Differences Between Renting an Office in Asia Pacific, Europe and the USA
Whether you’re simply curious about what it’s like to rent commercial space in other parts of the world, or you’re set on expanding internationally, it can be helpful for businesses to understand the differences between renting an office in Asia when compared to Europe and the United States. Read on to discover a more in-depth look at the current situation for renting commercial space in each of these locations and gain a better understanding of how they may vary. United States The USA is a relatively steady market for commercial rentals, with demand levels improving as the start-up model continues to gain popularity and accessibility. While home to some of the world’s most expensive office rental locations, such as New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, America’s central heartland offers many opportunities at a fairly low cost. The downside is they are further away from business and financial hubs. It is up to a business whether they’d be able to thrive in a less accessible location. Europe Europe is similar to other western markets (i.e. the United States), however, in previous years there has been a lack of quality commercial space available, leading to higher demand and rising prices. One of the most sought after European cities is Frankfurt, due to its short commute to the airport. Its still comparatively cheaper than London which is not the only the most expensive city in Europe but also 3rd most expensive in the world. For good quality space, rates are still at a premium and continuing to rise. Asia Pacific As Asia’s economic climate continues to improve, so does the need for commercial space. Asia Pacific is now also home to some of the most expensive cities in the world to rent commercial space – Hong Kong, Shanghai , Beijing and Singapore. However, the Asia-Pacific market is varied, offering cheaper alternatives. For example, office space in Bangkok and Manila – although increasing – is significantly more affordable. Is it all down to money? In most cases, it does seem as if costs affect the choices of businesses all over the globe. Another key difference is the proximity to other trending commercial locations and key hubs. Some cities are closer to others and airline costs are cheaper in certain locations, so it’s important to consider how viable it would be to do business with clients in other areas of each region. Of course, cultural differences may come into play – however, anyone looking to set up business in a foreign nation will no doubt have done their research into the ways businesses are set up and managed to ensure success. If you’re looking to rent a office space within the Asia-Pacific region, Asia Serviced Offices should be your first port of call. With extensive knowledge and experience in conducting cross border rental transactions and local support , offering fully serviced offices & Flexible office solutions in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Korea, Indonesia, & leveraging on our strong network and expertise, we can help you to obtain your dream office space!
Kuala Lumpur: A Rising Location for Start-Ups
Anyone with a working knowledge of business in the Asia Pacific region will be aware of the ways Kuala Lumpur is emerging as a start-up hub, especially if you’re in with the up and coming crowd of entrepreneurs. It was also rated as the top 11 tech cities in Asia However, it hasn’t always been that way. A while back, many top businesses in Kuala Lumpur were pulling out of the local scene and heading for Singapore, Australia or the United States to seek bigger and better opportunities. This is likely due to the small local market and low use of mobile in the region in the past. Despite that, start-ups are once again showing strength and potential. A visit to startups-list.com shows plenty of start-ups are based in Kuala Lumpur now, giving hope to others who may have great ideas of their own, or investors looking to break into the local market. The fact that the city’s business scene is once again starting to heat up is likely due to the ways the government agencies, local entrepreneurs and the technology community has worked in unison to improve the landscape from a business perspective. Kuala Lumpur is also home to a number of events designed for networking and idea sharing between entrepreneurs and start-up employees, leading to innovative ideas that will only encourage the local ecosystem to grow. Additionally, due to the popularity of start-ups once again, Start-up Malaysia has introduced the innovation and expertise of Silicon Valley to Kuala Lumpur through internships, start-up programs, workshops and events. Start-ups looking to get their feet off the ground may find themselves with more government support than they’d expect. Many start-ups in recent years have received funding and grants through various schemes run by government agencies as well as from angel investors and private venture capitalists. An example of this is the Cradle Fund – the first development and technology commercialization funding programme in Malaysia. The programme aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the funding and support to turn their ideas into real ventures and attain commercialization. Cradle have been offering this scheme since 2003 and it is still helping new businesses today. Much help have also been dished out for entrepreneurs and startup companies for leasing offices with several incentives under the MSC scheme, if companies lease space in MSC certified buildings. You can easily locate MSC zones and buildings in KLCC area, KL Sentral , Petaling Jaya and Cyberjaya etc. If you’ve recently set up a business in Kuala Lumpur, of if you’re hoping to move to the city and follow your business ambitions, renting a serviced or flexible office space should be the first way to establish or expand a company. If you’re searching for Flexible office spaces in Kuala Lumpur, contact Asia Serviced Offices now for the best options and ideal locations.
