“A shared office space, like Clarence, offers an instant community. It is a community of lawyers who get to know each other, and how they work which leads to the referral of business between professionals. And they have all the legal support services on a ‘pay as you need’ basis; paralegal staff, administrative assistance and in-house IT.”
Richard Leahy, Cochrane Leahy Litigation
When is an office more than an office?
Always, is the simplest answer. Especially if you work in professional services.
Your office is more than simply a place you do work. Of course, it has to be fit for purpose but your office is more than a desk and computer, it’s an extension of, or expression of your business.
Hollywood would have us believe that all lawyers work from imposing offices designed to impress or intimidate. In Australia, 80% of law practices are sole practitioners or firms with one partner and a further 7% are firms with 2- 4 partners. That is a whole lot of small business of which few boast such impressive dwellings. In recent years many of us have become adept at working from home, making use of digital and cloud technology to conduct business.
But despite being able to conduct business any time and from anywhere, your location does actually matter.
When you are a small professional services organisation, your clients are often buying the service from the person who is delivering the service. That is, you are the lawyer and your client is buying your service from you. They are buying your results and reputation. In marketing speak, they are buying your personal brand. Your place of work is an extension of your personal brand.
Your built environment is a reflection of your business and should enhance who you are and what you represent. It impacts the impression you give, has an impact on client expectation and what type of service they will receive.
When thinking about the place you want to conduct business, it is worth asking yourself a few sage questions.
What do your clients want? As a professional services provider your number one priority is your clients. An office at home in the suburbs might be convenient for you – but is it for clients who work in the city and may want to see you at lunch?
How does working from home affect your credibility? Will clients trust your professionalism if not in a professional environment.
Where are your competitors? Where do you need to be to best compete?
And cost? Setting up an office, even a modest one, is an expensive and time consuming business, especially if you want to get it right.
Shared office spaces are an increasingly popular option. For good reason. You can get all the benefits of an office environment, meeting rooms, IT experts and facilities on hand with minimal effort or expense.
“A shared office space, like Clarence, offers an instant community,” says Richard Leahy, Cochrane Leahy Litigation. “It is a community of lawyers who get to know each other, and how they work which leads to the referral of business between professionals. And they have all the legal support services on a ‘pay as you need’ basis; paralegal staff, administrative assistance and in-house IT.”
“There is always someone available to help you when you need it. And that wine fridge…there is nothing better than sitting in the beautiful café area on a Friday afternoon and enjoying a glass of wine with the team.
We are a professional team and so are the Clarence staff. Their actions enable us to focus on doing what we do best – help people create an awesome life in Australia,” says Louise Delaney co-owner and Business Manager of Timpson Immigration Lawyers, members of Clarence North Quay.
Where you work says a lot about who you are and what you value. Finding the right office is more important that you think. Learn more about our serviced office space at 95, North Key Brisbane.
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