I mostly focus on Web site development topics on this blog, but I’ll take a break from that this post so I can solicit some advice from the Internet community about an important business decision.
Our lease is up in December, and I’m considering whether to move offices. In case you’ve never been, we’re in an office just across the freeway from the core of downtown Bellevue. The office is fine. It meets our needs, which narrowly defined, are a space to fit our staff (4 people, with room for two more should we need the space). It has two private offices so I and my project manager can speak on the phone without disturbing others. There’s a conference room, but it is in another building and impractical to use.
The building’s location is good — just off the freeway. Appearance wise, it doesn’t make the best impression. There is no elevator to our 2nd story office and the entrance is outside. We have clients by our office once or twice a month.
I’m looking at moving our office to a higher-rise building that makes a better first impression. I’m looking in downtown Bellevue. Rents are a lot more expensive, but perhaps the office’s location and appearance might attract more clients. What do you think? Should we stay or go?
#1 by Rochel on June 30, 2011 - 7:39 am
I would think that the outside appearance is a lot less important than what’s inside. A cool modern techie decor might be fun. If you’re worried about the conference room thing, when you need one, you can always offer your customers that you’ll go to them (honestly, I would think it was a huge perk that my web guys came to me and I didn’t have to leave work.)
#2 by Taya Countryman on August 22, 2011 - 4:23 pm
If you need to meet with us, come to our office. I really did not like your office but liked when you came to mine. If your office looked good I would worry that I was paying for your office not your talent
#3 by Susan Johnson on October 24, 2011 - 11:38 am
All that really matters is providing a great work environment for yourself and staff to create excellent products, at a cost that pays for highly skilled people as opposed to high-end space.