Guide To Setting Up An Office In China
About China China is one of the world’s largest economies. With its growing middle class and its consumption needs, as well as unparalleled manufacturing capabilities, China has grown to a scale that is largely uncontested. As Chinese companies such as Alibaba , Didi Daiche and Tencent lead the fray, China’s tech and ecommerce industry is also experiencing a renaissance amidst a heavily regulated climate. Benefits of Setting Up An Office in China Investment / Free Zone Zones ( FTZ ) China has various different types of investment zones, which all different types of advantages for investors. Some of these advantages might include tax breaks or tax refunds. From 2015, additional to Shanghai , 3 more FTZ in Tianjin, Guangdong and Fujian have been set up. This is to encourage more local and foreign enterprises to set up businesses in these zones. Fertile Market Despite already being an economic superpower, China still remains a relatively untapped market with great potential especially with a fast growing middle class. Businesses can seek to carve new niches in this untapped market. China has a low internet penetration rate compared to most developed nations. China internet users totalled 731 million as of Dec 2016, an addition of 42.99 million from Dec 2015. Internet penetration rate reached 53.2%, up 2.9 percentage points from 2015. Therefore there remains a huge market to tap on especially in the Tech and online arena. Large Amount Of Local & Foreign Talent The fact that China is home to one of the world’s largest populations also means that you have a wide pool of skilled hires to choose from. There are more Chinese that received Western education and technological know how now. The Government is also trying to improve the process for skilled foreigners to obtain the relevant work passes and permanent residency. Factors to consider when setting up an office in China Transport Most of the more developed cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, have their own mass rapid transit railway lines for commuters. Bus services are also relatively common. For many Chinese residents though, transport is better achieved through personal means, such as bicycles or motorbikes. Location Here are some of the more popular cities where one can set up their offices. Beijing Beijing is the capital of China, and serves as a centre for commercial, political and cultural exchange in China. It is one of four autonomous municipalities in China, allowing it to enjoy economic and administrative autonomy. Beijing’s service sector, which consists of industries such as financial services and information technology services, account for nearly 80% of the city’s GDP in 2013. (rugratsva.com) Its also the home city of Zhongguancun, China’s silicon valley, where top venture capitalists and tech talents gather in China. Guangzhou Guangzhou, or Canton is the capital city of Guangdong province, the largest economy in mainland China. It contains Guangzhou Port, which is the third-largest container port in China. Guangzhou’s main industries are automobiles, petrochemicals and electronics. Shanghai Shanghai is home to Mainland China’s financial centre. Like Beijing, it is an autonomous municipality, which means it enjoys economic and administrative autonomy. 60% of Shanghai’s GDP in 2013 was attributed to its service industries, which consisted mainly of financial services, retail and wholesale and real estate. Its most prominent financial zone, Lujiazui , attracted a huge number of local and foreign enterprises due to its Free Trade Zone status. Shenzhen Shenzhen is the first Special Economic Zone that was established in China, and has been a symbol of China’s opening-up policy since then. It is one of richest cities in China and houses the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, which focuses on small and medium-sized companies, unlike its counterpart in Shanghai, which focuses more on larger state owned companies. It has also in recent years been transformed into a hotbed of technological innovations. With the presence of several tech heavyweights such as Foxconn and Tencent and a very vibrant tech ecosystem of talent and investors, its bound to be the next up coming business hub in Asia. Bilingual Service Staff It is important that the service staff at your office are able to communicate effectively in both Mandarin as well as English, if you are a foreign company setting up in China. This is vital not just for creating a strong and professional image, but also for daily business activities. Serviced and co-working offices are well equipped to handle this and also do away with the hassle of outfitting and maintaining the offices. Contact us to lease your ideal office in China today. Speak with our local office consultant or email us at sales@asiaservicedoffices.com to receive a free consultation and quote for your office needs in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and other cities in China.
