As a growing number of today’s workforce transitions to working from home (either partially or full-time), we’re wondering where these home-based employees are expected to host their meetings? Is it at their dining room table among the inevitable pile of bills, magazines, mail, and homework? Or in the living room (albeit this is a much more relaxed setting)? Even if you are lucky enough to have separate space designated as a home office, what happens if your dog starts barking, or another distraction occurs?
To avoid these often deal-breaking scenarios, and to protect privacy, many home-based workers schedule conference calls or video chats with vendors, clients, and so forth. However, there are times when only a face-to-face meeting will do. It may seem old school, but meeting in person gives someone a much better idea of who you are, and simultaneously sends an important non-verbal message. They are important to you, and you are willing to take time out of your day, travel and sit with them in person to discuss whatever it is that needs to be discussed.
So where should you go for these ever-important meetings? A local coffee shop is always nice, but here in New York there is no guarantee that there will be two or more seats available for your get-together. Restaurants can be noisy, and produce any number of distractions. Hotels are always an option, but can be pricey.
A business center provides an ideal location for home based, mobile and transient workers to meet with clients and vendors, conduct interviews, or touch down for longer periods of time between destinations. Often housed in commercial office buildings, these meeting spaces establish a level of professionalism that is missing from home-based meetings. Available rooms offer a quiet and confidential place to discuss contracts, negotiations or to meet with interviewees. And they are often equipped with technology that will allow you to give a dazzling presentation to investors or partners.
Meeting rooms at most business centers are rentable by the hour, and with centers in most cities, there is likely a convenient location close to home. Websites like LiquidSpace or MeetingRooms.com provide real-time room availability and allow users to book via mobile apps. Trained staff members are often on site to greet you and your guests, and since the business center industry is service based, you will be in better hands than you would with the grumpy barista at your local coffee shop.
So nix your next meeting at Starbucks, and head over to a business center instead. We promise, you will not be disappointed.