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Health & Fitness

Updating Commercial Spaces: When It's NOT About the Money

There's no quicker way to add a boost to morale, productivity and your profile in the community than rejuvenating tired offices or drab storefronts-here's how to make it easy.

In business most everything IS about money, and today the financial rewards in embracing, and moving forward with updating a commercial space, a dark office, or a tired storefront are many, regardless of the size or nature of the business.

Fresh color on the walls, effective and flattering lighting, new carpet all send the right message: internally to employees and externally, to new and potential clients and employees, as well as agents, and buyers in the case of real estate interests.

These projects pays triple-plus the dividends a private project does, and decisions are made with not unfamiliar parameters.  SO-if  we assume the location and size/suitability of space works just fine, and it's not about spending a reasonable amount of money, why do so many deciders NOT decide?

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TRH believes that most people will choose well, when pointed in the right direction. Helping clients untangle their thinking and prioritize is my specialty, and clients with commercial spaces are no exception.

A simple, but critical thinking error derails most projects. It usually  happens early on, before the client finds me. Simply-they've lumped the question of what it should look like, with the issue of who'll be involved, and how decisions will be made. Entirely different issues, so in attempting to be efficient, they  pretty much guarantee getting stuck in the hamster wheel mode of thinking.

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Deciding who will be providing input, and how it will be presented to the rest of the staff  perplexes many owners/managers, but it's what should be established first, way before breaking out the paint chips or swatches, even before any conversations about the money. 

Taking it on by default-or assigning it to an employee based on (sorry) their gender, or  level of interest can be just as counter-productive as unfettered open discussions among staff, and there's no guarantee of success-only that time and money will be spent.

Just as in residential projects-the chemistry is different with each client, knowing it  and working with it comes first.  My projects have included funeral homes, law offices, and a church. I've met with and guided the sole proprietor-with, or without their spouse/SO, as well as business partners; a designated assistant; coop Board Presidents-solo, and with other Board members, a rectory full of priests, and  yes, even moderating a group meeting for smaller, more intimate offices where everyone's input was wanted, early on.

Updating a commercial space might seem like an intimidating project, but it  doesn't have to be.  A few hours with an intuitive and resourceful professional will free up your time and  untangle your thinking,  help you establish process and priorities, as well as the vision.

Marie Graham is an Interior Decorator, an Accredited Home Stager, and owner of The Refreshed Home. Specializing in making old, unusual and average spaces shine, she can be reached at marie@therefreshedhome.com, or 914.607.2895.

 

 

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