Managed office space is a smart alternative to traditional office space leases. Managed office spaces offer great advantages like all-inclusive monthly lease prices, building maintenance and basic administrative support. Managed office spaces are particularly appealing to start-up companies, entrepreneurs and small business professionals who lack capital for permanent office space, equipment and furniture.

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

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

1. Is the managed 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 managed office space? Is the space fully furnished? Does it project a professional image?

3. What support services are included in the managed 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 managed 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 managed office space located in a safe and attractive neighborhood with well-kept grounds and adequate parking.

I recommend: Search for managed office space in more than 550 markets at OfficeFinder. Find managed office space by city, state or zip code at OfficeList.com. Search for managed office spaces in major cities worldwide, including New York, London and Hong Kong, at OfficeBroker.com.

Select a managed office space with attractive facilities

Your managed 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 managed office spaces with attractive meeting and conference rooms that will impress current and future clients.

I recommend: Premier Business Centers offers furnished or unfurnished offices and mini suites, conference rooms and fully equipped kitchens in their managed office space centers. Grace Corporate Park provides workspaces with all necessary office furnishings like furniture, faxing, printing, copying and utilities. Melbourne Tower features an online photo gallery of interior and exterior office spaces.

Lease a managed office space with professional equipment and support services

Make sure your managed office space is equipped with the infrastructure you need for business success. Managed 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: Intelligent Office offers trained support staff to assist with travel arrangements, presentations or special projects on a pay-as-you-go basis. Alliance Business Centers features a variety of workplace support solutions, like receptionist and administrative services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When evaluating a managed 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 managed office space near complementary businesses to increase your business contacts and exposure.
• •  Managed 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.