The Evolution of Our Work Space

If you are old enough to have owned a home-based business before the 1990’s, you can relate to all the different scenarios of its operation, a converted extra bedroom, a desk in the kitchen, a workstation in the garage, just to name a few. Actually, those scenes are still probably pretty common, with many of us sitting at our desk in front of our personal computer for most of our work week. Even though we are based at home, we can take advantage of moving to the kitchen counter or the family room with our laptop or tablet. The real home office can now mean the whole house, unless you are smart enough to close the door to the “executive office,” at least sometimes, so you can have a break.

Moving out of the house

If your “shared office space” means sharing with a bedroom or even what seems to resemble a day care center, it can present a problem when professionalism is crucial.  Fortunately, about the same time we started acquiring cell phones and laptops, we also welcomed back coffee shops in a way never seen before. Who would have ever imagined we would be sitting in a living room setting with our own personal phone and hook up to cyberspace as we work with a client who joins us, or even another entrepreneur we meet. This coffee shop office environment takes on new meaning in many areas where the selling of coffee is worked around a bigger purpose for the location, which is to provide the perfect setting for those running their own business. Hence, the home office becomes the coffee shop office. A good example of this can be seen with Starbucks strategy called “third place marketing.” They want to be the third place in your life after home and office, and they certainly contribute to the coffee shop office idea with that strategy.

Moving beyond

Whether you work in your home, a coffee shop, or even your car most of the time, one thing is certain; maintaining a business presence with the outside world is important. That professional presence is easy if you move into the world of the virtual office, and you don’t need to rent a moving van. Visualize your business having all its needs met while you are still enjoying the atmosphere of home, or any other favorite place. Global Business Centers is the perfect solution if you want to appear fully staffed without having the hassle and overhead of any employees. Totally different than needing to sign a lease to use services or space, a virtual office provides all the services, and even a physical location when needed. That means you get to pick and choose, within your budget, what will make your business prosper, such as virtual office suites, a live receptionist, temporary office space and even mailroom services. You can “pretend” you are wherever you want to be. Your business will look professional even as you sit by the pool or stand at the kitchen counter making cookies with your kids.

What’s next?

Each decade brings bigger and better concepts to help us all become more flexible with our lives. Although it is easy to think it could not get any more advanced, that we have the full answer or solution, be prepared! The virtual office may compliment both the home office and the coffee shop office, but it is highly likely that something in our future will trump it all!

Danny

Jump In Anytime! There’s Always Room

Are you that person who just cannot see yourself working for someone else, at least not long term? Many of us feel too darn independent – and perhaps passionate as well – to envision ourselves not being the one who calls the shots. It was not that long ago that starting a home-based business was a bit risky; the employee route seemed the safer bet. Then came the internet and all things mobile. Now, starting a business, whether on the side at first, or with full speed ahead, has been made a lot simpler, thanks to all the resources at our fingertips.

The spark behind it

A good indication of your future success as an entrepreneur is easily spotted if you can demonstrate any of the following:

·       A unique idea that you see would fill a void for many

·       The ability to perform a service that is in demand

·       A strong passion for products or services available from an established company that offers an opportunity to be a distributor or agent

·       A burning desire to be your own boss no matter what

If you are reading this, you probably see one or more of those characteristics in yourself. However, keep in mind that not everyone does. Many would rather work for someone else and skip the responsibilities and the rewards. Fortunately, both the faithful employees and the fellow entrepreneurs comprise your potential customer list.

The groundwork

A large percentage of home-based businesses make things very easy to start up. If you decide to work as an independent contractor or distributor for an already existing company, you may not have to research anymore than what it takes to make sure they are reputable. They have already handled most of the groundwork. If your venture is totally stand alone, make sure you thoroughly check out all the rules governing licenses, taxation and name procurement. These can vary depending on your location. It is also a good idea to determine what kind of facilities are needed, such as an occasional executive office or phone answering services. Even though your business is home-based, you want to maintain a professional appearance.

What to expect

The aforementioned part about “responsibilities” comes before its counterpart, “rewards.” Having your own home-based business does not mean you have no boss. You will probably be the most demanding boss ever, which is the way it is suppose to play out. Be prepared to work harder and longer if you want to succeed. Find a mentor, someone who has already been through it, to give you support when you hit any challenges.

All those amazing resources

Some home based endeavors only need a laptop and cell phone, but for those that are more elaborate, there are so many options to make your daily operations streamlined. Global Business Centers offers a way for you to focus on what you do best as they virtually step in to be your telephone answering service, or even to supply a live receptionist. Need shared office space or a Beverly Hills address complete with a mailroom? Wherever you are and whatever you need – there really is no limit. What a great way to save on overhead, you get to pick and choose based on your personal needs.

The real R & R

There has never been a better time to start your own business. In today’s arena, it might be more secure than many jobs. Responsibilities and rewards are the best R & R. Taking the responsibility at the beginning is what makes the rewards even better.

Danny