commercial real estate broker in Kansas City

4 Ways to Improve Your Small Business’s Customer Service At Your Office Space in Overland Park, KS

Small businesses trying to build their reputations really need to develop a strong customer service policy to increase referrals and get positive customer reviews. Here are a few simple tips for improving your communication with customers or clients, as outlined in the article “5 Ways Small Businesses Can Boost Their Customer Service”:

1. Quick Turnaround Time

Nothing demonstrates that you are concerned about your customer our clients’ problems more then a quick response, especially if their issue is time-sensitive. Sometimes you might not be able to solve the problem quickly, but even contacting them to let them know that you are working on it and when you hope to have a solution will most likely make them feel pacified and increase their confidence in you.

2. Take Responsibility

If your business made a mistake or something didn’t come out as you planned, be direct and open with the customer, and work quickly to try and fix your mistake or else offer the client an alternative idea or solution. This seems like an obvious strategy, but many businesses make the mistake of ignoring or deflecting their failings, and they pay for it in a poor customer service reputation.

3. Add A Personal Touch

The benefit of being a small business is that you have a closer relationship with a smaller number of clients. Avoid any sort of customer service scripts, and instead remember your clients’ names, and regularly thank them for their business. When responding to their problems, clearly tell them how you will address the problem, when they can expect the resolution, and how much you value their business, well as what in particular you have enjoyed about working with them. Be sure to end these conversations by checking to make sure that you have addressed all of their possible concerns.

4. Go Above and Beyond

It’s important as a small business to go out of your way to make your clients feel valued and to show that you were working hard for them. Really listen to your clients when they have an issue, and let them know that their problems are a priority by consistently communicating with them to let them know what your plan is and give them regular updates. In addition to dealing with regular problems, try to occasionally do a little extra for clients to make sure that they’re satisfied with what you’re doing.

Focusing on good customer service and communication skills is a great way to begin building your reputation as a small business!

If you are looking for a small office lease in Kansas City, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100 for more information about our available space.

4 Ideas for Improving Wellness in Your Kansas City Office Space

In recent years, businesses have been taking steps to become more sustainable in their office spaces by recycling, improving energy efficiency, and instituting other environmentally friendly practices. However, sustainability has recently taken on another dimension–one that focuses on the whole being of the employees. Studies suggests that happier employees tend to be more productive, so some businesses are starting to seriously consider the health and well-being of their workers. Here are a few examples of what businesses have done to cater to their employees wellness, as suggested in the article “Designing a Better Office Space”:

1. Kitchens – many offices have started stocking pantries with healthy snacks for their employees, as well as creating events that take place in the office kitchen, allowing people to interact while making and eating meals.

2. Furniture – recent research suggesting the negative health effects of sitting for long periods of time have led many offices to redesign their furniture to allow employees to stand and stretch as they work. Some examples of these types of furniture include standing desks, or even treadmill desks for added exercise.

3. Outdoor Areas – some businesses are opting for offices situated near walking trails, giving employees the opportunity to get outside and walk and enjoy fresh air during the day, also opening up the option of using the trail as an informal meeting place to walk and talk with teams or other employees. Other offices are simply adding small outdoor areas to their office space where employees can step outside and relax for a moment.

4. Hybrid Offices – following the trend of creating relaxed, collaborative spaces, a few businesses are even creating hybrid office spaces that are connected to a coffee shop or some other area where employees can conduct their business or meet with clients in a space in a more creative and relaxing atmosphere.

If you are thinking about updating your office space or moving to a new one altogether, consider factoring in some of these wellness ideas to your design plan. Employees might welcome a more comfortable atmosphere and your concern for their health, and perhaps reward your business with their diligence and loyalty.

If your business is looking for a commercial space for lease in Kansas City, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100 to learn more about our available office spaces or to set up a tour.

14 Elements of a Small Office Lease in Kansas City

Figuring out how to lease an office space for the first time can be a detailed process, but it does not have to be overwhelming. When you approach an office space lease for the first time, here are a few components of the lease you should be prepared to consider, as outlined in the article, “How To Lease Commercial Real Estate”:

Fees. Most properties will list their costs on a square foot basis either by year or month. However, it is important to know that your usable square footage – the space you will actually conduct business in – is different than the full amount of space you will be charged for. This is because you will also have to pay for usage of common space in a property – this combination of usable space and common areas is called rentable square footage.
Types of Leases. Note that there are different types of commercial leases which will determine exactly what you pay for each month and how responsibilities are divided between you and the landlord. It is important to research which type of lease you have in more detail, but some common types of commercial leases include percentage leases, net leases, and gross leases.
Landlord vs. Tenant Responsibilities. This will be partially determined by what type of lease you have, but it is important to make sure you clarify exactly who is responsible for what, including maintenance and repairs of HVAC units or other major appliances.
Lease Term. This is an element of a lease in which landlords and tenants are often at odds. Tenants typically prefer shorter term leases so that they are not stuck in a space, but also with plenty of options to renew or expand in case they do want to stay and maybe add on a nearby space. But on the other hand, landlords prefer longer leases so that they do not have to replace tenants every few years. This means that if you are planning on a long term lease, you might have a little negotiation leverage with a landlord.
Build Outs. If you need to somehow alter or renovate a space, this needs to be clearly negotiated upfront. Determine what changes you are allowed to make and who will finance these changes. Again, if you have a longer lease term, a landlord might be willing to contribute more to the cost of building out a space.
Rent Increases. Landlords typically plan rent increases around the consumer price index. Increases are known as “escalations” and you should be fully aware of what these entail before signing your lease.
Personal Guarantee. This is not a pleasant part of the lease for a tenant, but you will most likely have to sign a personal guarantee to lease the space, which holds you personally responsible for rent if your business is not able to pay. Landlords also like to do background checks on your personal finances to determine whether you will be good for the money. These typically are most important at the beginning of a lease, and you might be able to negotiate to have your personal guarantee expire after part of your lease.
Exit Clause. If you do get in a situation where you need to terminate your lease, you will want to make sure you have determined a plan for this upfront, which means trying to negotiate for smaller termination penalties, for example, only a few more months of rent payments.
Subleasing. It is always a good idea to try to negotiate for the option to sublease your space, which can really help your business if you need to move to another space or if you cannot pay rent.
Assigning the Space. A more extreme option than subleasing is assigning a space to a new tenant altogether in the event that you need to move out. Some landlords do not allow this, but it is good to ask about in negotiations.
Exclusivity Clause. If a big part of your customer base is foot traffic, you might want to try to negotiate for an exclusivity clause, which means that a landlord cannot lease nearby spaces to your competitors.
Co-Tenancy Clause. Some properties have anchor tenants, which bring in a lot of foot traffic and can be a major selling point for smaller tenants to rent nearby spaces. If you know you are going to be dependent one of these anchor tenants to increase your business, try to negotiate for a co-tenancy clause which allows you to break your lease without penalty if the anchor tenant leaves.
Start Date. It is important to make sure that your business is fully prepared to take on the responsibilities of the lease by the start date, which might mean that you need to ask for a start date that is different from when you sign the lease.
Security Deposit. What a landlord asks for this can vary greatly from space to space, so it is important to be ready to negotiate this point.

Consider these factors as you search for an office space!

If you are interested in office space in Kansas, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100 to learn more about our available spaces!

Four Potential Cons of Joining a Co-working Office Space in Kansas City

There are a lot of benefits to renting a co-working space, especially for startup companies, including the connections you can make, the money can save, and the overall solidarity and creative energy of a collaborative environment. However, you should also be aware of the cons of this option as well. They might not be so detrimental as to prevent you from pursuing this option, but it is important to be prepared and decide in advance how you will handle these potential downsides. Here are a few factors to consider, as suggested in the article “The Reasons For and Against Joining a Co-Working Space”:

#1 Cost

Despite the fact that the cost of a co-working space is less than that of an actual lease, this option can still be expensive, especially for entrepreneurs trying to pinch pennies as they get their business off the ground. Carefully consider your monthly expenses and what will be most cost efficient for your business in the long run before signing up for space.

#2 Disputes

When you’re sharing space with people from other companies, conflicts can sometimes be an unavoidable part of work life. Ideally, you will find group that meshes well together, but if you do have conflicts within your space it is important to make an effort to be polite and mature in seeking resolutions.

#3 Proximity to Competitors

You might find yourself in the occasionally uncomfortable situation of working with a direct competitor. If this happens, just stay focused on your own work. Ideally, you could even turn a competitor to someone you can collaborate with if you are both like-minded and headed in the same direction.

#4 Social Distractions

While collaborative environments can have great energy, they can also potentially be distracting if too much socializing takes the place of productivity. Focus on only socializing during breaks, and consider a change of scenery if you find yourself too easily pulled from your work.

There are a lot of benefits to joining a co-working space, but it is also important to bear in mind that there are downsides. If you go into a co-working space fully aware of that pros and cons awaiting you, you can be more prepared to take advantage of the benefits and avoid the pitfalls.

