“When you’re in a home, your networking opportunities are limited,” Yerushalmi says. “How much feedback and advice will you get?”

Cheni gives WomenEntrepreneur some valuable insight into the Sunshine office community, its network of small businesses and entrepreneurs, and provides 6 tips for small businesses in 2011. Read the entire article here!

Case in point-when you are a freelancer you usually start off with your home being your business. That comfy couch replaces your ergonomic office chair, the coffee machine is your literal coffee pot and the TV is never out of reach. These luxuries can be good in moderation but can also turn your freelancing career into a disaster, which is why it is imperative that all freelancers keep an office whether it is a second bedroom retrofitted into a home office or an actual office space within a rented out building. I know you are probably thinking to yourself “why would I quit my job to get rid of the corporate atmosphere only to re-embrace it?” Well, the answer is quite simple actually-efficiency.

Since you already set your own hours of operation, frequency of work load as well as general location of work, you are set up to have a higher propensity for slacking off. Any experienced freelancer can shoot off an anecdotal story about how a TV show marathon kept them from completing an order for a client or how “a few more hours of sleep” can turn into an entire day in bed with you adamantly defending your actions to…yourself. Having an office space gets your brain out of leisure mode and into work mode which is what you need when you don’t have a boss who can fire you for being lazy. By making an office space you can effectively separate work and play within your mind which will undoubtedly lead to more efficient and productive working time.

That’s right, creating an office space will help you keep your work load balanced and keep you productive which is your only means of procuring money as a freelancer. Furthermore, freelancing inherently involves more than just doing the work. You have to file documents, keep a ledger, bill clients, etc…all of which need their very own organized home and the coffee table surely isn’t the best fit. Keeping an office allows you to also keep office space to store all of these vital documents that keep your freelancing job afloat. You have to remember that becoming a freelancer doesn’t mean you don’t have a business or boss to report to because this isn’t true. As a freelancer you become your boss and you become your business so it is necessary to treat yourself as your business since at the end of the day you literally are.

While creating a home office space is an option, another is investing in renting a shared office. Shared office space will vary in price, but it is often designed with a freelancers budget in mind. While many freelancers believe that working from home is an ideal scenario, others acknowledge the truth that it doesn’t always work out as planned. For many, it pays to get out of the house an in to a formal place of business.

In summary, keeping an office space is a vital choice for any freelancer for a plethora of reasons. It allows you to effectively separate work from play, increases productivity, and creates an efficiently run business that any professional would be proud of.

Sure, working with pay per click advertising engines are phenomenal ways to generate high quality, relevant traffic to your lead form but what if you’re not familiar with the process? Don’t sweat, you still have an option! Did you know you can outsource lead generation and pay just for the leads that were sourced for you? It’s pretty simple with what are known as “CPA Networks.” CPA, in this case, doesn’t stand for “certified public account,” but rather “cost per action.” Working with CPA networks allows you to specify what “action” you want taken (for example, submission of a new lead) and the most you can pay for that action.

When you believe you have a reasonable price in mind that you can pay per lead, reach out to reputable CPA networks to discuss having their affiliates promote your offer. How it works is pretty simple:

Create your lead generation page.
Determine your ideal cost per acquisition.
Approach CPA networks about running your offer.
Pre-pay the network for the target amount of leads you are looking to have generated.

From that point on, your primary objective is to monitor the quality of your leads. Keep track of if the leads are converting into sales. If the cost of the leads is not being justified on the back end, work with the network to adjust the CPA and better manage the affiliates promoting the offer.

A the end of the day, working with networks come down to quality. Most networks will let you start with a small, $1,00 test.

Some of the most reliable networks in the industry are:

Convert2Media
AKMG
COPEAC

For instance, when you picture yourself running your own small business I’m sure you see yourself with ample numbers of customers just waiting to purchase your services. Unfortunately, it is extremely rare that this would ever occur in the beginning of a small business venture. In fact, you have a better chance at success if you start small and incrementally work your way up in terms of size. This allows you to take less risk and prevents you from ever biting off more than you can chew. One example of this would be renting office space. Sure it sounds nice to say you operate out of a 2,000 sq. ft. suite but if you are only utilizing one fourth of that size currently, all you are doing is throwing money down the drain. Start small and build your office space up congruently with the amount of business you are seeing. As your business grows, so can your location. Using shared office communities can be a great starting point.

