Your business premises is the heart of your empire, the hub from which the tentacles of your entrepreneurial reach extend. It’s the head of your empire – the throne room, if you will.
But just imagine a bored emperor like Julius Caesar hidden away in a closet, or Henry VIII’s throne looking no better than an upturned cardboard box. That’s no way to run an empire.
Indeed, in the modern day your head office will make an important impression on your clients. If they head into a workplace with the charm of a bin that’s been set on fire, they’ll head for the door quicker than you can say, “Missed business opportunity.”
The average workplace is, however, pretty expensive already. Rent is one of the major outgoings of any business, so how can you find a way to renovate your premises without falling into the red?
Optimise your space
Offices don’t have to be massive to enjoy a luxuriance of space. With the right kind of additional construction work you can literally double the amount of room you’ve got to play with.
An extra level to your premises should do the trick, and it’s a trick that’s easily conjured with mezzanine floors. Held up by steel girders, you can use this platform as a VIP space for clients, to hold stock or even just as a place to stretch your legs.
Most mezzanine floor constructions don’t require planning permission, but be sure to check with your local council before you build anything. After all, no one wants to have to tear down the piece de resistance of their building because of red tape.
Learn from the competition
You aren’t only trying to beat your rivals in terms of profits. When style is at a premium, you’ve got to surpass the layout and efficiency of your competitors’ workplace.
Study other businesses and see how the aesthetic of their interior design affects the mood of customers. To really get under your competitions’ skin, hire their Interior designer and get the inside track on their choices.
Knowing your competitors’ every move will always keep you one step ahead of the game.
Be smart with art
Your walls don’t have to look like The National Gallery to impress clients – but they do require a touch of class that a trip to IKEA won’t suffice.
Find corporate art that won’t rock the boat but will please the eye. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, find some old art pieces from an antique shop or auction outlet. They’ll give your workplace some personality, removing the facelessness that larger businesses suffer.
A positive reception
We’ve all waited in crumby reception areas – bored receptionists, a magazine selection from 1982 and seating that seems to have been designed by Hieronymus Bosch. They truly are descended from hell.
Don’t put your clients through that ordeal. Add a touch of class to your waiting room and business associates you meet will enter meetings with a friendly air.
