Office Space Full of Opportunity

One of the incredible things that sets the Downtown Business Centre apart from other co-share spaces are the networking opportunities that arise from basing your business out of a building that provides such a community atmosphere. We pride ourselves on being the framework that provides support, structure, and a home for our local, growing businesses. If you’re thinking of coming to join our happy family, here are a few reasons why moving into the Downtown Business Centre is beneficial to your business.

The benefits of having so many like-minded businesses under one roof are endless. From tenants giving each other client referrals by the water cooler, to having someone walk down the hall and spot the signage on your door, to having the same style business pass on clients that they’re too busy to take on at the minute to a DBC colleague... the networking opportunities go on and on.

Or, similarly, having the chance to spread the word of your business with complementary businesses. For example, the Midwifery tells their clients about the RMT in the building that specializes in pre-natal massages, and the RMT passes their clients on to the acupuncturist down the hall. Growing your business client by client couldn’t be easier anywhere else than here at the Downtown Business Centre.

There is also the wonderful opportunity of simply getting to know the people in your building. Once a month, the DBC hosts an office lunch – usually pizza – for the entire building. Those who are able to attend get the chance to chat and mingle with each other, and see what each business is all about! The lunch is by donation, and the proceeds go towards a different charity each month. Beneficial for both you, your business, and the community!

To hear about more of the benefits of having an office here at the Downtown Business Centre, contact us by phone or email.

Holiday Lull - Use The Time Wisely!

It's that time of year when the focus changes from the structured day to day to the Holiday Season and the New Year! Unless your in a Retail Business that is directly affected by the holiday retail rush your probably seeing a bit of slow down as we wind up the year.

It is nice to be able to come up for air after a really economically interesting 2016. But during this lull, while the focus is on the festivities and even booked holidays, it is a great time to re focus yourself and take a good look at things within your own business that need adjusting. It's a great time of year to look at whats working or not working, where perhaps there is more potential for growth and of course its a great time to freshen up your brand.

So while the office slows a bit, make a plan to:

Look at your numbers for the year.
Spend some time looking at work flow and how you could improve on it.
Check out some new automation and project management programs you can implement into your infrastructure to better serve your clients and your bottom line.
Tidy up your communication or perhaps find better ways to reach potential clients
Take a look a your online presence, including web and social platforms. Creep your competitions pages and see what they are up to.
Swing by - your clients are probably finding themselves with a bit of available time on their hands. Stop by for a social call, let them know you appreciate their business and perhaps even drop off a token of your appreciation.

Lastly...

take some time for yourself. It has been a crazy hectic year and a little time spent enjoying the season and relaxing is time well spent. It will allow you to feel refreshed and come back to 2017 refocused and ready to reach your 2017 goals!

Happy Holidays!

3 Tips For Creating A Productive Office Space

It is so important to productivity to design a space that is functional and sets the tone of your work environment. No matter how big or small your space we have 3 tips for creating the most productive space possible to help you get through the day.

Keep things light.

First off, one of the best things that you can do for yourself, your employees, your clients, and your business is to ensure that your office has as much light as possible. Natural light, in particular, can be the most important decorative feature of your space. Natural light has proven to allow for increased productivity and levels of focus as it enables us to see details more clearly. Furthermore, natural light keeps us awake and focused as it is known to have a decrease in headaches and eye strain, as artificial light or dimness often provides. However, if no natural light is available in your space, try opting for lamps and lighting that emits a warmer glow. This way, the sharpness of typical, florescent lights doesn’t give off that harsh vibe in the environment that you’re trying to make appear welcoming. Avoid dark and dim offices unless you are attempting to create such an atmosphere, as a counselor may. Other than that, light it up!

natural light for the office — CCR Events Green Initiatives shows off their natural light solutions in this office.

Invest in updated furniture.

We know you love that old, creaky, spindly office chair that you’ve had since you started your business ten years ago; however, that rickety piece of furniture behind that outdated desk may give off the wrong impression to your clients. Invest in some new furniture! Not only will some modern updates give off a fresh feel to your office, your employees will thank you for the positive change. Keep it comfy, stylish, and presentable.

modern office space — We found this modern office on Houzz.com

Tidy up!

Nothing gives off a bad vibe to a client like walking into an office for a meeting that is an absolute mess. Papers strewn all over desks, coats hanging haphazardly off the backs of chairs, and dying plants over in the corner – doesn’t make the best impression, does it? Keep things clean and tidy! Make it a habit to vacuum your space once of twice a week, and wipe your desk down at the end of every day. Furthermore, invest in a filing cabinet or two. A disorganized office can lead to the impression of a disorganized business, which does not reflect well on the potential client! Straighten things up, and you’ll see a much more productive and successful working space.

Anchor Your Business

Drop that anchor and show the market place you mean business.

Lets be clear, "working from home" and "running a business from home" are two very different things. Working from home is a option that some employers offer their employees. Running a business from your home is a completely different idea and must be handled with care.

Running a business from your home sounds great in theory; you can write the space off at tax time along with a portion of your utilities, you don't have to pay rent - or at least formally. With that comes an endless supply of distractions: dogs, kids, door bell, home phone, along with a few other temptations; I think Ill just go make a sandwich, or I should flip that laundry. For the very disciplined the later can be tamed for the most part. For those easily distracted, those little moments that you cut out of your day can become a big productivity sucker which can spiral as you become frustrated with the workload and lack of concentration.

One of the biggest concerns about running your business out of your home is the perception of not being 100% committed. People seeking your services or products may instantly have a preconceived notion that your not 100% committed to your business and that you can pull up anchor at any moment and just sail away. It's a genuine prejudice, as many businesses start out in basements or back bedroom offices just to test the waters. Those testing the waters often find that their business model doesn't float and no harm no fowl, they just stop operating out of their home. Businesses that are not going to make it fail within the first two years. With many reasons for a failed business; like a poor business model, unable to create systems, lack of preparation, etc. you can see why some opt to start their business at home, but often that is part of the problem and not the solution.

Be an individual, just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean you should. A tangible commitment to proper office / business space can give you much needed incentive to succeed along with a competitive edge. It also shows your potential customer that you have committed to your business by having a space designated to do business. Nothing says "I'm not doing well enough to make a financial commitment to my company" like a home office. Or at least that is how it is often perceived by potential clients.

If you have done your market research, know you strengths and have defined your weaknesses (so that you can fill them), have a niche place in the market that makes sense to consumers and you believe in your business, don't make the mistake of not investing in space. If your confident, know your business model is sound, then don't cut the one corner that could help solidify your success.

Lastly, the work from home office trend has since begun to fizzle. Business has not moved into the residential suburbs of small town anywhere. If your running your business from the basement, who are you engaging with? Who are you running into at random (other than the cat) that could be a potential lead to your biggest client? It is a chain reaction that happens everyday in the business word. Engaging with other like minded people can grow your business in ways that may be missed if your not there to engage. Alan Gregerman, a business consultant and author of the book, The Necessity of Strangers, says "we can be most successful when we connect with more people.” There’s “a lot that’s cool about collaboration”

So if you have a strong business model, have done your homework and are confident in your success, show the market place you are committed to your business. Its time to drop anchor, find a space that shows your potential clients, customers and network referrals that you mean to do business and be in business for the long haul.