By Hayden Stewart
Moving to a new space is an exciting prospect for any business. Chances are that you’ve decided to move to better your business. Whether the company is moving to a safer neighborhood to reduce the risk of break-ins, or a community that values your products and services more, positive changes are on the horizon.
Still though, you don’t want to lose out on business and valuable work time while you’re making the move. This transition period could result in serious problems for your company if you’re not careful. It might even be worth hiring professional movers to help speed up the process so you don’t lose valuable time. These tips will help your business stay productive while moving.
1. Time the Situation to Your Advantage
While the timing of a move is not entirely within your control, you can do your best to optimize this situation. For example, if a large gap exists between the date you move out of the old space and the date you move into the new space, you could miss the opportunity for multiple sales. Trying to close this gap as much as possible will help with productivity. Furthermore, try to have the new space set up before the start date so that employees can begin work immediately.
2. Open an Online Storefront
If your company doesn’t currently sell products online, you’re already missing out on a large part of the market. In addition to helping you to connect with more customers on a regular basis, you can also fill the gap of time where your business will be moving. You can control this online storefront from your home computer or cell phone. Starting to sell products while in the middle of a move could become overwhelming, so consider starting this endeavor well in advance of the transition.
3. Create Work-From-Home Tasks
It isn’t uncommon for employees to have the ability to work from home. Even when you prefer a more traditional setting, consider how investing in an online platform can allow you to maintain operations during the move. You may like the platform so much that you consider using it when the business has to close during deleterious weather conditions. Do keep in mind that employees may begin to request work-at-home tasks once the platform is opened.
4. Secure an Alternate Location
Regardless of how much work can be completed online, you may still very well need to meet with your employees or clients in person. Some corporate buildings may offer temporary rentals where you could secure a month-to-month lease. Another option is to look into coworking spaces. For example, if a client wants to meet with you to discuss the acquisition of a product or service, you could rent this space for a short period of time to host the conversation. You could also use the space to meet with your employees if the transition period is long.
5. Stay on Top of Social Media
Once current customers begin hearing that you’re moving, they may wonder if they’ll still have access to your company or if your business is on its way to closing its doors. To restore confidence in your business, make sure to remain active on social media. You can let followers know about the move. In fact, you may want to offer sneak peeks of the new space and build excitement about a grand-opening event to make the experience feel more real.
6. Attend Events
If you’ve always wanted to participate in business-related events, now might be the time to start. Since you don’t have a physical space in which to conduct your business, you could consider setting up a stand at showcases. Instead of having your customers come to your shop, prospective buyers can visit a stand. For example, if you own a catering business, you could rent a space at a bridal showcase. Another option is to pursue networking events in your spare time and to build connections with powerful resources in your niche.
7. Provide Reassurance
When your moving to a new location, employees themselves may have a host of anxieties. For example, they may worry about how they will get to the new space on time, or they might fear that the business is actually closing down instead of moving. Ensuring them that you will offer training modules or handbooks to acclimate everyone to the new space can help them to feel less alienated from it. If possible, show them what it looks like and consider taking management to the office so that you can all get a feel for it.
Moving locations does not have to mean that all of your business transactions come to a halt. You can plan and prepare to maintain high levels of success.
Photo credit: Moving office space from Africa Studio/Shutterstock
