I know setting up or moving office can be tiring and there are the usual benefits of more space, meeting rooms, better location, professional image and so on.
But are there additional opportunities you might not be thinking about?
It would be great to benefit as much as possible and as quickly as possible from the move, so I've been thinking a little about what you could do.
Firstly , you have new neighbours to say hello to. Just moving in isn't enough. When you have new neighbours move into your street, how aften do they become friends? Do they say hello? Not too often from my experience but by approaching your new business neighbours and simply saying hello and introducing yourself could make that difference. They would put a face, a name and a real person behind that new office logo they see on a door or window nearby.
You might also be able to take advantage of this a little more by making them an offer or providing them or their contacts a little more than what they might get from walking in from the street. It's also an opportunity to let them know a little bit about yourself and what you can do for them or others. Not to make it a sales call, just you letting them know who you are but also finding out a little bit about them... like those networking groups you might go to but without any hard-sell.
Another thing I have done in the past, is held my own "office-warming" drinks... thrown out some nibblies and invited the neighbours in for an early friday afternoon finish and casual chat. I do think that could be a nice and enjoyable way to introduce yourself to the neighbourhood.
You might also invite some of your existing clients in too as it may help your image and reputation having some there that know you and would recommend your service.
If your office isn't the best location for something like that, possibly a local cafe or bar is an option and they might be be able to help you out too... after all a usually quiet afternoon that gets people inside might be in their interest too!
There might be other ways that are a little different to just spending money on flyers to get yourself known in a new neighbourhood. What else have you thought of or tried? And what have been your experiences?
Harry Nicholson
H Nicholsons Accountants
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Harry Nicholson, H Nicholson Accountants - A fictitious sample member of The Accountants Circle.