Archive for the ‘Small Business Advice’ Category
February 10, 2010
It’s not hard to find predictions for the U.S. economy in today’s 24/7 media frenzy. If you look around long enough you’ll find one that predicts just about every possible scenario. One of the direst comes from Russia, where a former KGB agent is asserting our country will enter into civil war, the dollar will collapse and our nation will break into six pieces in 2010 – with Alaska reverting to Russian control! This baloney was not reported on some fringe website, but by the Wall Street Journal. The media will keep throwing darts hoping they’ll land somewhere accurate or entertaining. Meanwhile, it’s small business owners and their employees doing the heavy lifting in this economy, and we’ve got to keep our ear to the ground for valuable information.
From 1980-2005, firms less than five years old accounted for all net job growth in the country. In 2007 alone, young firms (1-5 years old) accounted for nearly two-thirds of job creation. As such a singularly vital part of the economy, we should look to each other for ideas. That’s one of the biggest benefits in a shared office environment: the day to day opportunities to exchange practical information with other small business owners, employees and burgeoning entrepreneurs. Going to work and connecting with your neighbor becomes a way to expand your understanding of your own business. Another way we can increase our individual prowess is to present an organized front to legislators. Kaufman, the foundation for entrepreneurship, is one group dedicated to doing that. They aim to organize entrepreneurs to confront fundamental issues needed to achieve an improved small business climate.
At The Suites Collection, we are researching some big new trends in our sector and examining how we can incorporate these new approaches in 2010. Change is constant in every business, and we are working hard to understand how our changes will affect us at every level – from daily operations to upper level management to the overarching marketing strategies. Even though the specifics of each business may be unique, the subjects we tackle are the same. We know we’ve got to stay nimble and find ways to do more with less. Flexibility, affordability and adaptability are the new economy key words and they are here to stay.
Posted in Small Business Advice, Starting a Business?, Why Choose Shared Offices? | Leave a Comment »
January 12, 2010
How much does something cost? It is a simple question, but have you ever been frustrated in trying to get an answer? Some businesses play games by offering promotional pricing that expires all too soon or by demanding mandatory fees for services you don’t even use. At The Suites Collection, our prices are not promotional and there are no mandatory fees. Far from it, we include a telephone and internet connection in every office. That means your monthly rent includes everything you need to get your business started tomorrow!
At Court House Executive Offices, our professional staff members run an efficient environment and handle daily operations behind the scenes. This leaves you free to concentrate on your own business. With prices ranging from $600 a month for a one person office to $2,200 a month for a team of people, we have something available for companies in any stage of growth. Our current tenants believe we offer, “convenience” and “a great business environment”, so we invite you to check out our available suites – the prices are printed online – and contact us for a tour.
Posted in Court House Executive Offices, Economic Strategies, Small Business Advice, Starting a Business? | Leave a Comment »
December 11, 2009
How do you start work each day? If you are at home, do you have a way to establish the difference between your personal and professional activities? If you work in an office, do you use a set routine to kick off each morning? Can you count on others to respect your schedule or do you sometimes get interrupted? Productivity will diminish if you don’t have a quiet, dedicated place to conduct your business. Having a distraction-free work environment is ideal. Finding the right place that allows you to work efficiently means the difference between success and failure in business (or even just good days vs. bad days).
Court House Executive Offices offers a distraction-free environment to allow you to get down to business. One of the many ways that we excel at taking care of you is by the efficient way you begin each day as our tenant. Our offices are furnished with workstations that are comfortable and convenient. Your telephone and high speed internet connection is already in place. Our experienced and helpful support staff will greet your guests, handle equipment problems and make sure there is fresh coffee every morning. We’d love to show you around our unique office atmosphere. Please schedule a visit and see how productive you can be when you spend your days surrounded by like minded business professionals at Court House Executive Offices.
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November 5, 2009
Court House Executive Offices provides private suites and meeting rooms for entrepreneurs. Our tenants enjoy shared amenities and a congenial atmosphere surrounded by like minded business professionals. Beginning today, our new blog series will examine the ways that Court House Executive Offices (“CHEO”) empowers companies to succeed in this economy - with flexibility, efficiency and affordability.