Benefits of setting up an office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE is made of several various sheikdoms and is located on the border of the Arabian Peninsula. The country itself has been on the forefront of twenty-first century inventions and modernity. The United Arab Emirates has become one of the most affluent states in the region since oil was discovered in the 1930s. A diverse economy and tourism have made the country very attractive to prospective investors and as such setting up an office in UAE has always been a rewarding experience. Here are a few benefits of setting up an office in the United Arab Emirates: Accessibility to a Diversified Market The market in the UAE has found a lot of diversification in recent years. While the petroleum industry continues to be extremely important to the economic success of the nation, the United Arab Emirates has seen sustained increase in technology, science and tourism. A Central Point for Commerce and World Trade The UAE is situated in the heart of a number of the most significant trade and business routes in the world. This is very true and remains so today, which makes it a world-class trading center. By setting an office in UAE, you will have easy reach to other markets in Africa, Asia, Eastern and Southern Europe. The country has the needed facilities to adapt international trade, with advanced marine ports, making setting up an office in UAE an appealing one. Low Taxes The government in the UAE offers good tax incentives to companies setting up an office in the state. There are no corporate or private taxes and this helps in taking a substantial financial and administrative burden off of international businesses. There are no trade barriers and no foreign exchange controls too. A Huge Selection of Twenty-First Century Technological Options In the last decade, the United Arab Emirates has made a name for itself as an authority in the areas of IT and telecommunications. With the ideal infrastructure and the most modern facilities, like the Dubai Media City, the country is an ideal spot to improve your operations. Understanding of UAE’s business culture is very essential to be able to run your office effectively. Equipping your workers with this specific advice before their secondment will help international assignees work successfully and efficiently with their Emirates counterparts. One of the many important aspects of setting up an office in UAE is the legal structure. The Commercial Companies Law also defines several kinds of legal entities, which may be created in the UAE. It sets out the conditions for firms when it comes to minimum capital amounts, managers, stockholders and incorporation processes. It further lays down provisions regulating amalgamation conversions and dissolution of businesses. One popular city that most companies love setting their office in is Dubai. Rated as the 11 most dynamic city globally, Dubai has one of the most well rounded business environments around, as well as being a cosmopolitan city of diversity , located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia. Dubai is well known for their world class infrastructure, luxurious hotels, amazing skyscrapers and a very vibrant expatriate community. If you’re looking forward to setup your business in UAE, one of the first things you’ll need is an office. AsiaServicedOffices can make the process of procuring an office easier for you. Simply contact us now to explore the office listings!