If your business is interested in commercial space for lease in Kansas City, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-9100.

3 Questions Small Businesses Should Ask About Office Space in Kansas

Once an entrepreneur gets their company up and running and begins to experience success, the next big challenge is finding an office space from which to conduct their work. It is a big commitment for small businesses and there are many important factors to consider, such as the location and whether or not renting an office space will eat up all your profits. Here are three questions to ask yourself when starting the search for your first office space, as outlined in the article “Office Space – The First hurdle for any Entrepreneur”:

#1 Can I afford it?

Obviously one of the most important things to consider when looking at an office space is the cost. Look at traditional office spaces as well as unconventional spaces, such as plug-and-play options, sharing a space, or subleasing. Do not fall into the trap of overestimating the growth your company will experience, which could really cost you in the long run. Be prudent and only rent exactly as much space as you think you’ll need. To avoid getting locked into something, try to negotiate for shorter lease terms, such as a one year lease with an option to extend to three years or rent adjacent space if your business experiences a growth spurt. Don’t forget to factor into your budget the cost of utilities and maintenance. You can never be too careful when making sure that you fully understand all of the charges you will be responsible for and planning for them in your budget– and of course make sure that everything is documented in your lease.

#2 What is the best location?

The location you choose might often be dependent on your budget. It might be in your best interests to rent an older space in the suburbs of the city, rather than a new space or office downtown–but make sure this does not interfere your customers or clients reaching your business. Another factor to consider is convenience for employees. Can they make it to that location? Is it safe and secure? It is important to your employees will be reasonably happy in your new space.

#3 How much space do we need?

When considering how much space your business needs, consult your business plan. Look at your total number of employees or your projected number of employees if you’re anticipating growth and new hires and plan space according to this number. To maximize your use of a small space, consider having mobile workers or flexi seating. Perhaps your employees can cut down on space and equipment by working from their own laptops or working from home some days.

Consider these three questions if you’re thinking about moving into your first office space!

If you’re trying to calculate square footage for your business, give a DDI Commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100 and we can help you determine how much space your business needs!

4 Things a Startup Should Consider When Renting a Kansas City Office Space

Selecting an office space is a monumental task for any company, but it is particularly challenging for young companies doing it for the first time. While landlords typically want a tenant to stay for 5 to 7 years, this is often not ideal for new, growing companies who don’t really have an idea of where their business will be in the near future. While this can be a bit of a pickle for startups or growing companies, the key to finding a suitable office space is thinking about the specific needs of your business. Here are a few things to consider when searching for an office space, as suggested in the article “Choosing the Best Office Space for Your Startup”:

#1 Layout

To figure out what kind of layout your business needs, think about what kind of company you are. For example, if your work is based in creativity or even technology, you might want to follow the open office space trend to foster an environment of collaboration and idea sharing. However, if you are a law firm, you might want something with more private spaces so clients can feel that they can discuss sensitive issues in a more one-on-one environment. If you think your company could benefit from contact with similar businesses, look into options that allow you to share kitchen space or conference room with other tenants. This might give you an opportunity to meet and work with other small businesses that complement yours.

#2 Special Features

Make sure that an office space has all of the amenities that your business requires. A good way to approach this is to think of things to your business absolutely needs and things that you would ideally like to have. Think about not only features within the space, such as the kitchen or conference rooms, but also things like the parking spaces or restaurants and other amenities services in the area that your employees might need.

#3 Lease Length

New startup companies typically want to aim for leases that are on the shorter side. You might only have a handful of employees now, but that number could grow and a matter of months. Keep an eye on your long-term business plan as you look at spaces, and try not to get locked into something that could stifle your growth. Talk to landlords about your options if your company grows, such as subleasing space or having the potential to expand into other space on the property.

#4 Cost

This obviously needs to be a bottom line in your decision. While businesses often calculate costs according to the price of the space per employee, it might be helpful for new business to think about how much you can actually spend per month total for your team. Don’t forget to factor in things like utilities, furniture, and other hidden fees, as these things can quickly increase the total cost of the space. Remember that a lot of these things will differ depending on the location where you are looking. It is important to give yourself several months to research and plan a transition before actually moving.

If you are a small business looking for your first office space, is important to have a good idea of what you want before you begin the negotiations. Often this is the kind of decision that can make or break a business, so make sure to consider it from every angle before investing in a rental space.

Are you an entrepreneur looking for a small office lease in Kansas City? Give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100 for more information about our available office spaces.

