docking station, you are able to use it just like a standard desktop system, and you won't have to worry about transferring or synching files to another computer.
Other equipment that Lakeville Executive Suites has available for your virtual office setup-
- A black and white 600-1200 dpi laser printer if your final documents require crisp, high quality black and white output. Laser printers also provide the fastest output, so if you know your volume will be high you should also consider a laser printer.
- A color laser printer if your documents need high quality color illustrations, photos, or charts. These are quite expensive so make sure you compare the print quality with a less expensive ink jet printer.
- A fax machine if you will need to fax paper documents often. There is also the option of online faxing services such as E-Fax.
- A scanner if you will need to scan documents or photos. You can also use a scanner along with e-mail or fax software in place of a regular fax machine.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Get Your Office Out of the Basement!
There is also the perception that a home office can function just as well as a traditional office space. This may be true for some. however; those who need to meet with clients or colleagues often find themselves looking for the closest coffee shop to avoid having a client at your home. Home offices often lack the privacy a person needs to complete a successful day of business. Personal phone calls, kids home from school, laundry pilling up - are all things that end up distracting you from success.
Some people believe they are more productive at home then working in a traditional office space. But the reality is the office must be cleaned, faxes must be sent, equipment must be serviced and office supplies ordered. These mundane tasks which are normally handled by a support staff can seriously limit productivity and cause stress and frustration.
The two biggest cons of a home office is the lack of peer interaction as well as the fact that their is no escaping the office. Being disconnected from colleges can leave you a step behind in a fast paced business world. Not to mention that if the office is always a present factor in your life, many people find themselves working 24/7 without any down.
Lakeville Executive Suites can solve all of these problems with a simple lease. You won't need find office space, upfront cost of furniture, equipment, copy machine, or phones. It is all included for you in our low monthly rate. No longer do you need to fear if the front hall is cluttered with your two-year olds toys. Lakeville Executive Suites offers a professional business environment for your clients. With two conference rooms you can meet with one client or twenty. No more wasting time worrying about supplies, Lakeville Executive Suites has everything stocked and ready for your use as well as a staff that is here to help you with your administrative needs. When the numbers all add up we can save you up to 60% of operational costs, not to mention that you are in a professional business environment taking your business to the next level.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Lakeville Executive Office Suites Versus A Traditional Lease
Lakeville Executive Suites provides much more than just office space. Services and staff manage the office while business owners or operators run their business. The benefits result in cost savings of up to 60% over a traditional leases and operating costs. For a new business starting out those savings can make you instead of break you!
People often think that a traditional, long-term lease is the most cost-effective option when looking for office space. The reality is that leases are often restrictive and expensive. Most lease terms are a minimum of three years, and if you want to change the terms and add or decrease space you are looking at costly increases. A three-year lease has you chained to a space. With the flexibility of today's work environment and the constant changing and growing in the business world who wants to be tied to one space for so long. Many companies find they often grow out of spaces very quickly and are stuck in a space that no longer fits their needs.
Leases define the space, but that’s only the beginning to running a successful business. You must make a number of decisions and significant investments in furniture, office equipment with lengthy leases and personal guarantees, staffing, and training to create an office. Not to mention the additional monthly costs such as internet service, telephone service, building fees and more. Imagine your businesses unable to operate at peak efficiency because you choose an outdated phone and computer systems. No one wants to spend the time or money researching the options and upgrade, you should be worrying about making your business a success. Lakeville Executive Suites has done the research for you and provide it all in our services.
Many people believe that leasing is the right way to get premier business locations. There are many disadvantages to leasing though. Leasing space in a prime business location can mean paying astronomical rental prices. To secure a lease in a desirable area, you’ll need to put down a large deposit or personal guarantee. This limits the working capital a business has to invest into the business as well as put you personally at risk.
In comparison, Lakeville Executive Suites give you many advantages that aren't their in traditionally leased spaces. You can save up to 60% of the cost of setting up and operating your own office. You can add or subtract office space and determine the best plan for using office equipment, administrative help and IT services. Lakeville Suites provides you with the meeting space and work room space without having to pay for the additional square footage. Overall Lakeville Executive Suites saves you money and makes your business professional. What are you waiting for? Sign up today!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Grand Opening
Please join us February 2, 2012 for our
Grand Opening Celebration!
Open House 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Wine and appetizers served!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Moving Out of the Home Office — Four Tips for Growing Businesses
seen on US Small Business Administration
Did you know that an astonishing 52 percent of small businesses are home-based? That’s according to the SBA’s Office of Advocacy.
Running a home-based business must have numerous advantages for many business models, and for businesses of different ages. For example, during the start-up phase it represents a low-cost and low-risk avenue for conducting business. However, a home office has its limitations. Small business owners often find that they are not cut out to work from home, or they’ve found their enterprise growing and need to hire employees, or they simply need a more professional space in which to conduct business.
But how do you make a seamless and cost-effective transition from a home-based business to a professional office space? Here are some best practices to consider as you expand beyond your home-based business environment.
Assess Your Needs and Your Budget
If you are considering a commercial property lease, make sure you have a clear sense of your budget on a per-square-foot basis. Ask yourself how many offices, cubes, or workstations you’ll need, now and in the future. If you anticipate further growth, preempt the need for multiple moves by looking for a building that has extra space you can expand into should you need it. For advice on negotiating a commercial lease, read: 6 Tips for Negotiating a Commercial Property Lease without Getting Burned.
Your budget should also include cost estimates for furniture, utilities, and IT needs. Don’t go overboard though; as you transition from home to an office, invest your resources wisely. One option is to rent office furniture and equipment, or buy government surplus equipment (a little known but very cost-effective way to equip your business.) Alternatively, you may want to introduce a hot-desking policy or shared office space. This will allow employees to literally share a “hot-desk” on a rotating basis. So if one employee is teleworking or taking flex time, another employee can use the same desk space.
Consider Serviced Offices or Suites
A great option for making the transition from a home office to a professional environment is to rent a serviced office or executive suite. Usually located in busy business districts, these premises are fully equipped and managed by a facility management firm. The rental agreements for these spaces are often more flexible than commercial leases and also give you the option of easily scaling up if you need to. Typically a serviced office broker can help you locate the right space.
Decide on a Location
Deciding on a location for you new office or retail outlet will take some research. You want your presence to be felt, but you also want to make sure you’re visible and within reach of your target customers. If you are in the retail service industry, having a store concept or design in mind is also a good idea; this will help you pitch your business to commercial leasing companies seeking the “right kind of tenant” for their property.
For more tips on choosing the right business location, read SBA’s Tips for Choosing a Business Location and don’t forget to be aware of zoning restrictions at your new location.
Update Your Business Regulatory Paperwork
When you relocate your business to a new city, county, or state you’ll need to update several key business requirements. For example, both your business licenses and permits and your “Doing Business As” name (DBA) filing will need to be updated with your local government. Visit the Incorporating and Registering Your Business page for more information on how to re-register your business in a new location. If you move to a new state you’ll also need to understand your new city/county tax requirements, as well as notify your previous state of your move. Find links to your state revenue office here.
Related Articles
- Location, Location, Location: Finding the Best Hub of Opportunity for Your Business
- Understanding Your State's Business Environment
- Save Money with a Flexible, Shared and Productive Office Space
- Moving to a New State: A Small Business Relocation Checklist
Caron Beesley has over 15 years of experience working in marketing, with a particular focus on the government sector. Caron is also a small business owner and works with the SBA.gov team to promote essential government resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
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