Whenever you start a small business, one of the first and most vital steps to take is self protection in the form of incorporation. Form an LLC or something along those lines so that just in case your business doesn’t pan out, you won’t be stuck holding the bill while your personal assets are at stake. Visit a local bank or go online and find an incorporation agent who for a relatively small fee can set up everything for you so that you are protected against all odds.

Make sure you have a realistic business plan that you intend to follow. The worst thing you can do is go into a business venture blindly without a set of outlines to guide you. A business plan allows you to chart your success and growth effectively as well as plot goals for the future. It will help you figure out how much it will take for you to turn a profit as well as allow you to create a break even cost analysis.

One last tip that is rarely put into consideration yet could easily lead to the failure of your small business is trade secrets. As much as you would like to tell every family member, neighbor, friend, or passerby about what your business’s processes are-don’t. If you tell the wrong person about the revolutionary idea you have…you run the risk of having them steal your idea and market it before you.

If you follow these tips, you will have a better success rate than most of your fellow small business owners, so now it’s up to you to utilize them for a great future for not only yourself but your business as well.

Resource #1:  Meetup.com

Meetup.com is a website that enables you to connect with others based on your common interests. If you are not already searching for relevant networking events on Meetup.com, you are missing out  huge networking potential.  The number of meetups available on any topic is mind blowing. It makes it so easy to find local professionals to connect with.  Every member of each meetup has a profile page where you can describe what you do and who you are looking to connect with.  Since everyone attending the meetup is local, you should be able to make solid contacts.

Attending these meetups is a fantastic way to meet people who have similar interests, whether business related or personal.  This is a great way to start getting to know people in your industry, discuss and exchange ideas.  Attending meetups regularly can dramatically help you increase your contact base as well as gain exposure for your brand.

Some meetups are more organized than others. Check the reviews of a meeetup to see what prior attendees thought of the event.  Most meetups are free, while others cost a few dollars.  Regardless, it is up to you to determine if the time is being well spent.

Resource #2: Industry Trade Shows

Based on what industry you are in and where you are located, you may be able to do some fantastic networking at trade shows.  These shows will usually have educational sessions in addition to networking events.  Unlike meetups, trade shows tend to stretch over multiple days.  Trade shows will often cost a reasonable amount of money to attend.  While these are often stellar networking resources, the value of the event comes down to how active you participate.  If you choose to attend a show, make sure that you are doing the best you can to maximize your time.  Attend sessions that will provide quality, actionable information.  The rest of the time should be spent networking with colleagues in the industry.

Resource #3:  Shared Office Space

Shared office space is a very new and interesting approach to networking. An essential feature of a community office space is the daily interaction with other people who are working to build their own business.  You have the ability to meet people who have knowledge of all different facets of running a small business.  You may or may not attain new clients from your office, but the education opportunity makes it worth it.  Sunshine is just one of many providers who offer this type of solution.  Check what type of shared offices are available in your area.  Go on a tour of the location and check out the vibe of the space.  If you feel comfortable with it, go for it.

With each of the three networking opportunities above, the value of each will always depend on how well you are using your time.  Make sure to evaluate our post on Tuesday that covered 3 Crucial Networking Mistakes.

One, with Moviestar entrepreneur, is here, and there’s a podcast with The Hopkinson Report here.  Both of these interviews offer one of our own resident serial entrepreneur advice on how to make your dreams reality.

Testimonial from David Tunstall, of the Tunstall Organization

So, I’m renting a cubicle at Sunshine Suites in Tribeca…NYC. A lot of small businesses here doin’ they thing. Not only is the price right: $375/month for my own cube, use of all the building facilities & file cabinets but they have this great social media tool called Yammer.

Yammer is like Facebook but on an intra-net. So basically the only way to access it is through the Sunshine network. To say that there is talent in the building is an understatement. Some of the regular contributors to Yammer range from Miss Florida (Jenna Edwards of Queen For A Day) to Vaynermedia to Green Soul Shoes and many others in the mix!

