Setting Up Shop

We have spent the whole month talking about what to do with your great business idea.  We talked about doing market research and turning it into a business plan.  We talked about creating a brand and what a well thought out and executed brand can do for you.  And last week we talked about how to get the word out.  This week we are going to talk about setting up shop.

In my career, I have had the opportunity to work in all sorts of environments.  For myself from home, for an upstart in an executive suite to an established company in a larger office.  Each had their ups and downs and depending on what stage your company is in and obviously the type of business would help determine where to start.

Check out our Pinterest board here with all sorts of office styles!

1.  Home Office

Positive - A great way to get started. Commute is amazing.  No rent and you can write it off on your taxes.
Negative - it is hard to set "work time" apart from "home time".  As I sit at my home desk right now, if I were to turn around I would see about 20 things I needed to do.  It can be challenging to focus on being at work, while at home.  I have found that some head phones and a good play list on iTunes helps!  Plus, with a family of four, my work space is at times my husband's school space, my sons art space and so on.

2.  Executive Suite

Positive - can be a cost savings from having a full out office.  Great amenities!  Some have community lobbies with a receptionist, break rooms, meeting and conference rooms, mail rooms and cleaning services to name a few.
Negative - they are typically pretty small.  The upstart I worked with grew incredibly fast, which was great but at one time I was sharing about 100 square feet with 3 other people before we moved to a larger office.

3.  Your Own Space

Positive - it's yours and you can brand it accordingly.
Negative - Rent and other overhead expenses can be a big drain on the budget.

Cheers!

Kristen