Shared office space is a smart alternative to traditional office space leases. Shared office spaces offer great advantages like reduced costs for support staff and all-inclusive monthly lease prices. Shared office spaces are particularly appealing to start-up companies, entrepreneurs and small business professionals who lack capital for equipment and furniture.

Shared office spaces usually come fully equipped and furnished for quick and easy setup for busy small business professionals. Shared office space facilities typically provide mail, telephone and internet services and some even offer shared support staff services.

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

1. Is the shared office space 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 shared office space? Is the space fully furnished? Does it project a professional image?

3. What support services are included in the shared office space? 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 shared office space

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 a shared office space located in a safe and attractive neighborhood with well-kept grounds and adequate parking.

I recommend: Search for shared office space by city, state and zip code at Officelist.com. Look for shared office spaces worldwide at InstantOffices. Find shared office spaces in major metropolitan areas or by city and state at Search Office Space.

Select a shared office space with attractive facilities

Your shared office space 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 shared office spaces with attractive meeting and conference rooms that will impress current and future clients.

I recommend: Office Suites Plus offers professionally designed and furnished offices that can be configured for single occupancy or shared with several associates, as well as dedicated and carefully appointed meeting rooms. Regus provides fully furnished, professionally equipped offices, meeting rooms and videoconferencing studios. Offices2Share.com features professionally decorated and furnished offices with conference rooms, meeting rooms and cafes.

Lease a shared office space with professional equipment and support services

Make sure your shared office space is equipped with the infrastructure you need for business success. Shared office spaces 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 full-service office plan at Premier Business Centers includes personalized telephone answering services with voicemail, high speed T-1 internet access, information technology services and consulting, mail receipt and distribution and on-site administrative support. Corporate Suites offers personal and customizable greeting, personal and customizable voicemail, mail distribution, messenger pickups and deliveries coordination, 24-hour lobby attendant and copy and fax services. ReadyOffices.com features data and communications infrastructure and equipment like plug-and-go high speed internet access, built in LAN cabling, digital telephones, call forwarding and attendant answering.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When evaluating a shared office space, be sure to talk with your potential office space partners. Find out about their business, working hours, clients and business culture. Consider leasing shared office space with complementary businesses to increase your business contacts and exposure.
• •  Shared office space 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.