So not only am I inspired to be surrounded by such quality people, but I’m learning a ton from the yam posts and doing some business in the process…and in NYC the price is tough to beat. So, if you’re in the area pop in here and check it out!

Easy Ways to Pump Up Your Immune System from The Vitamin Creek

What with cold and flu season upon us-and so many viruses rampant in this country-you may well be wondering what you can do besides getting the seasonal flu shots and others, to stave off colds, flus, and any other conditions that may keep you down and out for a week or more. Well, of course, there are the shots to get, disinfecting everything you come in contact with, and just avoiding people and places. While some of these options are possible, hiding under you bed for the entirety of cold and flu season is not. This said, the key to avoiding getting sick is to ensure your immune system is as strong as it can be. Here are the most helpful tips you’ll need in doing just that-and making it through this cold and flu season unscathed.

• Eat Right-Though it may seem like a no-brainer that you make sure to eat a balanced diet to ward off infection, and bolster the immune system; many people underestimate just how significant including all the most vital parts of a healthy diet, can strengthen the immune system against viruses and infection. This means getting your fill of veggies, fruits, grains, and dairy (to include probiotics in the form of yogurts, etc for healthy digestion), to properly give your body the energy it needs, as well as a means to flush out all potentially harmful bacteria which contributes to a weak immune system.

• Sleep-You probably knew that this one would be on the list, but again, with our lives seeming to get busier and busier between our work and family-adequate sleep is typically last on our list of priorities. Though there are only so many hours in the day-attention to your health should rank higher than any tasks on your to-do list. Get at least 7-8 hours a night to let your body rest and restore itself for the next day.

• Don’t Stress It-You may have heard that stress plays an important role in weakening your immune system, if experienced often or at high levels-and it is true. You may be doing everything else right to stay strong against infections, but if you are letting that person at work or the demands of your everyday life get to you-you could not only be weakening your immune system; but also, setting yourself up for heart disease and related problems-through high blood pressure. This said, take everything as evenly as possible, and look into any venue that might help you de-stress your life: yoga, meditation, long walks, etc.

• Exercise-Working in close concert with not allowing stress to get the better of you can be exercise. Many people find that aside from the great health benefits that regular exercise offers them, it also offers a means to de-stress. Moderate exercise is a way to strengthen not just your muscles and bones; but it also, strengthens your immune system, by kick-starting all your body functions into a healthy use. From cardiovascular health obtained through breath and circulation to the pumping of muscles to be stronger; exercise helps strengthen the body against all harms.

• Vitamins-Most everyone should use-at the very least-a multi vitamin, as though your diet may seem optimum as far as supplying your body with all the essential vitamins and minerals-it probably isn’t. Multi vitamins add a generous sampling of the nutrients your body needs to not only function at optimum level; but also, ward off bacteria and infection. Look for vitamins with: C, Zinc, and Beta- carotene, especially for immune boosting strength.

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“Working in a shared office space allows for maximum flexibility when hiring new staff or when you need to save money during a downturn. Here at Sunshine Suites, we allow companies that to add or reduce the amount of space they take with as little as 1 to 30 days notice, depending on the need. If you run a seasonal business and need to ramp up during busy season and then scale down, a shared office space is perfect. If your business is continually growing, and you need to keep adding employees, it doesn’t make sense to lock yourself into a long term lease – especially if you are not sure of how much space you’ll need in two years. You also will never have to spend more than necessary in anticipation of hiring people down the road. As a small business owner, flexibility in one of your biggest expenses – rent – is incredibly helpful both in good and bad times.”

So this article from Resources For Entrepreneursconfirms and reinforces further what many small businesses are already thinking-we’re seeing a trend in the business landscape in favor of, rather than slashing staff, slashing the size of the room needed to hold them.

“Many small business owners are finding that having workers telecommute saves them a significant amount of money on rent, office furniture, and other expenses. These cost cuts can also reduce the need for layoffs…”

As the needs of your business grow and shrink, it’s imperative that you both have the staffed-trained, trusted, loyal-on hand to carry out the tasks you need done so you can focus on your business. Why cut your personnel unnecessarily when you could flex down to a smaller office space in slower times?