Mechanics of Searching for a New Office
Mechanics Of Searching For A New Office Gone were the days when you go searching for an office of 1500 to 2000 square feet , that can accommodate 8 to 10 persons. And you spend precious time visiting more than 10 sites with different real estate agents. Upon shortlisting the space, negotiating with the Landlord, and then renovating and out fitting it. And you end up getting locked up in a 3 years lease without knowing how your business will turn out to be in 6 months time ? Gosh ! Look at the kind of work, time and money involved. Not forgetting the amount of money spent in office out fitting , equipment, deposits and agent commissions etc. At Asia Serviced Offices, our mission is to make leasing office space the most simplest and hassle free task at zero costs to you. We believe that finding and booking a 2 persons office for 3 days , should be just as easy as securing a team office for 100+ workstations for 12 months. More importantly, the solutions that are given to you allows you the flexibility to scale up or even down size accordingly to your business needs. Our goal is to provide a holistic, straight forward experience that supports all types of workspace needs and allows you to enjoy a wide angled view of the actual real time availability in the market and prices. By delivering such a radically simplified procurement process, your office search has became into a just matter of a few clicks on the keyboard. How do we do this? We have handled so many different cases from extremely complex to downright simple needs and requirements of our clients. Truly, there’s no two exact similar cases. Such that we are well equipped with the knowledge and data which is integral in helping us to nail down your ideal office space. Our customer’s needs Preferred locations : We covered the entire country and city that you desire. You may not know the city if you are a new comer. And that’s where we come in. 2. Requirements : Do you need an office complete with telephone lines , high speed fibre internet? Or perhaps a front desk receptionist to go with it? What about a break out area for your team members? Sophisticated requirements may need some server space or even dedicated VOIP phones. 3. Extras- Some clients want something more than an office. Perhaps a gym and pool to go with it. Co -working office space tenants will want to work in a place where they can work along side with like-minded people and startups. 4. Different environments for unique work styles Is working in a Grade A corporate office building your cup of your tea? Or maybe working in a heritage shophouse could be better. Each kind of space tells a different story of what people wants and perhaps wish that their business may incorporate into that environment seamlessly. 5. Price The most critical factor was all about price. Many customers were puzzled or maybe even put off by some listed prices. We managed to break down what their exact needs are all about and managed to re- configure the space and negotiate the price to a level which is much more palatable. To order to provide this solution, the information and past transaction data that we have , will be critical. 6. Transparent prices for office suites & desks, The listed pricing for office suites and desks of Serviced Offices and Co-working facilities definitely help in improving transparency. Definition of charge value per person or workstation is the common denominator of pricing in today’s flexible office industry. But does that apply strictly across the industry? It really depends. Based on our expertise and experience, we will be able to explain the possible different scenarios and work out the most ideal solution for you. Our Solutions : What’s your next move ? Our team is committed to improving your search experience. The entire work place industry has been revolutionised and massive disruption is happening to traditional commercial real estate. Big landlords are also getting onto the bang wagon incorporating co-working space and linking up with flexible workspace providers to transform the industry. With the advent of technology, the demands and shape of the office space environment , requirements and demographics are fast evolving. Armed with extensive industry knowledge , search experience and relevant data, we are well equipped to handle such a radical evolution. This radical evolution will require a tailored workplace strategy that combines the power of our advanced search methodology with the personal, human interaction we have with our partners and customers. Looking for a Serviced Office or Flexible Office solution in this region? Do not hesitate to tap into our network and knowledge now, be it in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur , Hong Kong or Shanghai. Reach us now at Asia Serviced Offices for a Free , Non Obligatory discussion on your office needs !
