Curtis Battles, https://www.newcanaanadvisors.com, summarizes common challenges that new businesses face. I have been working with several rapidly-growing companies. For some, their employee base has doubled or even tripled in a span of 12-18 months. The challenges these companies have faced can be categorized into 3 areas:

  1. Space. What is the right amount of space and where should it be located?
  2. Communication. How does a company interface with its team when different platforms are involved? What about information security?
  3. Cohesiveness. How do you get your team to work towards a common goal when each person tends to focus on their area of expertise? 

In terms of space, companies have several different options. They could rent one or two offices, sometimes with conference rooms. Sometimes these offices will include a professional to answer the phone, who will provide information about your company and take messages. This can be a cost-effective short-term solution, though it doesn’t leave much room for expansion.

Companies can often sublease a space. Typically, this is an office or other space that another tenant has previously leased, who may not require the entire square footage. The tenant, wishing to recoup some of their money, is able to sublease at a lower cost. This type of space typically requires a lower security deposit, or personal guarantee, which can be difficult for start-ups to manage. Companies must also consider where they want to create their headquarters. Finding a space in their chosen city, that will allow the company to expand and contract, is key. When writing the lease for the space, companies should think about including terms that would allow for expansion, lease extension and early exit.

Concerning communication, what types of programs are required for team members to communicate with each other effectively? Is Dropbox an option? Is Skype? What about security? How is your company’s intellectual property being protected?

Having a plan for creating a cohesive team is another important component for a company’s success. Often, people have blinders on when it comes to other areas of the company, if these areas are not in their realm of expertise.

Bringing in an outside person, such as myself, is invaluable in creating actionable steps for your company’s success. An unbiased perspective is often the best catalyst for incredible growth. Contact me today to discuss how your business goals can be reached!

Curtis C. Battles

203-461-8711

ccbattles@newcanaanadvisors.com

www.newcanaanadvisors.com

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