If you've out grown your office, or are relocating, it's important that you find a way to manage your existing clients’ accounts and ensure that everything is running smoothly during the transition period. There will be so many things to do, and so little time to deal with customer queries and managing your marketing.
Here are some tips on making the move run smoothly:
Plan Everything
The first thing you'll have to think about is planning the big move. You need to choose a date when you're able to take a day or two off, and your existing clients won't suffer. You might need to outsource some processes, or make the most out of your workers’ capacity, but it should never affect your business continuity. Let your customers and business partners know about your plans, though, just in case.
There are plenty of logistics involved in moving office. You might want to create a project plan, so you can tick the boxes as you go along, and get things in place. You'll be busy with packing, saving your data, backing up your files to an external drive, and talk to your future internet and phone suppliers, as well as the people doing the decoration. A mind map or project map will help you make the most out of your time.
Automate Processes
There are some processes you can automate while you are managing your office move. For example, you can schedule you social media posts or blogs, using an online tool. If your move will last longer than a couple of days, it is recommended that you talk to a marketing agency offering social media management packages, so you can let your clients know about the move, and keep in touch with your leads and your followers.
Get an IT Management Company On Board
If your business is dependent on technology, it's crucial that you talk to an IT support company that will help you make the most out of your new technology and install all the devices and computers, as well as the networks ready to work when you are. This will save you a lot of time and hassle, and allow you to get working as soon as your relocation is complete. It's also really important that you make sure your internet and electricity are connected as soon as possible to avoid wasting time getting back to work!
Use a Storage Facility
If you would like to keep your business assets safe, you might need to hire a storage facility short term, while your new venue is being prepared and you get the keys and sign the contract. You can have a look at different local storage solutions and compare the prices, the service, and the accessibility. Self storage is a good way of saving money, but you have to make sure you don’t compromise on security when it comes to your business assets.
Test Everything
Before you would move into the new office and set up a local business, you will have to get everything tested. There is no point having all your computers and printers in place if the network is not connected, or you cannot get online. At the same time, you should get an access control and security platform in place, so you can start working again without any distractions and data protection issues.
Keep Things You Will Need the Most Handy
One of the mistakes you can make when you are moving office is that you pack up things that you might need. Set up a cloud account, so you can get hold of your files and emails from another computer, and keep active customers’ files handy. In case you will have to carry on working while moving, it is important that you don’t feel like your hands are tied because you cannot access some systems or files.
