*This is a collaborative post
Being a parent changes you in so many ways. In both body and mind. It empowers and emboldens you. It makes you realise that it’s okay to take risks. It shows you that you’re capable of more than you dared dream. As such, it’s not surprising that so many women are loath to return to their old jobs after having babies. They may yearn for new challenges and new opportunities, taking their careers into their own hands. As such, many turn to freelancing or entrepreneurship as a way to better manage their work / life balance and achieve their dreams.
However, starting up a small business is very challenging in today’s ultra-competitive climate. Especially if you have a limited budget. All freelancers and small business owners need to be conscious of overheads and the expenses that come with renting a big swanky office in a prestigious location can put a serious stranglehold on your profit margins.
Here are some affordable alternatives to office space for busy and cash conscious Mumtrepreneurs…
Virtual offices
You want to run your business from your spare room but worry that a residential address and mobile phone number don’t quite give the impression of business health and prosperity you need? You might want to consider using a virtual office. It gives your business a prestigious city centre address (you can even use this when registering with Companies House), and you can also combine this service with a virtual receptionist who will field and forward your calls or take messages when you’re busy.
Storage units
A storage unit might seem like an unorthodox place from which to start a business, but many successful enterprises have been built in one. As you can see by checking out Storefriendly Storage’s website, storage units can be warm, clean, safe secure and technologically advanced spaces. What’s more they’re quiet and free from noise and distractions. Perfect for harnessing your productivity.
What’s more, they’re also great for securely storing any commodities that your business may make its money from buying and selling.
Hot Desking
Can’t afford an office of your own but want the urban experience as you grab your Starbucks in the morning and make your way into a fully equipped, swanky city centre office with lightning fast wifi and a wealth of other facilities? You might want to try hot desking at a shared business facility in your home town. These are especially popular among small business owners and freelancers who want great facilities but for whom their own office might be overkill.
What’s more, you’ll also get to meet and work alongside like minded dynamic and interesting people. Also, they have free coffee.
Your local library
Finally, this might not be a great option for those who need to make a lot of outbound calls. However, if you’re looking for a safe, quiet and secure space in which you can work, you could do far worse than your local library. Plus, it’s completely free and you’ll have no shortage of books to read in your downtime!
