Women's Leadership Blog

Paying Rent, Networking and Learning on a Tight Budget

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It's challenging for the first time entreprenuer trying to make ends meet in this tough economy. Too look professional and meet your growing clients needs, paying office rent and support staff are the big bills that quickly chip away small budgets and advertising and marketing expenses are put on hold.

With San Francisco rate office rentals still too high to afford, one can only work out of their house and have business meetings at restaurants and cafes for only so long. Plus, getting in the routine of getting out of the house (and pajamas) by noon and connecting with people the old fashioned way (versus online) is healthy for your soul and psyche. It's not a good sign if you end up talking to yourself more than to people face to face! 

There are two affordable office space rentals that I fell upon that cater to start ups, freelancers and small businesses. But more than just space, they offer a sense of community with various support systems for those brave enough to jump off the cliff and just do it. Each one offers affordable rates and various plans.

Daly City Business Center is right off Highway 280 near Serramonte Mall in Daly City, a 10 minute drive south west of San Francisco.

http://www.dalycity.org/serv_for_buss/business/dcbizctr.htm 

I have more inside knowledge and experience about the Daly City Business Center since my company is one of the approximately twelve tenants. The Center's office manager says the rates are more affordable than privately run office rentals because it's city run.

The Center is in a two story building complex that houses private businesses and government offices. There's ample free parking all around the building and retail and restaurant chains are the neighbors. Current and prior tenants include a video producer, real estate and mortgage companies, and health care service providers. It's professionally run in a family-communal atmosphere. Customer service is top notch.

Each tenant has their own business number but everyone shares the front desk receptionist. When someone calls for a tenant, the receptionist answers "Good morning, Inquirer.net (my company) and forwards the call to the recipient. They also greet our visitors and notify tenants of arrival. So it "appears" that your company has its own Receptionist. What a great idea! First audio impressions do count! Can you hear professional?

There's a communal kitchen and mailroom and fax and copier services are available. Tenants have access to various meeting rooms, one is multimedia equipped. It‘s accessible 24/7 and the very hospitable office manager and accommodating staff welcomes everyone with open arms. Another perk is their monthly (or is it bi-monthly?) "Lunch and Learn Workshops".

$7 buys you a tasty meal and an hour long business workshop conducted by current and former tenants. So far I've attended workshops about credit card scores and reports and professional video services. Their next workshop is about the value of of a business plan, part of a four part series on profitable entrepreneurship.

This very informal and casual networking environment is one of valuable perks. Attendees introduce themselves and their business at the start of the workshop. It never fails, at the end of the luncheon - tenants, guests and speakers exchange business cards, share ideas and discuss future follow up meetings with each other. Organic, real and free flowing. Now where can you get that kind of networking? Not by working, or playing, Solitaire.

Sandbox Suites is in the Civic Center area of San Francisco. A block off Market Street, metered parking is in front of the building, and BART and MUNI are within short walking distance. http://www.sandboxsuites.com/about.html

The New York Times had a nice write up when Sandbox Suites first opened. When I was there at the beginning of the year, they had plans to expand - renting or buying additional office space in another location.

I went there once for an afterhours meeting.  The modernized loft style building is spacious, streamlined and well lit. One tenant was typing away in his cubicle and another was using the fax machine. It didn't feel like an office building at all. My meeting was in the lounge area near the front desk next to the kitchenette. They offered various meeting rooms and office spaces from a cubicle to a private upstairs room upstairs. Their calendar also shows monthly business oriented workshops and social events. And they recently started an online forum.

More than just an office space, these business communes provide professional support, access and valuable resources. Who knows what opportunities lay ahead? You may end up bartering services with your next door neighbor or make recommendations and referrals while gaining valuable business advice at the workshop, online forum or water cooler. At the end of the day (or month), it's entrepreneurship, networking and education - a three in one blue plate special!

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