Guide To Setting Up An Office In Singapore
About Singapore Singapore is one of the world’s most established financial hubs, operating as a cultural gateway between the East and West. Despite being just a small city-state, Singapore has proven to be an economic giant. Additionally, Singapore is moving towards being a top technology, science and media hub in the region, and also holds one of the world’s busiest ports.Much has been spoken about the many benefits of opening a company in Singapore. We shall go through some of them here again. Benefits of setting up an office in Singapore Singapore is the 2nd easiest place in the world to do business Accordingly to World Bank’s annual report , Singapore is rated as the world’s 2nd easiest place to do business. It takes you just 10 minutes to set a business up online! That’s less that the amount of time you would take to walk down to your nearest coffee shop. Singapore is situated in an ideal location. Located right in the heart of South East Asia, Singapore is situated near growing markets within the region such as Indonesia and the Philippines. It is also a mere few hours away from cities such as Beijing, Mumbai and Hong Kong. Singapore has a strong stance on corruption Singapore’s strong anti-corruption policy makes it easier for business owners to conduct business, and also ensures a fairer environment of competition for all. Singapore has relatively low tax rates The taxation system that is most widely used in Singapore for corporate tax is the one-tier corporate tax system. Under this, the tax paid by the company on its chargeable income is the final tax that is paid. This rate has been fixed at 17%, but the effective tax payable might even be lower if companies make full use of government incentives and subsidies. 5. Vibrant Startup eco system Singapore’s small size allows for a close knit ecosystem where several co-working offices and startup communities offer fire side chats, meetups, networking, exchange of ideas, and support to budding entrepreneurs and startups. 6. Talent Availability Being rated as the best place to work and live by expats, Singapore has no lack of foreign and local talent. Companies have ready access to a huge pool of talent. However it remains to tough to procure engineering and tech talent in the city state. However the Singapore government is putting in investment to train more local tech talent to boost up the startup eco-system. If you are not convinced , please check out the following: Factors to consider when setting up an office in Singapore Transport While Singapore is already highly connected by a robust public transport system consisting of the MRT train system and buses, it is still advisable to choose an office space that is nearby an MRT station for ease of transport. Peak hour crowds can make the travel experience uncomfortable and frustrating. Location Most of the popular office locations in Singapore are located within or nearby the Central Business District (CBD), the main financial and commerce area in Singapore. Raffles Place Often see as the Singaporean equivalent of Wall Street, Raffles Place is home to numerous financial giants, professional services firms and multinational corporations. It also has the highest concentration of Grade A office buildings in Singapore. Shenton Way A prime office address, Shenton Way is almost on par in significance with Raffles Place. It is flanked by gleaming modern buildings and skyscrapers. Tanjong Pagar Tanjong Pagar consists of a variety of both newer and more mature buildings, which also house a large variety of companies and organisations, ranging from advertising agencies to government institutions. Orchard Road Orchard Road is a popular tourist attraction, and is known for being a thriving shopping and entertainment district. It is also very well connected by bus and MRT. Harbourfront Located right next to Sentosa, Singapore’s beach and casino playground, Harbourfront is surprisingly a popular location for many companies, due to it’s proximity to the CBD. It is also where Singapore Cruise Center is located, allowing workers to travel easily to neighbouring islands and countries if need be. Cost The cost of renting serviced offices in Singapore can vary, ranging SGD 1000 for a 1 – 2 person workspace, to SGD 10 000 for a 10 person workspace. This will also vary depending on the location, as well as the kind of amenities and services that are provided by the serviced office. Contact Our Singapore Office Speak with our Singapore office specialist at +65 67089349 or email us at sales@asiaservicedoffices.com to receive a free consultation and quote for your office needs in Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, Orchard Road or Harbourfront in Singapore.
How Office Design May Affect Your Productivity
