The 10 Top Questions to Ask BEFORE Leasing a Store Space!

Once you have identified a site, or multiple sites of interest, you should then call the Landlord or Listing Broker to obtain all information like asking price per square foot, size of the available store, and set up a showing so that you can view the interior of the space.

photo credit:  Ian Balwin

Additional questions to keep in mind:

- Does the frontage (the number of feet of window space you have open to the street) provide enough visibility to the road?

- Is the bathroom strategically located in a spot that will not take up valuable floor or storage space?

- Is the ceiling in good shape?

- What is the age of the heating and air conditioning unit?

- What are the 1-3-5 mile radius demographics?

- What are the traffic counts at the intersection of the roads at the property?

- What is the access in and out of the property from the streets?

- Is there pylon signage available to you?

- Is there plenty of parking available to you?

- Look at the co-tenants in the shopping center. Are they complimentary uses to yours?

Leasing a retail store should be a successful venture if you are in the correct location and part of a team who not only leasing you the building but works to promote it using social media. Sharp Realty has a proven track record of success and will be happy to help your business to become a success!


Sharp Realty, LLC.
400 Union Hill Suite 300
Birmingham, Al. 35209
Phone: 205-879-1995www.sharprealty.com

Three Keys to Business Ownership

    Many working individuals dream of owning a business rather than working for corporate America or a retail chain. The thought of setting his or her own schedule, spending time with the family, and being his or her own boss sounds wonderful.   Consequently, choosing the correct type of business to own is important in fulfilling this non-corporate dream.  While it may sound wonderful, there are a few vital factors to consider before quitting a day job.  Business ownership requires, time, money, and good products for success.

photo credit: Igor Ovsyannykov

Addressing the first of these factors - time, the most commonly over looked; however, it is the life blood of a new business.  The first year will require much time in establishing a business brand and product line than most business owners anticipate.  Additionally, the store build out and set up will require many long days, nights, and weekend to complete.  If the business has no employees, the business owner will be required to work all the store’s operating hours.  A new business owner must be prepared to spend many long hours to accomplish his or her dream of business ownership.

    On the other hand, there is the issue of money, or lack of it.  Many new business owners think, “build it” and “they” (the buying public) will come.  Sadly, this is most often not the case; in fact, it is many times the opposite. On average the first few years a new business does not make a profit.  The amount of money needed to start, sustain, and market a new business is many times grossly underestimated.  Consequently, a new business owner should be prepared for the “cost” of business ownership and the “lack of revenue” the first few years.

    Under these circumstances, a line of good products to sell to the shopping public is vital for new business success.  The influence of search engines, and social media have created a more shopping savvy consumer.   Monitoring the latest shopping trends, and anticipating future trends is critical for a business to stay fresh and current.  A continuous line of good products will secure business success in the constant changing shopping world.  Therefore, a new business owner must constantly monitor the demand for the line of products his or her business sells.

   Admittedly, there is nothing that makes working people dream more than owning a new business.  A new business owner must anticipate working long, long hours for several years.  Plan to spend much more money on setup, general cost and marketing than originally planned.  Become obsessed with the current line of products the business carries, thus making it better.  After doing all of this, the dream of business ownership will no longer be a dream, it will be a successful reality.

For help with store locations.

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill, Suite 300
Birmingham, Al 35809
205.879.1995

Is your smart phone stealing time from your day?

We all have a smart phone for convenience and staying up to date on events. But, are they also stealing time from your day?

How many times do you, someone you work with or your employees check social media accounts while at work?

If we are honest with ourselves, it is more than we would like to admit. In this digital day, it is normal and acceptable to be checking your phone.

Research shows the average user checks their phone close to 150 times per day and spends 162 minutes per day, mostly on apps. It is easy to get distracted and waste time while on your phone while at work.

For a business, time is money!

photo credit: kyra preston

Below are three ways to increase productivity at work:

1.   No social media or browsing at work.

2.   Schedule time before or after work to check social media accounts.

3.   Use your phone as a phone and only answer text during the day.

Try it for a few weeks and see how focused and how much more productivity is accomplished at work.

For more great tips follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com

Beat Burnout - 5 Tips for Better Work-Life Balance

The best way to beat burnout is by making more time for the activities and people that matter most to you.

1.  Build downtime into your schedule.

When planning your week, make it a point to schedule time with your family and friends, and exercise that help you recharge.

2.   Learn to say NO.

When you quit accepting tasks out of guilt or a false sense of obligation, you'll have more time for the activities that are meaningful to you.

3.   Rethink your daily tasks.
Cut or delegate activities you don't enjoy or can't handle — or share your concerns and possible solutions with your family or employer.

