Tips to Make Your Business Move Seamless
Has your company outgrown its current location? Congratulations! Now you need to find a new space that will not only accommodate your larger operation, but also allow for future growth. Moving a business is never easy, but it’s well worth it in the end. Here are four lessons learned from Concept Technology Inc., based on our own move in November 2013.
Design matters. When we began our search for a new office space, we knew we wanted a place that would reflect our company values. We’re big on teamwork and collaboration, so our workplace had to be open and inviting. Eventually, we found the perfect space for us – one that we could customize to our exact specifications and included a large, open kitchen area where everyone could gather for meals or team meetings.
Location, location, location. Location plays a pivotal role in attracting clients and potential team members, so it’s important to consider your target markets, as well as accessibility to facilities that you will regularly use. For us, it was important to stay near downtown Nashville, and we balanced cost and functionality to find a great location in Germantown. Our strategic decision to remain near the city’s center has paid off and even helped us land a spot on Fortune’s list of the top 100 fastest-growing inner-city companies in America
Plan to scale. Your new office needs to accommodate the size of your team, but don’t underestimate your future needs. Try to envision how large your company will be ten years from your move-in date, and ask yourself: “Do I want to move again?” We doubt it. A good strategy is to invest in a large office and rent out the portion you don’t immediately need until your company can fill the space.
Do some spring cleaning. Take the opportunity to purge your office of unnecessary items. With less to move, the process will be cheaper and quicker. You can donate old equipment to charitable organizations, and the value can be deducted from your taxes. The office isn’t the only place you should clean out. Before you fire up a new server, consider consolidating or deleting old documents on your hard drive. It will make organization easier once you’re up and running.
Growing pains aren’t pleasant, but you’re bound to experience them, especially as your business becomes more profitable. The best thing to do is embrace the change and look forward to what’s ahead. Take the time to ask yourself the right questions, and with a little planning and creativity, a move could be one of the best business decisions you ever make.
