Executive Office Space vs. Collaborative Workspace

Regus, Officescape, and Alliance Business Centers vs. bizperc

No entrepreneur or growing company is the same.  Some prefer the comforting silence of a closed-off office.  Others enjoy the energetic collaboration of a shared workspace.  While some would rather work from the comfort of a conventional desk or cubicle, others would rather work outside, on a roof, or side-by-side other entrepreneurs.  When some entrepreneurs choose to work in a traditional, habitual office spaces, others may need a more inspiring, innovative environments. 

There’s no wrong way to work—but there is a way that will work better for you.

If you’re a traditional, conventional entrepreneur or high-growth company who enjoys a corporate-feel during the workday, there’s a space for that.  If you’re an innovative, collaborative thinker who works well with others, there’s a space for that.  The environment that you choose, however, is up to you. 

While some choose to work at an executive office space such as Regus, Officescape or an Alliance Business Center, others enjoy the atmosphere of bizperc.  But when it all boils down to it, what’s the difference?  We’re here to tell you.  Because believe it or not, the atmosphere that you work in, whether its suit-and-tie or jeans-and-tshirt, may have an impact on how your business runs.

I want…absolute privacy.	I want…privacy within collaboration.
If you are looking to work on your business in a private matter (closed doors, quiet atmosphere, no interruptions), then Regus, Officescape or ABCN is the place for you.  Regus office spaces are there for just that—if you need a traditional desk or a simple meeting room—Regus will provide you with the privacy and seclusion that you need.	If you’re looking to innovate, collaborate, and create, bizperc is the ideal workspace.  For the interpersonal entrepreneur who wants to bounce ideas off of others, provide other hard-working individuals with advice, and become a part of a community with no closed doors, bizperc is the solution.
I’m looking for…a traditional finish.	I’m looking for…a cutting-edge finish.
If you’re an entrepreneur or high-growth company that has enjoyed the atmosphere of the corporate world—full of tradition, customs and business comfort—look no further an office space like Officescape or Regus.  Their traditional finishes provide entrepreneurs everywhere with original workspaces without losing the corporate touch.	bizperc is for you.  This space is all about modernity and being unique.  bizperc’s modern, urban loft space provides an inspiring finish for those who are looking for innovation and creativity.  Complete with electronic white boards, idea boards, a mini-Kinko’s, breathtaking rooftop garden, natural light, idea boards, and open windows, bizperc takes “cutting-edge” to a whole new level.
I’m in need of…a nationwide mobile office.	I’m in need of…flexibility.
Regus, for example, offers cost effective packages for 2, 4, 8 or 12 days per month or an unlimited use plan.  Regus, Officescape, and ABCN offices are available for any entrepreneur in need of an office or meeting space solution (but less offered services).  All provide nationwide mobile offices for the entrepreneur or growing company that needs nothing but desk space.	Stay as long as you want, use whatever services you need (if any), and come and go as you please.  bizperc provides ultimate flexibility so that you can get exactly what you want out of your work space, when you want it.  No long-term contracts, and rates start as low as $35 a month—bizperc is a space that fits your schedule and your budget.
I’d like…a traditional business culture. With office space that encapsulates a traditional business environment, Regus, Officescape, and ABCN offices are good locations for serious entrepreneurs who want to get down to business in a formal setting.	I’d like…a fast-paced business culture. Looking for a culture that’s fast-paced, fun-loving, collaborative, and innovative?  bizperc wants to see you succeed and will walk you through each of the innovative and unconventional steps to get you there.
I value…independence. If you’re intrapersonal and enjoy doing work on your own in a quiet area, traditional executive offices are the perfect place to start or grow a small business.	I value…community. If you value a sense of community with close interaction, tenant and client events, and day-to-day stimulating conversation, bizperc is excited to invite someone just like you into its community.

Keep in mind that where you work determines how you work.  Whether you prefer an executive office space with Regus, Officescape, or Allianance Business Centers or a collaborative coworking space like bizperc– the choice is yours.  Good luck with finding the right spot for you and your business.  Just remember, that no matter where you are, it’s a great place to Think Big!

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A special thanks to Staffing KC and Tradebot, the newest sponsors of Think Big Kansas City!  We are excited to have the both of you on board and look forward to another event full of inspiration and motivation!  To become a TBKC sponsor, check out our sponsorship page.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

The Magic of Accidental Entrepreneurial Collaboration in a Coworking Space

It happens every day. In fact, it is happening before my eyes (and ears) right now.

And until you experience it done correctly, you won't believe the results.

As one of the co-founders of Think Big Partners, which offices out of our coworking space for entrepreneurs, I sometimes forget the powerful reasons that compelled us to create Kansas City's first true entrepreneur-focused coworking space last fall.

For those that are unfamiliar with the history of coworking spaces, the original term was coined in 1999. Defined as a shared working environment, yet independent activity, it allows people to maximize their physical and intellectual resources to achieve both their individual goals and the goals of others.

Through this collaboration, the collective energy of everyone's individual goals becomes a shared common goal, being to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem that fosters personal and business success. As an entrepreneur, I often find myself having a hard time drawing the line between personal and business success, as I am deeply passionate about my work and ultimately, this affects my family's well being.

As I walked into Think Big Partners this morning, I was able to witness (having first overheard due to the enthusiastic tones of voices involved) spontaneous collaboration occurring between 2 very talented tenants inside of our coworking space. One was teaching the other a few technology tricks of the trade, to help him become better connected in the online world.

This knowledge could have been sold as a service. Any buyer would have been more than happy to pay for this education, but would have had to pick up a phone or schedule an appointment to receive it. Instead, one tenant realized another tenant’s need to become better at a social media-related technology application, and the two entrepreneurs spent ten minutes helping each other conquer the world for that moment.

I have become spoiled working here, as I forget that this phenomena is not a common occurrence in other places that have coworking space aspects. Nothing against working at Starbucks, but coffee shops do not foster a collaborative atmosphere, as this would detract from the overall experience of the people there to drink coffee first and work second. It wasn't designed to be an office.

Executive offices are great, and if you need a well-appointed, nicely finished space like Regus, then very few other offerings in the Kansas City marketplace can beat this set up. The downside for many entrepreneurs is that this comes with a longer term lease and a hefty price. And as far as collaboration goes, most tenants at Regus will agree that there are more closed doors than open ones. I know because I have worked in one.

We built our coworking space in Kansas City after studying the early pioneers of this idea on the West Coast. There are great spaces like The Hive (San Diego), NextSpace (San Francisco – one of my favorites) and more. I have toured them, worked in them and have a deep admiration for these businesses as they have done coworking right. But we are in Kansas City; hence we took a modified approach to coworking spaces built for entrepreneurs. Then we added ingredients like electronic whiteboards, white noise masking, letter folders, postage machines, state of the art color copiers and more. We took the typical coworking space to a whole new level for Kansas City, and on a nice day, you will find people collaborating on our WiFi-enabled rooftop deck that is an entrepreneur’s dream office during warm weather.

The two tenants will remain nameless this morning (we also protect their privacy!) but THANK YOU to both of you, for allowing me to witness the magic of accidental entrepreneurial collaboration. The benefits are many, and when I heard a loud "THIS IS SO COOL" come from the mouth of one of you, I smiled realizing that we have built the right place for the right people. We want to inspire you to do your best work and become incredibly successful as an entrepreneur. We like these types of accidental moments.

Or is it by accident? :)

 Written by Herb Sih, Co-Founder Think Big Partners, Think Big Kansas City, bizperc and a bunch of other companies that were created during slightly over caffeinated moments of entrepreneurial passion.