What office space says about you

A good location for your firm is absolute gold, which means that your office value drops considerably if clients have a hard time trying to locate you.
Good signage in your office space is very paramount as it saves the client time that would be otherwise spent on asking for direction or lessen conversation on which way/ room to go to.

Accessorise your office
If the office you can afford is located along poorly lit corridor or up a lengthy set of stairs, invest in brightening and lightening the office space by improving the lighting, accessorising the walls with art pieces, both in picture and word format. This can change a client’s experience while at your office.

Invest in boardrooms
The new trend is not to meet clients in your office but rather in the boardroom. Large firms typically have several boardrooms for this but if your firm cannot stretch this further, a good sized multi-purpose conference hall which can be transformed into smaller meeting rooms by the help of mobile partitions can come in handy. These can be opened or closed depending on the functionality of the space, for example video conferencing, dinner events and workshops will suffice.

Adequate lighting
Ensure that you have good or adequate lighting. No one wants to step into a seemingly dark, dingy space for business. If you cannot install windows or increase the existing window sizes, then invest in creating glass wall partitions. Depending on the level of privacy required, opaque or etched glass can be practical. In this regard, you are advised to stay away from harsh fluorescent lighting and instal light fixtures to provide more intimate lighting to influence the client’s mood.

Child friendly
Have a facility that can accommodate a potential client who may walk in with a child. I remember preparing to go for a meeting at 2pm and while on my way, my son’s teacher called to say that he was not well. He asked me to pick him up.
Taking him home first and driving back was not an option because I would miss out on a great appointment. I decided to take him along with me. To my surprise, the client had some snacks, crayons, a tiny table and chair tucked away in her office. After getting him settled, I was able to focus on business.
The overall look and feel of a firm’s office space conveys a message to clients. Is your firm traditional or modern? It goes without saying that good staff are the cherry on the cake.