Running a startup business in 2022 is a tough challenge. The economy is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst most industries are oversaturated with competition. This means that it’s incredibly difficult for startups to get a seat at the table – no matter how good the products are.
One of the biggest problems that startups are facing is being unable to afford office space. Currently, it’s very expensive to rent an office, especially in big cities.
So, what’s the solution?
Luckily, your startup doesn’t need an office to be a success. Instead, you can try these five alternative options. Not only are they just as good, but they will also save you money, too.
1. Hotdesking
For startup businesses, there’s no better option than hotdesking.
What is Hotdesking?
Hotdesking is when different companies rent spaces in a shared business hub. Here, you can gain access to different desks and conference rooms that are suited to how many employees you have.
Essentially, it’s a little bit like a giant library (without the books) where you choose the resources that you and your team need. For example, if you and your team need some desk space to brainstorm ideas, you can book a slot and be good to go the very same day.
Some businesses pay a monthly hotdesking subscription fee, which allows them to go to the hub whenever they need it. Alternatively, other businesses use them on a ‘pay as you go’ basis.
To get started with hotdesking, visit thebrew.co.uk.
2. Remote Working
If you want maximum efficiency with no travel or rent costs, then it’s a good idea to adopt a remote working model for your startup business.
Typically, this will involve your employees working from home the majority of the time. When they do this, you’ll stay in contact using different communication apps, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
If there are certain days during the week when you want to have in-person gatherings, you can use a hotdesking hub (like mentioned above).
3. Coffee Shops
Surprisingly, many startup employees will meet in coffee shops – such as Starbucks – to discuss business matters.
If you go to any big city on a weekday and take a look inside the big coffee shops, you’ll likely see a ton of people in suits and smart dresses. Typically, these will be employees of companies who’ve purposely met there to complete business tasks.
It’s recommended you don’t use coffee shops as your primary meeting points, but they’ll come in handy whenever you need an informal place to gather and brainstorm ideas.
4. Basements and Garages
Basements and garages are commonly used by startups – just ask Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the founders of Apple. They started Apple in a garage and then turned it into one of the biggest companies the world has ever seen!
So, if you or another member of your startup’s management team has a large basement or garage, this could be an excellent place to hold business meetings.
5. Rent-per-hour Offices
Lastly, if you’re desperate for your startup team to work in an office, you can use a rent-per-hour office. Essentially, this is an office that you rent on a casual basis whenever you need it. For example, you might rent an office space for one day a week or something along those lines.