Because we are independently owned and managed, we can be flexible when responding to your specific business needs. If the time comes change your staffing, technology or space considerations, we will work with you to find the perfect solution. Joanna Greene of the Chicago Workforce Investment Council, our tenant since 2003, says, “The best part is the flexibility we have to expand our space (when business is going well) or reduce it when we need to. We also convene many meetings, so having access to all types and sizes of conference rooms has been very valuable.” Indeed, the well appointed facilities at CHEO can accommodate a wide range of meetings from personnel interviews to court depositions to training programs.
We’d like to share more with you about the benefits of bringing your business to us. Please call us at 312-994-2700 to schedule a tour today!
Posted in Conference & Meeting Facilities, Court House Executive Offices, Small Business Advice, Starting a Business? | Leave a Comment »
October 20, 2009
Even though our recent blogs on the improving economy were rightly optimistic, that doesn’t necessarily mean that small businesses are seeing more money in their bank accounts (yet). After a year of frugality and belt tightening, you are probably ready to loosen up and kiss 2009 good-bye! Show your staff and loyal clients extra appreciation during this festive season. Our vibrant city offers plenty of options to make merry without draining the bank. Dining and entertainment are probably areas where they have trimmed their personal budgets, so give them the chance to get out and have some fun.
The hospitality industry is finding creative ways to compete for your business this year. Deals abound, especially if you plan strategically. Take your team to dinner and give them a gift that is free for you by dining at any Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. They are awarding a $25 holiday Bonus certificate for every $100 in Gift Cards purchased between November 1 and December 30, 2009. Smaller venues are offering deals too. La Madia Pizzeria at 59 W. Grand is offering $25 gift certificates for every $100 spent on holiday parties booked by Nov. 15. If you have a favorite restaurant in mind, give them a call and see what deals they are offering for the holidays.
Local entertainment can also be fun and affordable. A great way to kick off the season with a small group is to attend a free caroling concert under the Bean in Millennium Park. If you are planning to provide a night out for a larger group, take a private trolley holiday lights tour for only $23 per person. Or for a treat they can use with family or friends throughout the year, give gift certificates for the Imax at Navy Pier. Any gesture will certainly be appreciated.
Finding a way for your business to help someone in need would make poignant addition to your year end celebrations. The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a worthy cause to consider during the holidays. The food distribution center is always looking for donations or volunteers. For a finishing touch, mail out greeting cards to vendors, delivery people and any one else whose work influences your business. Include a brief note of thanks for their important contribution. You can support a good cause by purchasing your cards from Chicago Lights Tutoring, whose cards are designed by participants in their tutoring program, which serves children from low-income families across Chicago.
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September 30, 2009
Today concludes the third quarter of 2009 and The Dow Jones Industrial is up 15.3% for the period, on track for its best quarterly performance since 1998. It’s fitting news for the last installment of our blog series on keeping on top of the economic wave. While the climate improves, we should keep in mind that the result of this recovery will be a new economy unlike the one we enjoyed just one year ago.
How will it be different?
1) The consumer will place more emphasis on value.
2) Labor markets will be volatile.
3) The environmental & renewable-energy sector is a powerful new force.
Given the new realities, what choices can you make to better your position in your sector? It is our business to be aware of issues facing independent and small business owners. We find that being informed about our clients’ concerns makes it easier to build long lasting relationships and gain their trust. Lately, we have taken our blog advice to heart and have delved into every area of our organization to find ways to energize new initiatives and maximize current realities. We are going through a marketing blitz, reinforcing our assets and resurrecting stalled initiatives. Our staff team goal is to not leave any stone unturned in our quest to better every area of our business. We are excited to see what comes next and are glad that the news keeps getting better!
Posted in Economic Strategies, Small Business Advice, Why Choose Shared Offices? | Leave a Comment »
September 15, 2009
Sales at U.S. retailers rose at their fastest pace in three-and-half years last month. This was the biggest monthly advance since January 2006, according to the US Commerce Department. Now that customers are opening their wallets again, smart business owners will be geared up. This is our third blog on preparing for the recovery and each week the economic news has gotten better! It’s now time to accumulate new customers as you stake your share of the expanding marketplace.
