There are several factors that the entrepreneur must plan before opening his own business. Since choice of partners, the elaboration of a more detailed market research, at the definition of a financial plan up to the raising of funds for the development of the project, there are several concerns that an entrepreneur has. As a result, most of them do not seek to know which types of workspace existing, and consequently leave the location for the background.
The location may not be as important as the business idea itself, but it does represent an important step towards its success. In fact, studies show that a workplace role plays a key role in productivity, efficiency and performance in a startup.
When starting a business, one of the main tasks is to determine which space best suits the type of business to be carried out. There are several types of workspace for companies and various criteria to be taken into account in this decision. This may seem at first to be a challenging process, but in reality, it is only necessary for the entrepreneur to dedicate time and perform a deeper analysis.
There are 5 main types of workspace which are listed below.
home offices
It is the easiest and cheapest way to start a business is much used by startups and new companies. The ease of transforming a room into a business office and the availability of the necessary resources (computer, telephone, coffee machine, among others) represent some of the advantages of this type. In addition, digital tools like Skype, email allows work to be done anywhere, anytime.
On the other hand, it can be difficult to maintain a balance between professional and personal life. Likewise, this type of space generates a solitary environment and more prone to distractions.
If the entrepreneur is more inclined to establish his business from home, it is necessary to assess his ability to concentrate. In addition, you should also reflect on the need for clients to visit your office and how it will convey professionalism.
A home office is ideal for those who are starting a business and do not have the financial means to acquire a better space. Or, for those who want to save money for future investments, also allowing greater flexibility in working hours. Although this type of office does not work in the long term, it may be a good option for the first months of life of the startup.
virtual offices
This method is becoming increasingly popular among entrepreneurs and startups. It allows the entrepreneur to obtain a formal office, usually in a privileged commercial area of the city, without having to be physically present every day. In other words, a virtual office allows the entrepreneur to have a tax address, an exclusive telephone number with a telephone answering service and incorporated mail management.
The advantage of this type of office is that while the entrepreneur works on the development of his projects, his company transmits a solid and professional corporate image to his clients. The day-to-day management of a company, such as answering customer calls, scheduling meetings, receiving and handling correspondence are ensured by a company of specialized professionals.
Whenever he needs to use rooms, whether for meetings with clients, or to organize presentations and training, the entrepreneur can travel to these offices spread across various parts of the country. They are very affordable and have less associated costs and expenses.
coworking spaces
Another method that has gained increasing popularity among entrepreneurs, startups and freelancers and consists of sharing work space with workers and founders of other companies and startups.
Coworking it is a good option for small businesses with two to three people where the cost of renting this space is much less than a traditional office. This type provides access to other resources, such as conference rooms, wi-fi, scanners, printers, cafeteria, among others. In addition, many coworking spaces also offer classes, workshops and seminars on new technologies and tools, which can be quite interesting for the entrepreneur to keep abreast of current news.
One of the main advantages that this type features is the flexibility to work and its comfortable and well designed ensuring all appropriate facilities to startups, freelancers, students, entrepreneurs and experienced professionals. Because it is a space shared by several individuals, it also allows you to establish a network of contacts, make friends, obtain professional advice from different sectors and areas and learn about the experiences and knowledge of successes in third party businesses.
Own office
It represents the traditional form of corporate office, yet the most bureaucratic and most expensive. Thus, there are two methods of obtaining an own office: renting or buying, and the option to choose will depend on the company's budget.
It is recommended for startups that are already in a growth phase where they already have 10 or more people. Have one work space allows better communication between team members, stability of address and contacts, ensures personal customization and more comfort for the entrepreneur, team and customers.
The rental / purchase process can be overwhelming and difficult. If the entrepreneur finds a place that meets his needs and the needs of his business, it will probably involve deposits or guarantors, a lot of documentation, insurance and furniture purchases.
Incubators and accelerators
One of the support most sought by entrepreneurs and startups. These are organizations designed to assist companies and individuals who are starting their business (incubators) or who are in a growth phase (accelerators).
They consist of an open competition where the winners with the most innovative and captivating ideas are welcomed. Thus, they can enjoy in addition to financial, materialistic or mentoring and monitoring resources, a workplace where they can develop their project. There are also incubators and accelerators that offer virtual spaces.
regardless of types of workspace to choose, the entrepreneur must take into account the following factors when choosing:
Focus
The first step before choosing any space for the company is to define the product or service that will be developed. With this, it is possible to define the target audience of the business, that is, the consumer profile that is intended to be reached.
These reflections will be useful in determining whether the space will be the most suitable for the development of the product avoiding future impediments and bureaucracies.
needs
There is a considerable difference between need and desire. Here, the entrepreneur must make a list of the resources needed to get the business to develop, such as, for example, wi-fi, parking, air conditioning / heating. Only then should you list the wishes, such as near the city, covered parking.
When the entrepreneur is looking, he should only consider the needs. After you have found several options that have all the needs listed, you can use the wish list to break the tie.
costs
It is essential to set a budget work space. It is not enough to look for the cheapest. It is also necessary to evaluate the cost / benefit ratio of each option in order to know if what you are going to pay will pay off.
One of the most common mistakes made by entrepreneurs is to make decisions compulsively and based on emotions.
Short term
Due to its associated risk side, a startup as long as it is not well established, you should think in the short term. Consider which of the various types of space are most advantageous in terms of 6 to 12 months.
Location
The place where the entrepreneur will establish the company is very important. Thus, the neighborhood, accessibility, if there are competitors nearby, security, transportation, among other factors, must be considered.
Culture
The entrepreneur should not compromise the values of your company just because there is uncertainty in work space for a few months or for several years.
Culture is built from day one and a positive office environment is a form of expression.