| How do I best evaluate location options?
You might begin by examining the pros and cons of your present location. What have you heard employees or clients say about it? Is it too far from major clients and markets? Do clients like to call on you or do they prefer you to come to them?
Another important consideration in choosing location is image. What image do your clients expect you to maintain? Some very successful companies make the decision to go with very modest offices in keeping with their clients' perceived image of their business.
You might also examine mileage records and question your sales staff about location preferences. It's a good idea to survey all employees to see where the bulk of them live and what their location preferences are.
Access to major highway systems can be of vital importance in the decision making process. A new location that's farther in actual miles from key clients or markets, but has better access to highways, may reduce actual travel time and become an attractive option.
Often, especially in markets like Akron Ohio, location is a matter of choosing between urban or suburban. Much of this decision comes down to company image. What statement do you want to make through your company's location? Do you want to project a relaxed, healthy image that accompanies many suburban office parks? Or do you want to project a faster-paced urban image?
Parking is another consideration in choosing between urban and suburban. If your company needs a great deal of employee parking, certain urban areas may be quickly ruled out.
Again, according to the Harris study, it is wise to survey employees about suburban vs. urban locations. 57% of workers polled feel there's a strong connection between being satisfied with their office environment and doing their jobs well.
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