How Office Design May Affect Your Productivity (Asia Serviced Offices) Having access to a commercial space dedicated to your business is the ultimate goal for many business owners. Ideally, the office should be filled with motivation, creativity and productivity. However, bad design may end up having the opposite effect, essentially dampening the mood and nature of your working environment. How is design linked to productivity? An employee’s environment has been proved to affect the way they focus at work. In fact, various studies have suggested that good office design may improve productivity by up to 20%. Firstly, however, it’s important to educate your employees on the best way to reduce chaos and improve focus, such as: Clear all clutter. Ensuring all files and documents are sorted efficiently. Keeping often used items in accessible locations. Recycling or discarding any trash or unnecessary paperwork. Labelling any unclear storage compartments for easy access. Spend 10 minutes everyday to ensure that your office is neat and tidy. All of the above can contribute to a less cluttered working environment, which will subsequently benefit workers in the vicinity. Reducing clutter will also ensure the benefits of great design are visible and effective. Design elements are key in reducing feelings of demotivation or poor productivity. Elements to Avoid: Poor lighting. Dark working environments may cause fatigue, headaches, irritability, eye strain and even depression. Uncomfortable chairs. If an employee’s chair is not adjustable to their spine and height, they may begin to experience back pain. Cluttered storage. When things pile up in a disorganised manner, employees will find themselves stressed and frustrated. They may end up spending more time searching for essentials than they do actually working. Any of the above will result in factors that may detract from an employee’s focus. Instead, try to improve the working environment by ensuring these potential dangers are taken care of. What to Include: Motivational colours for a office design. Colours have been shown to affect the moods and cognitive function of humans, so by including positive hues within the office, you’re sure to create a sensation of productivity. While you may not be able to decorate if you don’t own your office, you can still enjoy artwork or decorative pieces to add a touch of colour. Plant life. It’s been suggested through a number of studies that plants in offices can result in increased productivity and happiness. Try low-maintenance potted plants such as cacti or succulents. But what if I’d rather focus on my business than my office? If office design is a concern yet you don’t have the time or funds to hire a professional interior designer, you may consider a serviced office. These offices are available fully furnished, allowing you to complete the look by adding your own finishing touches. These may include artwork, photos or ornaments – anything you choose! A number of serviced offices are available to lease from Asia Serviced Offices at a number of locations throughout the Asia Pacific region. By taking the ready-to-go approach, you’ll be able to create a positive, productive working environment in no time. Ready to lease a office, always feel free to engage us to procure your ideal office today!!!
Current Commercial Real Estate Trends in Asia Pacific: What You Need To Know (Asia Serviced Offices)
In 2016, the demand for occupiers and investors across the Asia Pacific region is increasing, following on from an improvement in the balance between the two in 2015. Additionally, the increase in real estate transactions that is already prevalent in 2016 is likely to continue due to strong demand for investment. Asia Pacific Summary The most significant theme of 2016 has been the rise in real estate transactions across the region. This effect is a result of high demand and an increased supply, partly due to the planned developments in Asian cities. There is increased capital throughout the region that will be utilized by investors who aim to raise their asset allocations in Asia. Chinese investments continue to make headlines across the region and serve as key sources of outbound capital. It is expected that the current prospering markets will remain healthy throughout 2017, however investors may be subject to an increase in interest rates in the United States, especially after the presidential elections. Australian offshore investments have more than doubled in 2015. It is expected this growth will continue in 2017. However the types of investors will be different from the previous cycle in 2007 when it was dominated by Australian institutions. In the current cycle, these institutions are increasingly being funded by offshore groups. Financial Markets Capital markets are recovering and investors are confidently investing in real estate due to sustained economic growth across Asia Pacific. Risk of liquidity is lower due to cooling measures being relaxed across the region as the year progresses and further supply reaches the market. Industrial Markets and Logistics In view of a robust e-commerce industry ,the logistics real estate market is showing positive growth, as is the opportunity for industrial real estate in Asia Pacific in 2016. Demand for warehouse space is on the rise, resulting in good prospects for industrial investors. Aside from market development, the property industry may also be affected across all sectors by structural variation and technology, which may cause changes to logistical efficiency and online retailing. Office Locations As the global economy recovers, the demand for office real estate in Asia Pacific is rising. These trends may be indicative that the office market will continue to thrive as the economy further improves. Retail Properties Due to the bad economic sentiment and popularity of e commerce especially amongst the younger generation,, retail sales have slowed over recent years. Most malls remain empty or not up to optimum occupancy. Asia Serviced Offices provides Flexible office spaces in locations across the Asia Pacific region, including Singapore, Malaysia and China. If the trends in commercial real estate have encouraged you to consider commercial premises for your own up-and-coming business, you may wish to review the benefits of leasing a serviced office by visiting www.AsiaServicedOffices.com
