My office space dilemma
Help! I am in a quandary. I moved out of state, sold a big spa, and am back in private practice.
So I have one room, in a chiropractors office. I am both grateful and humbled to be in this position. I have chosen a simple life, after years of wrestling with big rent, lots of employees, a huge build-out debt and not much left for me after all was said and done.
So much for my history. I am keeping it simple deliberately but still find myself wanting an environment that's professional. So here are the points that bug me.
- I am in a small house on a great street (lots of visibility) but it is set back so passers-by don't really know I'm there.
- I was allowed to put a sign on the building's front wall, but if a car is parked there you can't really see it.
- I requested a street (boulevard) sign, but the landlord said no. Now another tenant moved in and they are putting one up in that very spot.
- This same tenant pays less rent than I because the landlord was desperate to rent the extra room.
- Another tenant moved in and put a sign out in another space I requested (can be seen from the street as well)
- At least 8 people have keys to the little house, and I worry my retail display in the lobby is at risk for theft because of all the comings and goings.
- I help stock TP and PT, which the landlord (a chiropractor who sub-lets the space) doesn't want to ask the new tenants to pitch in on. He buys the bulk of it.
- The front of the building looks cluttered and chaotic with all the sign-age.
- Parking is becoming more and more of an issue.
- I can't control the decor of the chiro's lobby, so when clients walk in it's not very spa-like. There is a big picture of his family on the wall behind the desk.
- I've been spoiled after having perfect, beautiful spa-spaces totally under my control.
- I feel crabby when I walk in there now.
- My husband doesn't support making a big deal, so I am limited on the space I can secure, cost-wise.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Felice | SolutionsForBeauty.com on
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Why don't you try groupons which work within your are? This will bring people and give you that type of visibility. All they need is an address.
If parking is a problem, then it'll be blocked most of the time. However, as the lot clears out, there still will be visibility. I guess how trafficked is your street would be the quesiton. If half see it or even a quarter, it all depends.. a quarter of how many passerbyers.
Don't let the decor get to you. Do your ads and bring in your clients. Once they meet you they will return because they will respect your values in downsizing for a less stressful life.
Keep your eyes opened for a better deal and let your LL know that your keeping your eyes opened. He may reconsider giving you either a bigger space for the same rate or reducing your rate.
Let God be the center of your life, he will give you the peace that surpasses all understanding.
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Permalink Reply by coldsalineplexus on
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I'd be concerned about the dramatic pay cut you would take to do a groupon since you are in a phase of needing to prove your numbers to your husband.
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Permalink Reply by Ally Draizin on
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Felice, this is not the place for a sales pitch.
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Permalink Reply by Tara Carson on
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Hi Linda!
I feel your pain. I have same personality in that I truly believe the surroundings and atmosphere can really make or break the clients experience. I am a perfectionist when it comes to the same things you mentioned and I cringe that you have to put up with that after having things your particular way for so long. Here are some thoughts:
1. Is there a separate entrance your clients can use? Maybe a back door entrance? If so somehow block off the view of the lobby from your room with folding screens, tapestries, etc. This way you can create your own ambiance in the back area?
2. If there is no separate entrance can each of the practitioners in the building designate an area in the lobby as "theirs" to display cards, photos, etc. This may bring some order and organization to the space? If you are all paying rent to be there this suggestion seems fair.
3. Can you suggest all the exterior signs have the same frames and posts? That way even if there are multiple signs and logos, they will all have a uniform frame and style.
4. As for parking can each of you claim one spot? Even put a sign next to that spot indicating parking only so and so chiropractic, etc. Seems a little overboard but if parking is at a premium this could save you. Then you can just tell your clients (I assume you only see one at a time) to park in your designated spot.
5. Can you put your retail in your treatment room? If not Ikea has some really cool new glass cabinets that you can lock.
6. I would put a little A frame sandwich sign or chalkboard sign on the main street that points to your location in the back. List your services or specials on the sign, something to catch people's eye and quide them toward your business.
7. If the landlord doesn't require the other tenants to pitch in on TP and PT it is only fair if it is not expected of you either. Let him purchase it all :-)
8. You mentioned the landlord was desperate to rent out the other room, this means you have some leverage...he is lucky you are there! I think it's fair you make some demands/suggestions in order to have the space work best for you. If not, good luck to him trying to find someone to replace you.
Just some ideas...hope they help! And good luck. Let me know how it works out.
-Tara
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Feelings of antagonism and unfairness within a work space are a recipe for conflict. There is no need to undermine your valid concerns and good instincts by making statements like "I've been spoiled." Instead, see if you can turn it around and say, "I have high expectations" or "it's important to me to be able to offer my clients a special experience." I agree that bringing clients into a space with a lot of conflict will not help you grow a clientele, so I agree with your statement "I know I should move." At a minimum, you should announce your intention to move to the landlord, and cite the unfair treatment as the reason for your decision.
Going forward, let's see how things might unfold. You have a great business background, what you are describing from your prior business is par for the course (spa ownership is a low-margin pursuit). Does your husband have a set idea of what you should be paying in business rent? If it were me, feeling that I didn't have my partner's full support in my new venture would add to the feelings of being trapped. If my husband got into micromanaging my business expenses like that, I would feel that he was intruding on my job. I don't walk into his office and tell him how to handle his work. I realize that his apprehensions may have come from seeing the stress and strain on you and your family from your past pursuit, but solo practice is very different. Since it is a small town, maybe you could generate some quick cash for a move with a daily deal or something along those lines? Not sure about your experience, but in my mind, it's reasonable to pay about 20% of your revenue out in rent, or 25% if it includes utilities and other amenities. Do your projections line up with his budget? If not, it's probably time to talk about how seriously he takes your career.
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I think the right space is just not on the market yet. Put it out there to the universe and it will arrive. I definitely think you HAVE to move. I've been in a similar situation, and I am much happier and better off in my new space.
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Permalink Reply by Amy Sherman on
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Definitely be on the look out for a perfect spot. BUT, in the meantime, ask for a meeting with your landlord. Write up a list of topics you want to discuss in bullet form such as toilet paper, rent amount, parking, signage, etc. Have a clear projection of what you want to accomplish. No threatening. Just state that you know he wants you to do well and in order for that to happen, you need ....a) b) and c)
If he is unwilling to work with you be prepared to walk. You really don't want to be antagonistic because you ARE in a small town.
The other piece of advice I give is sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Put your sign up and act stupid later. :-)
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Permalink Reply by Fredrick Ricco on
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I would suggest you to try mouth publicity. Try talking to some female social groups. Tell them about your service. I think customer would like to visit your shop. Many people say if your service is excellent, then no one bothers about the architecture of your shop.
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I would agree with this. I used to work in a shop painted what I called bloody Ritz. Tan half wall with the bottom half painted o my 1 coat of an orange burgundy color. Hideous. I made a killing there. :-)
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