Tips for Creating the Business of Space

... From Biz2Biz NWA March 2009

What does your office say about your business?

By Maxie Carpenter / MVC / Bentonville

What makes a small businesses succeed or fail? It’s difficult to separate fact from fiction. But it is possible to determine what contributes, and on the top-ten list is location, location, location.

We’ve heard this basic principle in one way or another since the earth cooled. At the same time, we know it’s not always possible to have an office at the best location. We have to consider marketplace dynamics and economies of scale. However, it is possible to have an office that reflects the message you want to send your clients about what you are, who you are and what you do.

It’s not uncommon for business owners to give little thought to the impact office environment has on the client. In this case, the word environment refers to three factors: physical, visual, and the most important – psychological.

As a business consultant, I’ve walked into hundreds of offices over the years only to marvel at how many mixed messages are sent – all simply by what clients see, or more important, don’t see when they walk in the door. What does your office say about you?

The Physical

Coining the term space management – a simple principle that imparts a simple message – your space needs to be maintained and your space is wherever you happen to be. Consider a logical and strategic placement for office furniture, equipment, pictures, bookshelves, file cabinets, coffee tables, and personal items, all of which influence perception from the minute clients walk in the door. At first glance you want to be inviting, efficient, and organized.


The Visual

Scientific studies support the belief that the most influential form of communication is not what is spoken, but what is seen. Your office “speaks” to clients visually whether you realize it or not. And this is where businesses often miss the opportunity to market their brand and image. Here are a few ways to incorporate branding into your environment.

• Display your company’s mission statement so that it’s visible to clients. This reinforces the intent of the company as relates to them. Be sure your display is appropriate and attractive.

• Choose a strategic location to display your business’s core values so that clients, customers and employees can see what your company stands for and strives for in meeting standards of behavior and service. Keep your vision statement in front of employees to continually reinforce commitment about where your company is headed.

• Create attractive displays of products and awards, contributions to the community, marketing and advertising campaigns, and stories published about your company and your clients throughout the office, lobbies, hallways, and conference areas.

The Psychological

Color and space have a tremendous influence on our perception without us even being aware. The color green, for example, creates a warm, relaxed feeling. Red incites energy. Interior space planning and arrangement influences productivity; it can generate a feeling of chaos and claustrophobia or one of comfort and flexibility.

• Plan your space carefully. The decisions you make about paint colors, objects, décor and placement have the most visceral impact on clients, and may be the most overlooked element of the office environment.

• Make the transition from physical office to “virtual” office smooth by choosing colors, styles and graphics that are similar and consistent. This applies to your website, business cards, stationery, brochures, and company vehicles… anywhere you conduct business.

Addressing these three environmental influences may answer questions about your business the client may never ask you directly: Do I feel good here? Do I feel welcome here? Do I want to be here?

As a business owner, the one question to ask yourself is: What does my office say about my business?


Author/ expert Maxie Carpenter is Founder and President of MVC Advisory Resource, Inc., “Your Guide to Successfully Managing Your Business.” He is the author of “I Didn’t Ask You to Dance!” and “Managing Difficult People in the Workplace.” You can reach Maxie at www.mvcinc.org.