The Executive Suite/Work Space – The Ideal Environment For Networking Potential!

by Raquel Spatzier of American Executive Centers

Thousands of small businesses have come to know the numerous benefits of establishing a business in an executive suite/work space, especially as compared to traditional office space.  There is low overhead, a speedy set-up, support staff, fully furnished office space, and an enhanced image, to name a few. One advantage of an executive suite in particular that should not be overlooked is the potential of networking in the work space. There are a multitude of businesses within an executive suite, comprised of senior executives, entrepreneurs and independent professionals; creating an ideal environment for networking. This is truly one of the unique advantages that set an executive suite or work space apart from traditional space. Over the 23 years I’ve been with American Executive Centers, I have seen our clients get to know and trust one another, and often end up doing business together.

Daniel L. Wolf, JD, CPA, is an American Executive Centers’ client growing his business with the help of the networking potential found in our executive suites. Daniel comments, “My original intention was to simply lease an office during tax season with the Marlton, NJ American Executive Centers location and then move back to my home office until next tax season. However, I really began to enjoy working in a professional environment, and I immediately became aware of the accessibility to network with other clients who referred my business and vice versa. Our Center Manager here in Marlton has also been instrumental in introducing me to clients who need my services. Additionally, there have been many occasions when other clients in my Center holding client meetings have requested that I join in to answer questions in my field. This type of networking availability that I have discovered in an executive suite is certainly unique to that of traditional space, let alone trying to network working from home!”

Robyn Axner-Davis of Furman Communications comments, “I’ve had a full-time executive office at American Executive Centers’ Radnor location since 2006, and while there are many reasons why it makes sense to be working in an executive suite, the most beneficial is the networking opportunities. In the almost six years I have been operating my business at the AEC Radnor Center, I have made an abundance of new business connections simply by getting to know my neighbors in the Radnor Center and the other six AEC locations. Additionally, the regular events and functions our Center Manager hosts create the perfect setting for networking and business development. Several of the business relationships I’ve made through American Executive Centers have developed into new business for me and several of these businesses are still on board. There is no question about it; I would never have found this type of networking culture in the traditional office space I used to lease.”

“Since I leased an office with American Executive Centers’ Plymouth Meeting location four years ago, MetTel has experienced major expansion and increase in market share,” says Linda Essai, Major Account Manager, MetTel. “The professional appearance, conference rooms, executive office suites, convenient location, and business support services are among the many reasons that make the American Executive Centers Plymouth Meeting location a great place to work.  We’re staying put! The networking opportunities are equally valuable to us. My target market is large multi-location companies, so the networking I engage in at the Plymouth Center is focused on relationship building for my charitable causes. The regular “Meet and Greets,” “Lunch and Learns,” weekly continental breakfasts, and holiday celebrations offer the perfect venues for making new connections.”

The executive suite model alone creates a networking-friendly environment.  But as part of our commitment to helping our clients succeed, we provide additional on-going functions to help our clients make new connections. Some of the offerings we have in place at our seven Centers include:

• Center Luncheons: Throughout the year our Center Managers will host luncheons or afternoon soirees, typically tied to a holiday, to bring clients together in a relaxed environment where they can get to know one another and build new business relationships.
• Client Introductions by Center Managers: Our Center Managers are always looking to bring clients together whose service(s) or product make a good fit for one another. The client introductions our Center Managers make on a regular basis serve to be very effective for helping our clients grow their businesses.
• “Lunch n Learn” Workshops: This is a great way to combine the service of providing knowledge of interest and value to our clients within a networking platform.
• Networking Sponsorships: To provide added value to our clients, we frequently team up as sponsors with the local business organizations in which our Center Managers are members and offer an open invitation to our clients to participate in these events at no cost! The client turn-out typically speaks for itself.
• Good Will: As part of our mission at American Executive Centers we team up with charitable causes throughout the year to give back to the communities of our Center locations. To share the good feelings of giving back to those in need, we welcome and encourage our clients to engage and be a part of a good cause, which they really appreciate.

Our clients tell us regularly that these types of events are among the reasons why they love our Centers. The networking environment is invaluable to our clients and we are always looking for new ways to enhance this unique feature. We welcome feedback and insight from our fellow industry peers!

One Response to “The Executive Suite/Work Space – The Ideal Environment For Networking Potential!”

1. msenn says:

   February 13, 2012 at 10:32 pm

   thank you for a great post! love the content