23 Years Old - Getting an Office - General Advice?

[gmarch25]

Hey guys,

Long story short, I spent about 4-5 months of researching and I found a niche that I concluded from my research that was completely untapped. I decided to throw up a website and see if anyone would contact me. The site has been active for about 6 weeks and I have received 8 serious inquiries through just organic search results. I have advertised no where.

The minimum I can make off one transaction is $3400 Revenue, about $1200 profit.


Well here's the thing....Today a huge company in the USA contacted me....

If I can close this deal I would make a ton of money.

Signing this deal could easily make me about 20-30k in profit for about a months work. By the way this has nothing to do with SEO or Internet marketing this business.

I thought when I first got my first 2 inquiries maybe I was just lucky, but now they are coming in at least once a week. The thing is, for legal reasons I need to be registered as a business and also need an office for legitimacy purposes before I can go through with any of these inquiries. I think it's safe enough now to realize I am onto something....


I have a meeting with my cities "small business advice centre" on Monday.

Anyone have any general advice for me? Like I said I am 23 years old, University Grad, with little business experience.

 

[dgaunn4114]

Frankly I wouldn't waste my money on an office just yet - first close the deals - you can meet these people at a restaurant or something - or if they are eager enough, close them on the phone. Unless you believe you absolutely need an office to close these deals or for some other reason (ie the business niche you spoke of requires a place) I wouldn't get one - you may have a place in your area where you can rent an office space for a short period of time - that can help. Otherwise I think it makes more sense to put your time and energy into making the product as good as it can be, and refining your dialogue.

 

[BHopkins]

I agree that unless an office is crucial to your success, avoid it. Otherwise, I would seek the council of a small businessman in town.

 

[gmarch25]

I agree that unless an office is crucial to your success, avoid it. Otherwise, I would seek the council of a small businessman in town.

Hey guys,

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately an office is 100% neccessary for this niche. I don't want to say much but because of both the physical space I need and legal restrictions I would need an office 100%. I need to find somewhere that will let me go month by month just in case anything goes bad

 

[bwman]

Rent an office for a week or 2, when you close the deal you just walk, no need to stick around in that office for a whole month or however long your contract binds you

 

[CageyVet]

Get a virtual office space that you pay by use....so when you need a meeting or what ever, then you pay.

 

[sdilan]

**** First of Congratulations!
I'm studying business and such and i would recommend that you start working on a business plan.
if your serious about building this business your gana want to have a business plan to present to potential investors.
Define what your target market is.
Outline your competitors (keep an eye on them)
Define what your product is.
start thinking where and why your want to promote yourself maybe start as an IMer
Aside from going to the SBA i would recomend that you identify where you want to start your business so that you can sign up to the local chamber of commerce.

 

[back2form]

simply ainkille that's good idea, i guess

Rent an office for a week or 2, when you close the deal you just walk, no need to stick around in that office for a whole month or however long your contract binds you

 

[Pilfer7]

most cities have shared office space type of settings where you get a very small room to act as your office but they allow you to use the bigger conference room whenever you need it. they also have a secretary on duty to do some "light" tasks for you sometimes.

there might be 10-12 "small rooms" and each is rented by someone like yourself, that's your office and nobody else goes in it. the bigger conference room that each room renter has access to often has presentation type equipment and a big conference table for you to hold your meeting with your clients.

i believe they are called "executive suites"

look for some of those, not the same as having your own independent office but some of the furnishings might make you "look" more impressive to clients.

i disagree with the "wait and close the deal first" mentality. go for it because once you have your own office your thought process is different and you work your ass off so that you don't lose it.

good luck bro-ham

 

[JoeDownLow]

I know exactly what this guy is doing, counterfeiting collectibles by 3d scanning and printing. He's a crook.

 

[BHopkins]

I know exactly what this guy is doing, counterfeiting collectibles by 3d scanning and printing. He's a crook.

Lets see your proof.

 

[axus_auto]

I know exactly what this guy is doing, counterfeiting collectibles by 3d scanning and printing. He's a crook.

That is pretty down low ain't it.

 

[viroid]

First, save your money. I like to have at least 3 months worth of overhead saved in case shit hits the fan or business is really slow. 20k is a lot of money, but in the big picture it is really peanuts.

Not sure where youre located, but you can check out places like "regus office rentals."

 

[Ebcompany]

agree with them definately look for virtual or shared office space that you can receive mail and use the office space when needed. Most have conference rooms available for use by booking etc. Alot of the better ones even have phone receptionists for phone calls as well as for your clients when they arrive to meet and greet them.

 

[LBrown]

Regus is a good choice but they rent conference rooms, not always personal office space. You'd need to check out your local regus to see if it's actually a good fit.

Craigslist is a better option IMO. You might be able to get a month-to-month lease looking there.

 

[ikstob]

 

[nickirv]

What niche are you in?

 

[tapangoldy_]

yes if you open your office it would be great you will attract with more and more people generally