AdvantEdge Workspaces Blog

Being self-employed comes with a plethora of benefits and challenges. It is a unique work situation that not many people understand. Working for yourself is incredibly rewarding- whether you’ve been doing it for years or are just starting out, a shared workspace has the solutions you need for success. 

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but not everyone can leave their office worry-free. While we all wish to leave our work at the office, the holiday season poses a challenge to companies, and especially small business owners, everywhere: how can I leave work for a week and keep the business going? Employees are checked out, all the attention is on what festive treats are in the lounge, and holiday obligations compete for our time. It can be exhausting trying to think about how to keep things afloat without seeming like the Grinch.

Amenities provided by a shared workspace are the simplest way to navigate time off around the holidays. Whether you are already in a great workspace or are looking to make adjustments for the future, this time of the year is the most wonderful in a shared workspace.

First impressions are not everything, but they can make a huge difference in the workplace. Ensuring your personal presence and physical space send the right message to others can be the first step in building successful partnerships and growing your business. Here are a few extra tips and tricks for wowing guests, colleagues, and clients at the office: 

First impressions are crucial to our business and personal relationships! Your client’s impression of your company forms the moment they arrive at your office before you even have a chance to shake their hand or hand them a business card. Details such as the neighborhood in which your business is located, the aesthetic and architecture of the building, and the staff experience can all be directly connected to earning new clients and bolstering existing business relationships.

Working from home has lots of perks: getting to stay in your sweatpants, more time with pets, no need to pack lunch, and the list goes on! However, there are some very practical elements of working in an office that get lost in the shuffle when you work from home. Is your wifi secure? Do you need to give out your personal address to vendors and clients? While a home office can be a dream, it can also lead to security concerns and logistical challenges. If you are not looking to head back into an office anytime soon, read on to learn how to secure your home workspace and keep work (and yourself) safe.

When thinking about safety, you must not leave out tech security. Invest in a secure home internet system. Ensure you have two-factor authentication on devices and a strong password on your home networks. Back up your devices regularly, and perform routine security updates. Being diligent about the technology in your office can help avoid a catastrophe further down the road.

If you hesitate to give away your address to others, worry about packages being stolen, or keep mixing up important documents with holiday cards, then it is time to consider a different mail solution. A professional business mailing address helps keep a divide between work and personal life. At AdvantEdge Workspaces, you get more than just a safe space for mail and package collection. Here, client services coordinators date-stamp and file mail, sign for items, and send notifications. You can even select to have pieces forwarded or have someone scan time-sensitive documents directly to your inbox on a busy day.

A mailing address also provides credibility to your business. It connects your work to an established workspace location, protecting your privacy while adding an extra layer of professionalism.

Home offices are great, but sometimes you may miss the amenities of a larger office. Reception, for example, is an important service for many businesses. Just because you work from home, does not mean that you cannot outsource help from a shared workspace. Phone answering services are available to you even if you do not have a physical office location. With a dedicated phone line, a professional can answer your calls with a customized message. State-of-the-art technology enables them to relay messages and field inquiries, all while maintaining a high degree of efficiency and personalization.

In a home office, you will want to keep the right items on hand. Invest in a separate work laptop and phone (if needed). Ensure your devices are free of less-secure personal information. Put a lock on your door or use a safe if you live with roommates. If you are not sure about your security, hire a professional to audit your workspace and make recommendations that are the right fit for your business.

Working from home is not going anywhere. An investment in safety and security is an investment in your future. With the right support services, you can sit down in your home office worry-free.