Flexible office space is a smart alternative to traditional office space leases. Flexible office spaces offer great advantages like all-inclusive monthly lease prices and adaptable work spaces that grow with your business. Flexible office spaces are particularly appealing to start-up companies, entrepreneurs and small business professionals.

Flexible office spaces usually come fully equipped and furnished for quick and easy setup for busy business professionals. Flexible office space facilities typically provide mail, telephone and internet services and some even offer shared support staff services.

To find the best deal on flexible office spaces, take the time to compare facilities. Pay close attention to the following:

1. Is the flexible office space in a location convenient for you, your staff and your clients? Is the office easy to find and accessible by major roads and highways?

2. What kind of facilities and amenities are offered with the flexible office space? Is the space fully furnished? Does it project a professional image?

3. What support services are included in the flexible office space? Does the office space include telephones, voice mail and internet connection? Do you have access to clerical support?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a conveniently located flexible office space

Location is important, especially if you plan to meet current and prospective clients at your office. If you are an expanding business, be sure to consider the office location from an employee's commuting perspective. Look for a flexible office space located in a safe and attractive neighborhood with well-kept grounds and adequate parking.

I recommend: Look for flexible office space in more than 550 domestic and international markets at OfficeFinder. Search for offices with flexible lease terms by city, state and zip code or by major metropolitan area at OfficeList.com. Find flexible office spaces by country and city, or utilize quicklinks to locate office spaces in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia and Canada, at Instant Offices.

Select a flexible office space with attractive facilities

Your flexible office space should project an image of success. Evaluate the quality of the furniture, appearance of the office and lobby areas and overall cleanliness of the building. Seek flexible office spaces with attractive meeting and conference rooms that will impress current and future clients.

I recommend: Search Office Space offers flexible office space with ready to go wired and installed desks and workstations. Salyers Group provides fully furnished turnkey office spaces in a premier ZIP code.

Lease a flexible office space with professional equipment and support services

Make sure your flexible office space is equipped with the infrastructure you need for business success. Flexible office spaces should include standard business equipment like telephones, fax machines, copiers and high-speed internet access. Look for value-added services like receptionists, clerical support, mail services, personalized telephone answering services and videoconferencing capabilities.

I recommend: Regus provides an on-site receptionist to answer calls and greet clients, as well as printing and scanning services. BusinesSuites offers a variety of administrative support services available on a pay-per-use basis, so you only pay for the services you really need.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When evaluating a flexible office space, be sure to talk with your potential office space partners and building tenants. Find out about their business, working hours, clients and business culture. Consider leasing flexible office space near complementary businesses to increase your business contacts and exposure.
• •  Flexible office space leases are typically six to 12 months, with some facilities offering three-month lease options. Be sure a lawyer who specializes in office and sub-leases reviews your lease contract before you sign any paperwork.