Messages Color Can Send About Your Office Space in Kansas City

The idea that color can have a positive effect on mood is not a new concept. Here are a few ways that the colors and hues of your office can send positive messages, as suggested in the article “Transform Your Workspace With Color”:

Fiery Colors

Using small amounts of warm, bright colors such as red or orange can energize a space. These colors are great for areas where employees are not actually working, such as hallways, kitchen spaces, or bathrooms. A small amount of red can raise the heart rate, but too much can promote stress and aggression.

Cool Colors

Cool colors such as blue and green–ones often found in nature–have been proven to be calming. Pastels, such as lilac, can have a similar effect.They can transport people from a cramped, fluorescent workspace to a more natural environment and corresponding mood. One great way to achieve this effect is by adding plants to your office.

Yellow

Yellow and other brights accents promote happiness and self-esteem. These colors are best on furniture, accent walls or other decor, because an overwhelming amount of yellow can be agitating.

If you are thinking about painting your office space, consider these ways to use color to boost the mood in your workplace!

If your business is interested in a small office lease in Kansas City, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call 913-685-4100 to set up a tour of one of our spaces!

5 Facts About Modern Workspaces in Office Suites for Rent in Kansas City

Businesses are starting to think a little more carefully about the layouts and decoration of their workspace. The modern workspace takes into account both the needs of employees and the culture of the company. Here are a few trends in today’s office spaces to consider if you are thinking about redesigning your own space, as described in the article “What will the workspace of the future look like?”:

The cookie cutter approach to office spaces is becoming less and less popular these days in favor of personalized and individualized workspaces based on company identity, values, and culture.
Another main goal of modern workplaces is to support employees, fostering collaboration and furthering the business’s future goals.
Businesses in the last few years have shifted to become a little more informal, offering a variety of different types of spaces so that workers can choose where and how they work best.
Technology has also had a major impact on the design of work spaces. Since technology allows employees to really work anywhere, companies are now trying to create a reason for staff to actually come to a physical location.
Companies are trying to make a space essential to the collaborative and communicative efforts of a business by creating a “sense of place.”

The traditional office space is slowly being set aside in favor of environments that really meet the individual needs of a business and it’s employees.

If your business is looking at office space in Kansas, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100.

Shot Term Vs. Long Term Kansas City Office Space Leases

It’s a well-known commercial real estate fact that landlords and agents typically want tenants to sign for a longer lease, but from a tenant’s perspective, short term leases are preferable. However, there are a few disadvantages to this conventional wisdom, as suggested in the article “Negotiating the Renewal Option”:

A short term lease means that the tenant loses negotiation leverage and often receives fewer concessions.
Often landlords are less willing to provide funding for improvements if the tenant only has a short term lease.
Tenant with the short term lease could potentially have to deal with higher rental rates in the future if they have to renegotiate for each renewal term.

Unfortunately, favorable renewal terms often depend on the flexibility of the landlord, which can’t always be counted on. A long-term lease might save the business money over time, but must be weighed against the risks of staying in one space for several years. It is important to spend a lot of time on the topic of these terms and renewals when you’re researching commercial rental space and in your actual lease negotiations.

If your business is interested in Kansas City office space for lease, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City call at 913-685-4100.

4 Tips For Creating an Organized and Inspired Office Space in Kansas City

The new year is a great time to reorganize your office. Here are a few tips for keeping your workspace tidy and more pleasant to be in, as suggested in the article “New Year Resolutions – Organized Office & Studio Space”:

Stay on top of the clutter. Don’t wait until you know you’re going to have a visitor to clean your workspace. Try to set aside some time every Friday to clear out old papers, organize your supplies, and put things in their designated places.
Organize electrical cords. There are so many systems and gadgets to keep electrical cords organized and off your desktop. For example, you can feed your cords through a hole in your desktop, plug them into a power strip, label each cord, and keep them all and a basket attached to the underside of your desk.
Find effective and interesting storage options. Storage areas or containers can also fit into your decor. There are so many DIY options for sprucing up old cabinets, shelves, or containers!
Treat yourself to interesting supplies. Perhaps a really nice pen or some personalized stationery really brightens your day. Giving yourself a few of these items might cheer up the ordinary work routine and give you more incentive to keep your supplies organized.

Organizing and personalizing your workspace can have a positive effect on your mood at work! Check sites like Pinterest for lots of easy, affordable, and interesting ideas for your office.

If you would like to learn more about office lease rates in Kansas City, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100.