Hopefully, you’ve continued your usual advertising programs throughout the recession, but with cash flowing again a big marketing push is a smart idea. Potential customers are making decisions about where they will spend and this opportunity may be the only positive aspect of the economic slump.
There are two imperatives to selling your products and services in the new economy: presence on the internet and offering a good deal. Even if your product isn’t sold from a website, shoppers will go online to get a sense of your company and to research their decision. Make sure they can find you online and that your website gives a good impression. Then, show them you are sensitive to their wounded wallets by offering something better than they will find elsewhere. If lowering your prices or offering a temporary discount isn’t possible, convince your audience that you are giving them the best value for their hard earned money. Be sure to let them know that your price is a considered factor, because even with a recovery at hand, the hard lesson we all learned was that we may suffer in the face of excess but we will all benefit from each others’ careful spending.
Posted in Economic Strategies, Small Business Advice | Leave a Comment »
September 3, 2009
“The worst is over” according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Today’s announcement cites their appraisal that our global economy is emerging from recession more quickly than originally expected. That’s great news for small business owners who are struggling with a shrinking bottom line. It is a welcome relief to know that the economy will be growing again. Luckily, small businesses will have an advantage in this shifting climate because we are fast to adapt to change.
Our last Suites blog discussed resurrecting company initiatives and goals that had life before the stock market collapse. Once the cobwebs have been cleared out, what next?
The great thing about being a small business is the ability to be lean and mean with your operational structure and communication systems. Be sure to shore up those assets now. Show your existing customers that you appreciate them. A thank you note or a quick phone call can be all it takes to ensure their continued allegiance. Also, connect with your valued vendors and stock up on product deals while they last. Gather your key team members together and make sure they are all ready to provide good products and great service to satisfy customers. That is your goal now, just as it always has been. Though you can’t go back in time and you can’t predict the future, you can arm yourself with tools to support your efforts while you forge a new direction.
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August 26, 2009
According to the Conference Board, consumer confidence is at its highest point since the recession began. Home prices have posted their first quarterly increase in three years and even Warren Buffet writes that we are on a path to recovery. While not likely to look the same as it did before, the economy will grow again. When it does; you want to be prepared. Now is the time to abandon inertia and equip your small business for recovery.
Start by remembering your plans and goals from before the stock market collapsed. Which good ideas stalled out while you were busy putting out fires? Think through every area of your business: sales, marketing, infrastructure, technology and personnel. Many strategies will still be viable though some of them may require reworking. By reviving your awareness of those good ideas and the possibilities they contain, your confidence will catch on and encourage even more good ideas. We are working on our own preparations at The Suites Collection. During the next few weeks we will continue this series on examining the steps to recovery, so we invite you to check back and share your own experiences.
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August 19, 2009
If a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Getting caught in a bait and switch scam is frustrating, particularly for small business owners who imbue all deals with personal integrity. No one likes to be surprised by hidden fees. To protect yourself you must read all contracts carefully and know who you are doing business with.
Be alert for clues that a shady deal may be going on behind the scenes. Was the source of this vendor reliable? Already today I’ve received three unsolicited faxes offering me deals on medical plans and vacations. The numbers look great, but they are not likely to be quality arrangements. Another question to ask is who is making decisions about your deal? The farther away the executives are from the base of operations, the greater the chance that your offer is based on quotas and top down pressure, rather than transparency suitable for a beneficial relationship. Find out if they have dissatisfied customers by using Rip Off Report.
At The Suites Collection, our contracts are personalized for your company and your deal. We are a small business and one of the first independent executive office operations established in Chicago. Our longevity is reinforced by successful relationships we have with long term tenants, some of whom have been with us for over a decade. We are known for superb service because we tailor our offerings to fit the needs of our tenants. Schedule a tour of our unique office centers and get to know our team of support professionals. We are here to help you grow your business.
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