Strategy 6: Look at the Bottom Line

Whether you are considering a Home Office, Hoteling, an Executive Suite or Traditional Office space, be sure to add all of the costs before you make a comparison.

You should include:

• Rent
• Construction amortization
• Operating expenses & taxes
• Utilities
• Telephone & voice mail equipment
• PC's, a fax machine & copier
• Equipment maintenance
• Furniture & furnishings
• Secretary/Receptionist

Now multiply the monthly charges for each item by the term of the lease to calculate the total dollar commitment.

Finally, give some serious thought to administrative and secretarial support. A competent, skilled assistant can give your sales executive some serious leverage to do what he or she does best - sell!

It really doesn't make sense to have expensive salespeople typing letters, quotes and proposals, doing mailings and filing if there is someone available to do this.

On the other hand, it is time-consuming and expensive to hire a full-time or even a part-time secretary or receptionist, especially when you consider the costs of benefits.

A secretarial service, such as that offered by an executive suite can provide a happy medium.

Skilled staff are available who are not on your payroll. When you need them, you pay for the service. When you don't, you pay nothing.