Top 5 reasons for choosing serviced offices for rent
Are you thinking about expanding or downsizing your company or looking for an office space for a short period of time, for a project with extra manpower or for a short term period ? See our top five reasons below why renting a serviced office may benefit your business 1. Flexibility – One of the largest benefits of using serviced offices is their flexibility. You can just lease them for one month or for several months and are designed to accommodate a wide variety of businesses which can upsize or downsize as they need. They usually do not require huge up-front deposit fees and you do not have to commit to a two or three lease terms as what most leases of conventional offices require. 2. Location – To some companies, location is extremely important when it comes to creating the right image for your business, yet renting offices in prime city locations would usually be costly. And its often very difficult to procure small conventional office space for setups smaller than 4 persons. Serviced offices however allow you to obtain your sought after business address in a Grade A office building downtown at a affordable monthly rent. 3. One monthly payment – Serviced offices allow you the convenience of paying just one consolidated bill , instead of making several payments to different service providers. The bill usually comprises of rent, internet access, telephone, reception, security staff, furnishings, air conditioning, utilities, office cleaning kitchen facilities, insurance, mail handling and other ancillary charges. 4. Easy access to Business facilities – Most business centres have a full-time receptionist help to answer your calls and attend to your guests and visitors. You can also hire meeting or board rooms at a ad hoc basis, thus offering a professional office environment which many small businesses could not afford usually. 5. Networking opportunities – Serviced offices give you the ability to network and cross sell within a variety of businesses located within the same business facility. Today you are just as likely to find all businesses of different sizes and setups from startups to Multi National Fortune 500 companies on the same floor. For more information on leasing a Serviced office in your preferred city of choice, please contact our team here. We will be most happy to answer any queries of yours.
5 Apps You Should Use To Keep Your Work Productivity At Optimum Levels
Technology has done a lot for us over recent years, with the surge in mobile resulting in a vast number of new, hi-tech apps that help us in our daily lives. From managing our health to having fun on the go – there’s bound to be an app that suits your needs. However, what about our professional lives? As it happens, there are a huge number of apps available today that are designed to increase productivity, keep users organized and enhance motivation at work. Here are just five of the top picks for keeping your work productivity at its optimum level. Pocket Do you ever browse the web while you should be working? It is okay, we won’t tell 🙂 But when you get distracted reading an article, it often leads to another – taking valuable time away from important tasks. With Pocket, you can save an app or page to view later – after the working day is done. The app will even sync across devices, saving you time as you catch up off the clock! Evernote Evernote has been around for a few years now, yet still continues to join top app lists on a regular basis. Why? Because it does what it says on the tin, so to speak. Evernote allows you to store all your important notes in one place and organize them in a way that suits your working style. Users can set up multiple notebooks, use tags, add dates and even save clippings from the web to stay organized – great if you are working on a complicated project. Expensify If you are in charge of managing the accounts at your workplace – or even running a business of your own, Expensify is for you. The app allows you to take photos of your receipts so you won’t have to store the physical copies. It then automatically scans each image and uses the details to generate an expense report on your outgoings in seconds. By using an app to take care of your finances for you, you’ll save even more time that could be spent on projects themselves. Trello Trello is more than just a to-do list. You can create cards and boards either for your own use or for your entire team to keep things organized. You’ll be able to create and share lists, upload files and have multiple discussions to ensure every project is taken care of. Pomodoro Time If you haven’t tried the Pomodoro technique yet, it’s time to give it a shot. It creates a systematic approach to productivity and encourages you to meet each goal within a realistic set period. While working against the timer, you’ll soon find yourself working more efficiently and battling away any distractions. By using apps to keep your working life organized, you’ll be able to spend less time getting it together and more time working hard on the job!
