Corporate executive centers provide a great opportunity for start-ups and small businesses to have a professional setting from which to work without all the costs inherent in a leasing or buying a complete office. Business executive centers are located in cities all over the country and can be occupied with a very short amount of lead-time.

You can find a variety of options at a corporate executive center. Common to the industry is a receptionist who can greet your clients and serve as a live answering service and message-taker for your company. In some executive centers, you can just rent the conference room for meetings or have exclusive use of a dedicated office. Some come furnished; in others, you provide your desk, file cabinets and chairs. Consider using a business executive center for a number of reasons.

1. Find business executive centers as you travel

2. Lease permanent space in an office executive center

3. Share space in a corporate executive center

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Greet clients in style at local business executive centers

Rather than meet your clients in hotel rooms or noisy restaurants when you are on the road, look for professional business executive centers. They can provide the right atmosphere and office amenities that you need to conduct business even when you're on the road. You can book time in advance if you know when you'll need the space.

I recommend: Alliance has executive business centers in cities all over the world that are available by the month, day or hour. Regus is a quality corporate executive center with locations all over the world. They have offices and conference rooms available for any length of time as well.

Make your permanent home at an executive center

Especially if you run a home-based business, you may appreciate the professional atmosphere and amenities at an office outside of your home. You can work at home for the most part and go to the office when you need to get out to meet clients or find some solitude. A corporate business center is a great alternative for the small one-person business that doesn't need office space for employees.

I recommend: In addition to office space, EBC Office Centers can provide rooms for training and large meetings. They also provide a receptionist and kitchen facilities. Premier Business Centers has a menu of services you can receive when you lease office space with them, from phone service to administrative assistance and conference rooms.

Use a business executive center when you need it

By building a relationship with the managers or owners of a local executive suites provider, you can rely on the service and the regular use of an office when you need it. Negotiate lower rates by being flexible with the owners and sharing space with other part-time office professionals.

I recommend: Rockefeller Group Business Centers has a variety of options for temporary or full-time office needs, form open-space designs to private rooms. If all you need is a tony address, this team can provide that for you and you can show up and collect the mail. Office Suites Plus is a growing operation for small business owners who need the benefits of a professional office atmosphere.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you plan to use office executive centers on a part-time basis, make sure to carry your personal supplies and laptop in a convenient mobile office case full of everything you need to do your business because you'll have to clean out after you leave.