An executive suite is a smart alternative to conventional office space. Businesses that office in an executive suites choose their office space because of its location, its convenience, the value (cost and features) and its flexibility in lease terms, or sometimes even just the convenience of the turnkey office, instant telecommunications, etc.. But those reasons alone are not enough to choose an executive suite. See below for a list of good Midsize city offices:
The key is to understand that you will spend a significant portion of your life in your new executive office space, and contrary to traditional space, you have a dependency on the executive suite employees for many tasks, such as cleaning your office, keeping phones and internet working and the ensuring the office receptionist is greeting your guests appropriately. So, as you visit your prospective serviced office, pay attention to details:
- Are you greeted in a professional and friendly manner when calling or walking in the door?
- Is the office neat, orderly, clean? Check everything, the walls, the carpets, etc.
- Are interactions with the staff smooth, orderly and clear?
If the answers to all these questions are yes, then you may have found a great location. While appearance isn’t everything, this is a good indication that your office will be well-run and efficient. But, more investigation is in order.
Next, you should “interview” the executive suite staff. Typically, there are 2-4 staff, depending on the office size and the business model. The owner or manager is often your main point of contact and is responsible for ensuring day-to-day office efficiency. He or she hires the rest of the staff, works with supplies to ensure all is functioning properly. Interview this person to ensure a level of comfort you can live with before you decide.
In a larger suite, the Manager will have an Assistant Manager who is responsible for “lite” sales activities, basic office tasks, clerical and advanced admin work and substituting for the manager when he or she is not in. If your business plans to leverage support services offered by the suite, the assistant is often the person who will perform or co-ordinate the work for you.
The 3rd staff member of the executive suite is the admin or receptionist. In a busy suite this admin will be constantly be on the telephone and greeting clients and guests. It often hard to “interview” her (yes, it is almost always a woman), but listening to how she answers the telephone and interacts with others can give you an idea of her abilities.
After interviewing the staff, speak with a current client and ask these questions:
- Are the telephone system and internet reliable and easy to use?
- Is staff competent? Do you ever have significant reliability issues?
- Are maintenance issues (broken locks, plumbing, wiring issues) taken care of promptly?
- Are monthly billing mistakes common? Are billing issues easily resolved?
Follow these suggestions and once you’ve found an executive suites that meets your expectations, you probably have found a great new serviced office space location!