One of the biggest steps you can take when starting up a small business is making the decision to find office space. Finding office space is in itself quite a task … but what happens when you decide on the space that seems right for you? Well, before you get to that point there are some things you should know. And if you’re gravitating over whether or not to lease office space, buy, or not take the plunge at all, know that your goals are more attainable than you might think. You just have go into your search … and later negotiations … knowing what you want, and what you want it for.
Worried About Leasing? Starting Up A Business Actually Helps.
One of the things that makes people caution about looking to lease office space is the money involved. Working on a small business from home is one thing; actually starting up a small business, according to a 2009 estimate from the Kauffman Institute, costs $30,000. In the long term, this is actually a fairly manageable number, and office space leasing can actually save you even more money. Most importantly, you have to remember that many, though not all startup costs are tax deductible … by up to $5,000 in the first year.
Leasing Gives You More Freedom Than You’d Think.
Another thing that concerns people about the decision to lease office space rather than buying is the negotiations and landlord obligations that come with renting. One thing you’ll find that you need as a new small business owner is flexibility, and office spaces for rent allow that in a way that buying doesn’t. Office space “landlords” tend to be more flexible than those working with residential real estate; if your wish is to have space for one year or ten, you have a very good chance of getting what you want. Furthermore, if your business plans should change or … unfortunately … fail, you have the option of getting out of a lease, while ownership is permanent until you sell.
Professional Office Space Isn’t Just About Your Wants.
According to an international study, office design … broken down into the factors of special arrangement, furniture, noise, lighting, and temperature … directly affects employee performance. When considering factors like location and design … as well as whether or not your office space comes furnished … know that your employees are arguably more affected than you are. What affects you is how well they perform.
Leasing office space is, again, a big step. But it’s a good step to take, and signing that contract should be seen as a positive. It’s one more move towards legitimizing you as a small business owner, and making your dreams a reality.
