AdvantEdge Workspaces Blog

At this point, you’ve probably heard a lot about coworking. From seeing sleek photos online to friends posting about the latest cool coworking space event... admit it, you’ve probably thought about making the switch yourself. Using a shared workspace is more than just open layouts or community events. It is about your space helping you reach your fullest potential. If you're on the fence about ditching your cubicle, here are four facts about coworking to help you realize that anyone can make the switch!

Day in and day out, many people dread their commutes. From sitting in gridlock traffic to crowded metro cars, getting to work is often one's least favorite part of the day- and sometimes the most frustrating. Biking to work is an overlooked solution to an annoying commute. It can be daunting at first, but once you have a route, gear, and a plan you’ll be surprised by how much this one change can transform your work days. Bike to Work Day is May 18th, so it’s a perfect chance put down your keys or metro card and try something new! This day isn't just about taking your bike to work- it's a celebration! Check out local events to see how you can get involved (there may even be free food and t-shirts along the way). Still not convinced? Here are three reasons why you need to consider participating in this year’s Bike to Work Day.

It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of large workspaces. Sure, it may seem beneficial to be part of a community of hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people in a huge building with desks as far as the eye can see. It’s natural to think big- with our business, goals, and dreams. But sometimes it is good to think small. Yes, you heard us right. Thinking small can actually help you with those big goals. A good place to start is with your workspace, where a smaller space can lead to a larger amount of support and help for your business!

No two businesses are alike- so why should offices be the same? A workspace should be reflective of the business in it. A unique space can take a business to the next level. Everyone has seen typical “cookie cutter” offices that rarely reflect the work style or atmosphere of the business in the space.

There are many different types of workspaces to fit one’s needs, but determining the best fit for your business can be overwhelming. We have gathered the essential facts- now it is your turn to see which of the five workspace profiles fits you the best!

A good office space is like a good employee: no hidden strings, no excuses, and ready to start working for you immediately. Shell space, in the world of workplaces, can seem similar to the employee who trumped up their resume. Unfurnished and unfinished, shell space takes on all the responsibility without any of the qualifications; often leaving you on the hook for more work than expected.

For nearly half a century companies have been learning about the numerous advantages business centers have over traditional office spaces. Encouraged by low overhead, networking opportunities and flexible terms, crafty business owners everywhere are joining the co-working movement.

For early-stage companies reliant on outside funding, the massive up-front costs of acquiring your own office space can prove a seemingly unsustainable burden. When trying to exercise as much financial prudence as possible, the last thing you want to do is take on a long-term liability, but with a traditional lease, you’re left with little choice. Your company has to work somewhere, but how can you manage cash flows appropriately while still getting the environment you need? Shared office space can prove the perfect solution for startups, keeping costs low over time, and even lower up front.

Not every phone answering service is created equal, and while you might find the time savings and the professional feel of live reception appealing, often times a lack of customization and personal attention can be its downfall. With AdvantEdge, your services are always customizable, our staff truly gets to know your company, and for most of our plans, these services are already included! Here are some reasons to look into an answering service for your company, and what about our service sets us apart.

Expanding your network can have obvious personal and professional benefits. The expansion of social media and the widening of the app landscape have made coming together to enhance your connections easier than ever before. At the intersection of physical space and networking technology is coworking, which as a movement has helped bring diverse professionals together to work in an atmosphere that encourages the sharing of ideas. By widening your potential networking pool to goal-achieving and driven entrepreneurs and business owners- doors are opened for everything from collaboration, to inspiration.

While we have seemingly endless apps and websites available to use as a resource for just about anything, with so many resources at our disposal, a task like finding office space can quickly become quite daunting. Because physical office space is such a large expense, educating yourself as much as possible and starting early are vitally important. Not only do you need to determine the needs of your business at present, but you also have to consider its future. AdvantEdge can help assist along the way and ensure you make the best decision for both your company and your employees.

When it comes to determining the office space needs of your business, it’s most important to stay realistic. Try not to over- or underestimate - your business’s future capacity by allowing yourself enough time to evaluate the needs of your employees, your future business plans, and by doing your research thoroughly. Once you’ve nailed down the roadmap of your business plan, a good place to turn to amidst your search are the tried and true resource of real estate brokers. While you can search for space on any site or app, brokers understand the current conditions of the real estate market for your city and can help you make better informed choices about a building or market than you would be able to on your own. This is particularly helpful if you’re trying to set up an office in an area that you may be unfamiliar with. Online reviews and social media, when mixed in with expert opinions from your broker, are also good resources for getting the feel of a space. These tools can provide insight into the quality of the customer service you would receive, building amenities, and current tenant satisfaction.