You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again: location, location, location. It’s a huge determining factor in just how successful a small business will end up being. So how do you go about finding the perfect location for your small business? How do you get into this elusive situation of being in the best location possible? Read on for more details.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled
Things always seem to disappear when you most need them. Don’t wait until the last minute to start shopping around for locations. Start doing that months before your small business loan has even been approved. This is so that when your loan does get approved, you’ll already have several possibilities on your lease. When you see a “for lease” sign in a prime location, make a phone call and find out what they’re asking. If it’s affordable for you, keep it on your radar.
Get Some Help
If the real estate scene in your city is complicated to navigate, it may be better to hire a professional. Get the help of a real estate agent or broker to show you some places that may be suitable for your small business. Let them know the parameters that you’re setting in terms of price, space, and location, and let them do the work! You may find some places this way that you had no idea existed before.
Don’t Settle
Don’t settle for a place you don’t love. After all, you’re going to be spending a lot of time here, and if you find the place dark and drab, or if it has a funky smell, you won’t be able to focus well on the premises. This is another benefit of starting early: you have plenty of time to find the best space for your business, rather than rushing to find a place and being forced to settle for something less than ideal.
Hire a Feng Shui Expert
The design and layout of a space can really affect people’s mindset in profound ways. Before making that final choice to move in, hire a feng shui expert who can go over the place with you and let you know what might need changing. Maybe there’s not enough natural light coming in on one side of the building, or there’s a draft coming through that will distract your employees. A feng shui expert will give you peace of mind that the place you’re choosing is indeed a good one – just maybe with a few adjustments.
Finding the best location is such a crucial step toward becoming a small business owner.