For more info on office downsizing and other shared office space benefits and tips, click here.

As Managing Partner and Co-founder of Sunshine Suites, a shared office space in New York City with two locations, I’ve found there are many reasons to start your business working in a shared office space instead of renting your own office or staying on your couch. The list below is nowhere near complete, but does highlight some of the major benefits of working in an office community. Sunshine Suites was founded based on my own troubles of starting an internet gaming company. My partner and I tried to solve all the headaches that we went through when setting up our office, and make sure others didn’t have to go through the same. Below are what we believe to be the top 6 biggest benefits of working with other small business owners rather than going at it alone.

6. Access to community events – A good shared office space should have a lot of events going that will open up opportunity and allow you to meet others. At Sunshine Suites, we host at least two or three events every week – anything from our bowling and softball teams to a weekend at our Vermont vacation cabin. We host numerous educational events and roundtable discussions, and of course meet & greets and networking lunches. Also, a quality shared office space will not leave it up to you to meet people, but will encourage and proactively make sure there are plenty of opportunities to meet all the other small business owners in the space.

5. Every Business Service at your fingertips – Imagine being able to check on your marketing campaign, verify your records with your bookkeeper, or view that website update in minutes any time you’d like. Working in a shared office, you not only have a choice of numerous services (all that come from the referrals of your friends), but you can actually grab lunch with your bookkeeper, or check out the graphics on your website, or have access to any service you need instantly. This makes for much better service, with you in the loop the whole way and your input given at any time. It also opens the door to other services and ideas that are out there, that a neighbor may be working on.

4. Stay focused on your business – Being in a shared office space allows you to write one check a month to cover all your office needs. You never have to worry about reordering paper, running out of toner, or paying the electric bill – someone else takes care of all his so you can focus on your business.

3. Keep your burn rate down – Working in a community office space can save you up to 60% of the costs of renting your own office. Most companies don’t realize the time and expense that goes into having an individual space vs. sharing one with others. For one low price, you can have access to numerous conference rooms, high speed internet access, a receptionist, fax machine, copy machine, printing, etc. The actual cost of purchasing all these services on a monthly basis and maintaining them is significantly higher than sharing.

2. Flexibility – Working in a shared office space allows for maximum flexibility when hiring new staff or when you need to save money during a downturn. Here at Sunshine Suites, we allow companies that to add or reduce the amount of space they take with as little as 1 to 30 days notice, depending on the need. If you run a seasonal business and need to ramp up during busy season and then scale down, a shared office space is perfect. If your business is continually growing, and you need to keep adding employees, it doesn’t make sense to lock yourself into a long term lease – especially if you are not sure of how much space you’ll need in two years. You also will never have to spend more than necessary in anticipation of hiring people down the road. As a small business owner, flexibility in one of your biggest expenses – rent – is incredibly helpful both in good and bad times.

1. Networking, Networking, Networking! – Working with others in different industries allows you to connect with hundreds of potential clients, potential referral sources, and, most importantly, potential ideas. Being surrounded by this, especially at an early stage in your startup, is invaluable. Some of the people here at Sunshine Suites have received so many referrals, particularly because they are not competing with each other, that they have almost entirely focused their marketing efforts on the Sunshine community. It doesn’t take a silver tongue – just someone willing to show up at the events we have throughout the week, such as our bowling team, the meet & greets, our networking lunches, or our educational speeches.

So, remember:
1. Keep your burn rate at a minimum.
2. Get out of the house! You need to be surround by open-minded people with whom you can discuss ideas!
3. Pick a business partner who offers different skills than you (while having the same moral beliefs and ethics).
4. Keep good, accurate accounting records.
5. Go to as many networking events as possible
6. Be your own best sales person. Never hire someone to do a job you can do better (especially sales).
7. Start small. Don’t assume people will like your product , so test it and get feedback (baby steps) .
8. Learn about the many programs and benefits available to you via the city and grants.
9. NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK!
10. Don’t be afraid to try new approaches. Always adapt to change and competition.