Why It's Now Time to Get Physical Office Space
By Katrina Manning
How do you know when it's time to move into real office space? Many small businesses, that don't sell physical products, often choose to operate an online business without a physical office address. Instead, they choose to rent P.O. boxes as opposed to skipping out on having an address for their business altogether. Yet, there are many benefits to having a physical address. Here are some reasons why your business should get ready for a physical address.
If you can afford business office space, it is time
You might think it costs an exorbitant amount to rent office business space, but that is not the case at all. For example, Regus.com.au has plans for everything from virtual office spaces to co-working plans. Working from home isn't always what it's cracked up to be--especially when you have distractions all around you. It's too easy to stop working and start doing whatever you want.
With a physical office space, you don't have the types of distractions you have at home. Plus, you can either lease out a traditional office space or join a co-working space. With this option, you have affordable rent plans that include amenities such as mail, phone, Internet support, concierge, office supplies and conference rooms.
It's more professional
When you have a physical office space, it conveys the impression that your business is successful and trustworthy. It also gives a more professional appearance to customers and colleagues. When you use a P.O. Box, it gives the impression that your business is too small to handle large clients or requests. If you have a physical address, you can get an office phone line and receive deliveries.
Meet clients in person
You can only get so far with video conferencing. Sure, it saves time and money--but there are instances when nothing at all can replace a face-to-face meeting. In addition, there are some major clients who won't trust you unless they see you in person.
When you have an office space, you feel comfortable inviting clients over for a meeting. You don't have to worry about scouring the nearest coffee shop to find a place to talk. Besides, you can never predict whether a coffee shop will be loud, busy or quiet. You can't just tell other patrons to shush. And, if you have important business matters to discuss--can you afford to share your company's secrets with random strangers in a coffee shop?
That can be pretty awkward when you feel the need to whisper into a client's ear. They might not feel comfortable with that approach, especially if you just met. Put yourself in their shoes, would you like a stranger whispering something in your ear? Also, you can't reserve seating at a coffee shop. What if you want to close a deal with an important client?
So, you get to the coffee shop and every seat is taken. What next? Your client has a schedule to. You can't expect them to drop everything on a whim for you. They might have other business relationships that already have office spaces to use for meetings. They may wonder why you don't. It just feels as if it would be a disaster in the making. Don't you agree? You never have a second chance to make a first impression.
Get listed on Google local search
In case you haven't heard, the trend is to go local. That means shopping locally and supporting local businesses. So, you better believe that prospects are using Google Local Search to find businesses that meet their needs. In fact, consumers are more inclined to utilize a business if it is within 20 miles of their location. The only caveat is to be listed on Google Local, you must have a physical address.
When Google deployed the Pigeon update, they removed service-area businesses that did not have a physical address. In fact, they did not even accept P.O. boxes. This means that you must have a physical address to compete online within Local SEO listings. People want to go to restaurants, spas, tax services and shopping centers that are nearby. What would happen if your business isn't listed? What would happen if it is?
What if you can't afford office space?
If you think you need six figures to secure office space, you couldn't be more wrong. You might be surprised to find out there are companies that specialize in leasing or renting out office space--even if just for a few hours. But, if you need a physical address--you can rent a virtual office that will give you an actual address, handle mail, answer phone calls and more.
How would that affect your business for the better? If you didn't have to worry about any of that? Now, you can focus on your company's core functionalities instead of worrying about the phone lines or people not thinking your business is professional enough for them.
Image Credit: yourcityoffice.com
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