Executive office centers are a smart alternative to traditional office space leases or commercial office space purchases. Executive office centres offer great advantages like reduced costs for support staff and all-inclusive monthly lease prices. Executive office centres are particularly appealing to business executives who travel frequently, start-up companies and small business professionals who lack capital for equipment and furniture.

Executive office centers often come fully equipped and furnished for quick and easy setup for busy business professionals. Executive office center facilities typically provide mail, telephone and internet services and some even offer shared support staff services.

To find the best deal on executive office centers, take the time to compare facilities. Pay close attention to the following:

1. Is the executive office centre in a location convenient for you, your staff and your clients? Is the office easy to find and accessible by major roads and highways?

2. What kind of facilities and amenities are offered with the executive office center? Is the space fully furnished? Does it project a professional image?

3. What support services are included in the executive office centre? Does the office space include telephones, voice mail and internet connection? Do you have access to clerical support?

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

Choose a conveniently located executive office center

Location is important, especially if you plan to meet current and prospective clients at your office. If you are an expanding business, be sure to consider the office location from an employee's commuting perspective. Look for an executive office center located in a safe and attractive neighborhood with well-kept grounds and adequate parking.

I recommend: Search for executive office centers in major U.S. cities or worldwide at OfficeBroker.com. Locate executive office centers in the U.S. by town, city or state at Search Office Space. Find executive office space in the heart of the San Francisco financial district at Raven Communications.

Select an executive office center with attractive facilities

Your executive office center should project an image of success. Evaluate the quality of the furniture, appearance of the office and lobby areas and overall cleanliness of the building. Seek executive office centers with attractive meeting and conference rooms that will impress current and future clients.

I recommend: Regus offers executive office centers with fully furnished and professionally equipped offices and value-added features to benefit your business, like meeting rooms and videoconferencing studios. In addition to furnished offices, Corporate Office Images features three conference rooms, a kitchen with a microwave and refrigerator, a 24-hour security system and free parking. Prime Office Centers provides offices with high quality furnishings, fully equipped conference and presentation rooms and a snack area with refrigerator, soda machine and microwave.

Lease an executive office center with professional equipment and support services

Make sure your executive office center is equipped with the infrastructure you need for business success. Executive office centers should include standard business equipment like telephones, fax machines, copiers and high-speed internet access. Look for value-added services like receptionists, clerical support, mail services, personalized telephone answering services and videoconferencing capabilities.

I recommend: The Newport Office Center provides receptionists, phone systems, copiers and T-1 internet connections in its executive office center. BusinesSuites offers a variety of administrative support services on a pay-per-use basis. Executive Suites at Evergreen Place is an executive office center with three different support service packages to meet your specific business needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When evaluating an executive office center, be sure to talk with current building tenants. Find out about their business, working hours, clients and business culture. Consider leasing space in an executive office center with complementary businesses to increase your business contacts and exposure.
• •  Executive office center leases are typically six to 12 months, with some facilities offering three-month lease options. Be sure a lawyer who specializes in office and sub-leases reviews your lease contract before you sign any paperwork.