Even with the changing landscape surrounding the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), businesses still need to move. If you are in the middle of a corporate move, there are effective ways to continue your office space search while remaining healthy and safe. Here are some tips for those who are working with commercial real estate brokers to find new office space without leaving your home.
Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Event to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business.
During February’s Executives Luncheon, attendees were prompted with the question: “How does your firm find new opportunities?”
Here are a few of the lessons shared in response:
QSR w/Drive-Thru Opportunity – Immediate Occupancy/New Construction
2,045 Square Feet
737 Square Feet Shared Restrooms
7-Eleven Convenience Store
Mobil Gas Station
11601 West Touhy Ave, Building 840
Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Event to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business.
During January’s Executives Luncheon, attendees were prompted with the question: “How do you get it all done? What advice or tips do you have for staying ahead of the game?”
Here are a few of the lessons shared in response:
Who you know can be more important than how many people you know. Upgrade your networking efforts by taking the time to meet people you believe can be helpful to you and then do what you can to be helpful to them. Take a listen for more tips on finding the right networking partner.
Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Event to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business.
During December’s Executives Bruncheon, attendees were prompted with the question: “What trends are you seeing in your industry?”
Here are a few of the lessons shared in response:
Place priority on networking with referral sources. While it may seem that networking with potential clients should be at the very top of your to-do list, networking with steady referral sources can bring you a lot more business in the end. Here’s how to make connections and network like a pro when it comes to referral sources.
When building your office floor plan, it’s always better to have more room than not enough space. Packing people into an office lowers employee satisfaction and can lead to a counterproductive work environment, which may negate any money you save in rent. By offering your staff more free space and a comfortable office, not only will you leave room for growth, but morale will maintain a healthy level, leading to a happier and more efficient business.
It was a pleasure to have our very own Bill and Diana Himmelstein on Graduated Entrepreneur, a podcast all about being a small business owner. To learn more about how Bill and Diana navigate being in business as a married couple to the entrepreneurial skills they’re teaching their children, listen to the full episode below!
When searching for the most suitable office for your company, it’s important to consider the building class type. While the class type is often overlooked by tenants, it is actually an important factor to determine and compare one building’s price to another.
Office buildings are classified into three categories (A, B and C). The class can be determined by age, amenities, technology capabilities, quality of HVAC systems, landscaping and how well the building has been maintained.
Class A
These buildings are considered the highest quality available and state of the art. This is due to their modern architecture, sound infrastructure, well functioning HVAC system, professional management, tighter security and altogether well manicured appearance. Generally, these buildings will be under 10 years old. Thus, a Class A building or office space will be the most expensive.
Class B
These buildings are still high quality, but may be a little out-dated. The average age will be between 10 and 20 years. Even in this case many tenants and/or landlords find these buildings to be a good investment. The technology capabilities may not be best in class, but typically will suffice. Security may or may not be on staff and typically it is not required to check in, in order to reach the space. While the amenities of Class B spaces rank average, with some facade work, a bit of interior redesign, along with an upgrade in management these buildings and spaces have the potential to be converted to a Class A status.
Class C
This class varies depending upon location (city, suburb, town, etc). These buildings are generally 20 years old at minimum. Some may be well kept, however, normally these buildings will lack many modern amenities. Technology will be lower quality and the HVAC system may not function well. In addition, this could include old elevators and mechanical systems, moderately run-down parking lots, and out-of-date furnishings. These buildings will not have security staff or food available on the premises.
As you’re shopping around for a new space, make sure to factor class type into your search. The more you know about a building, its age and amenities, the more equipped you’ll be to make an informed decision before signing a lease.
