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Holly Ocasio Rizzo

Guide to Business Center and Executive Office Suites

These work spaces are in move-in condition. But don't over-order services.

By Holly Ocasio Rizzo, Writer and editor, Holly Ocasio Rizzo

When you want office services and a professional appearance for your business, there's no place like a business center or executive office suite. These locations typically share amenities such as lobby reception, lunch rooms, meeting rooms and T1 lines as part of a multi-year agreement to lease office space. Moreover, you can lease today and be up and running tomorrow. Here are keys to making such an arrangement work for your business:
  1. Know how much space you need before you look for an office. Lease terms typically range from three to five years, and you don't want to be caught short of space if you grow.
  2. Determine which services and amenities are most important to you. The fewer you need, the more leeway you will have to negotiate the price of the lease. Business centers typical offer fewer amenities than do executive suites.
  3. Closely examine the lease, and get legal help if necessary. Ask questions of the owner and yourself: Are cleaning, maintenance and insurance included? Is there enough on-site parking? Are there extra charges for phone calls through the building's switchboard, faxing, Internet access and clerical support? If the heating/cooling system goes out, does the building owner have provisions to fix it quickly?

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


Seek expert advice

Negotiating an office lease can be much trickier than renting an apartment, because services, fees and even the method of determining monthly costs varies among building owners. Another business owner who has been there and done that can help.
I recommend: Volunteer counselors with the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) offer practical insight on leases. You can also get a property lease checklist from Commerce Clearing House (CCH) Business Owner's Toolkit.

Shop for the package you want

Business centers and executive suites typically bundle the services they offer. Know what you can't do business without before you begin office-hunting.
I recommend: The Regus Group and Synergy Workplaces own and manage office suites nationwide. At Free Office Search, Worktopia and Search Office Space, you can search listings of offices from coast to coast.

If you need an office presence without the space

A virtual office provides a business address; mail collection, fax and answering services; and meeting rooms for home-based, mobile and small businesses not requiring actual office space. Additional services include scheduling, order taking and call routing – as if you were there.
I recommend: Try DaVinci Virtual Offices or The Regus Group

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Costs per month may be based on how many people will work in your office space or on square footage to accommodate a certain number of workstations. The rule of thumb is 175-250 square feet of space per person.
  • Premium offices may offer IT infrastructure, videoconferencing and other technology services.
  • To downplay the presence of other companies in the building, owners may restrict tenants' signage.
  • You can reduce your costs by sharing space with another business.
  • If you anticipate going through business changes, take a shorter lease.
Office Space $353
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SearchOfficeSpace.com
Office Space Services
Ready-To-Move-In Furnished Offices. Internet, Phones, Receptionist, Meeting Room. Short or Long Term Leases. Several Locations Available.
View Listings | Move In Tomorrow | Call Us Toll Free | FAQs
OfficeList.com
Commercial Real Estate Services
Find commercial real estate with Instant Offices, including executive suites and office space rentals. View all online with our free virtual tours.
Search | Company Info | FAQ | Contact Us
www.InstantOffices.com
Office Space Services
Furnished offices in FL, GA, IN, KY, NC, OH, and TN with telephone answering services, high-speed Internet, meeting rooms & virtual office programs.
www.officesuitesplus.com

Recommended Solution Providers

Offices 4 Lease: Business Center and Executive Offices
Leases office space for executive offices and business centers around the world.

Alliance Business Centers: Business Center Services
Offers executive offices and business center services.

Office Suites Plus: Business Center Services
Provides business center and executive office space.

World-Wide Business Centers Network: Executive Suites and Business Centers
Provides business center and executive office space in locations around the US and the world.

Esuite: Business Center and Executive Suites
Locate business centers and executive suites.

Regus: Executive Offices
Provides professional, fully equipped office space for rent.

Best Sites to Learn More

Office Business Center (OBC): Association
Resources for business centers and executive suites.

Alliance Business Centers: Business Center Benefits
Offers an explanation why business centers are beneficial.



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