Flexibility, Accessibility, Affordability Make Office Business Centers the Wave of the Future

Ready to make the switch from home-based business to professional office, but not quite ready to take on the financial burden of rent, furniture, technology and staffing? An Office Business Center might be the next logical step for you.

Office Business Centers offer shared business space and services for companies in a variety of situations. According to the Office Business Center Association International (OBCAI), the Centers are used by small businesses and organizations that may not be able to buy or lease space affordably on their own. Advantages include:

  • A professional environment, complete with office furniture, conference rooms, phone and Internet access and even a receptionist.
  • Flexible leases, so you have the ability to expand your physical space as your client base grows.
  • No permanent overhead. You pay rent to the Office Business Center manager, who takes care of all the utilities, grounds keeping and other ancillary expenses.
  • An affordable price that's about half of what it would take to equip and staff a commercial space on your own.
  • Key locations that are convenient for both you and your customers.
  • Networking opportunities with other tenants - Business opportunities, support and/or friendships, or just stimulation.
  • A psychological separation between work and personal lives, the benefits are enormous.

Space that Grows with your Business Four years ago, Richard Sanchez rented one of the smallest available offices in an Office Business Center after starting his own vision benefit company in Pinellas County, Florida. After his business multiplied several times over, he's expanded to the largest suite in the complex and added the adjacent office.

Sanchez said what first drew him to the Office Business Center was the immediate availability of accommodations. The first day he moved into the fully furnished office, he had a receptionist available, seven to eight conference rooms and phone and Internet accessibility.

Sanchez knew he had a flexible lease, so if his business grew, he could move within the Office Business Center to grow along with it. Four years ago, he rented 138 square feet; today he rents 1,650 square feet. Sanchez attributes much of his success to the flexibility, accessibility and location of the Office Business Center.

The Bottom Line: Centers Help Small Businesses

Jake Fisher, OBCAI's president and an Office Business Center Owner, said the business center concept has taken off in recent years with the increase of service and self-started businesses. Office Business Centers provide space, technology and support so their clients will be more productive, profitable and successful.

"Some people find they simply can't work at home," Fisher said. "There are just too many distractions. They are far more productive in a work environment. It's all about compression and decompression. On our way to work we get wound up so when we get there we are ready to go. When the day is done, on our way home we unwind. It's very simple, when we are work we work and when we are at home, we can enjoy our personal lives better. It is healthier mentally and far more productive."

"However, while each person's reasons for using an Office Business Center may vary, the real issues are success, productivity and profitability," Fisher said.

OBCAI Can Get You Started

If you've decided an Office Business Center is for you, how can you find one?

There are more than 600 Office Business Centers worldwide. Many of these belong to the Office Business Center Association International. OBCAI's comprehensive Web site will enable you to get started with no hassles. Just visit http://www.officebusinesscenters.org and click on the link "Finding an Office Business Center near you." You'll find the closest Office Business Center in your area. You can also search for specific services such as videoconferencing, software products, phone systems and other offerings. Once you choose a Center, the manager can help you:

  1. Determine how much space you'll need.
  2. Decide on the length and terms of your lease. Some centers even offer month-to-month.
  3. Pick your equipment needs, which are often offered on a cost-per-use basis. Office Business Centers offer the latest technology including Internet access, phone service, copiers, fax machines and other business necessities.
  4. Assess the level of staffing your business will need; whether you need a receptionist, secretary or other office worker. Again, these services are offered on a cost-per-use basis.

Article courtesy of PR Newswire




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