Business Etiquette in Asia: What You Need to Know
When you are taking on business in a new location, adapting to the local culture and etiquette is the key to success. Without it, you simply won’t gain the same level of acceptance and respect in the local business community. In Western countries, etiquette tends to be similar – or close enough that you can get away with minor slips. However, Asian customs can be vastly different to the etiquette Western entrepreneurs are used to. Here’s what you need to know! Decipher the culture Take it upon yourself to research everything you possibly can about your new society – the religion, beliefs, hierarchy, social norms and values. By gaining an understanding, you’ll find it easier to be respectful in your actions. Research non-economic influences Sometimes, other factors can influence business, such as religion, family and loyalty. Look into this to be sure you know the score if these factors become involved. Understand the importance of business cards Exchanging business cards is a very common practice in Asia Pacific countries, so always be sure to keep some on hand – both in English and the local language. Take note of negotiation practices In some Asian cultures, negotiation is more than just business. You may need to consider gifts! Always save face Face is another essential concept to understand while working in Asia. Avoid creating stressful situations and create relationships to reach practical answers, rather than demanding a ‘yes or no’ response. Be prepared for extra-curricular activities You may be invited to business dinners, local events or even the homes of your associates. Understand what you should give as a gift and how to behave during these events. Take a bi-lingual approach All business copy should be produced in the local language as well as English. All information that is outlined should be clear and precise. If you do not speak the language, hiring a translator is a worthwhile investment. Value business relationships Rather than getting what you need from people in the short term, try to build long-lasting relationships that will help you in the long haul. Pick up the local phrases Even if you don’t speak the language, it’s polite to learn at least the basic phrases and greetings to show you’re making an effort to share in the culture. Adapt your mannerisms accordingly Asian countries often value mannerisms you may not be used to, relating to your body language, phrasing and even timing, as well as cultural traditions such as removing shoes or bowing. By learning more about Asian culture and business etiquette before making the move, you’ll find integrating into foreign industries even easier than you anticipated. If you’re planning on setting up your business in any city Asia Pacific, get in touch with AsiaServicedOffices today to learn more about our flexible office space and serviced offices!
Demand For Serviced Offices Is Continuing To Grow: Here’s Why
The demand for co-working and service office spaces is growing rapidly all over the world – including Asia Pacific. In Hong Kong and mainland China especially, the rising costs of renting traditional offices is showing a significant increase, causing more startups and growing businesses to opt for a more affordable alternative. So what is the alternative? When businesses are looking for a commercial space that will also save them money in the long run, flexible office spaces and serviced offices are preferable to traditional leases. These are similar to traditional offices; however, the building is shared by multiple businesses – for example dividing up a floor for each purpose, resulting in lower costs for each tenant. Those setting up or expanding a business can choose a location that fits their needs and budget entirely, rather than putting themselves out of pocket by springing for a sole location. According to Colliers International, the global demand for flexible office space is likely to rise 63 percent in 2016, with a large percentage of this growth directed from Asia. In China, it is the growth of the tech industry that has led to an increase in startups and in turn a demand for commercial premises. Beijing – China’s capital, is one of the country’s main markets for this type of office space, establishing the city as a hub for innovation and creativity. This growth has not gone unnoticed, as Colliers reports that the trend is starting to catch on in Hong Kong too, stating that startup companies in the city have fuelled this growth significantly. Serviced and flexible offices are also an ideal choice for the many multinational companies that come to do business in Asia Pacific. This option involves less commitment, lower price points and more freedom than taking the traditional route. The Perks of Serviced Offices Serviced offices have more benefits than just their flexibility. Here are just a few! • Everything will be ready and waiting when you’re ready to move in. You won’t have lengthy connection waits or the need to have furniture and technology delivered. • Maintenance is included and taken care of within your monthly fee, so there’s no need to worry about extra expenses or staff. • You’ll get to enjoy professional administrative staff who are happy to answer phone calls and take messages for you. • Your phone lines, internet connectivity and anything else you need will be already set up for you to use. • You’ll know exactly how much you’re going to pay each month, allowing you to sensibly budget for the rest of each month. Will you be taking part in this growing trend for flexible and serviced offices? If you’re looking for office space, feel free to Get in touch with Find Your Next Office to learn more about what a serviced office in Asia Pacific could do for you and your business today.