4.   Get moving.

It's hard to make time for exercise but it may ultimately help you get more done by boosting your energy level and ability to concentrate.

5.   Remember that a little relaxation goes a long way.

Even during a busy day, you can take 10 or 15 minutes to rest your mind and/or body and recharge your batteries.

For more great tips follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com

What are the Advantages of Having a Smaller Store Space?

One of the biggest trends is actually, well, small. The combination of changing consumer shopping behaviors and hard-to-pass-up real-estate opportunities has created an opportunity for many traditional stores.

Over the past few years, some large retailers have decided to forgo the hundreds of thousands of square feet and instead opened smaller stores – and consumers are responding quite favorably.

Consumers at times feel overwhelmed in large, massive merchandised filled stores with so many items to select from.

Having an organized exclusive store is easier for the consumers to browse and connect with the staff; this is where the loyalty begins!

Additional advantages for business owner are lower cost and investment. For many small businesses and start-ups this is just the ticket needed for success!

So think outside the box and think small!

For more great tips follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com

Why Open A Family Business in Madison, Georgia?

Madison Georgia, what makes it a great place to open a business?

Besides the amazing people, weather and its proximity to Atlanta and the beaches, the demographics are perfect for a family owned business.

Sharp Realty, owns and manages the retail shopping location at Madison Crossing. Our anchor store is Bi-Lo (41,423 SF), the family friendly tenants include: The Cato Corporation, Shoe Show, Hong Kong Restaurants, Fancy Nails, Lock’s Hair Salon, Pancho’s MexicanGrill, Madison Family Dentistry and Orthodontic Center.

We currently have two retail spaces available in the sizes of 2,800 SF and 1,500 SF. 

Get your business in the right location!

Commercial Space available for lease, call today to join our retail team.Our Management Team Leader: Rhonda Lusco

Sharp Realty, LLC.

400 Union Hill Suite 300

Birmingham, Al. 35209

Phone: 205-879-1995

www.sharprealty.com

Other topics:
How being organized in a multi-tasking world ensures business success? 

Make a Good Impression: 5 Ways To Spruce Up the Office. 
3 Basics of Business Branding for Small Business Today. 

Prepare For These Four Realities When Starting A New Business

There is nothing more exciting than the thought of owning your own business, being your own boss, and having your brand or name on merchandise.  

However, the excitement can turn to distress if you have not considered these four subjects when you start your new business.

1. Financial: There are many start-up costs associated with opening a new business.  

There are often hidden costs or fees that will come up when starting the business such as licensing, cost of maintaining a building, merchandise stock, marketing, staff, insurance, accountant and much more. 

Multiply your budgeted start-up costs by 3 or 4 to maintain a financial comfort zone.

2. Marketing: Create an annual Marketing Plan.  The adage "build it and they will come" only happens in movies! Opening a business with a sign outside does not guarantee people will shop your business.  

You should have a annual marketing plan and budget for the entire year.  Marketing is not a once a year event.

Also, successful marketing requires professionals.  Don't leave have your collage age child do your social media marketing just because they are good at using social media to communicate with friends.

3. Long Hours: The fantasy of working whenever hours you want is exactly that, a fantasy!  As a business owner you will work more hours than you ever in your life.  

Being a business owner means you are never far from your business, even while on vacation if you are lucky enough to get a vacation.

4. No or Little Income The First Few Years: Most new businesses do not turn a profit for several year.

Take these considerations and be realistic when planning your new business.  There are many successful business owners in your area.  Talk to them and ask what helped make their business a success.

Presented by Sharp Realty 

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300  Birmingham, Al. 35209
205-879-1995
www.sharprealty.com

Leasing Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.

Other topic:
4 Time Management Tips for Small Business Owners
6 Smart Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate.

5 Ways to Reduce Cost the First Few Years of Operating a Retail Business

How being organized in a multi-tasking world ensures business success?

We are all multi-tasking, running businesses and our lives.  Although at times, it may feel like they are running us. One sure way to stay on top of it all is to have a system for organization.  Below are a few tips to stay organized for success.

1.   Touch things only once:  So much time is wasted by touching things over and over again. How many times have you opened a file or mail and moved it from one pile to another in your office? Doing this is a big time waster and leads to clutter in the business.  When you start something, complete it and put it where it belongs immediately.

2.   Schedule your day:  At the start each day make a schedule for your day’s activities.  This will help you stay on track and have a more productive and successful day.  Add fun time in your schedule.  A walk outside for ten minutes each day can help clear and open your mind.

3.   Give yourself a time line: Putting a time stamp on our daily activities helps you focus and stay on point.  When you have a start time, and more importantly an end time, you are more likely to complete tasks rather than putting them off until later. Later never comes!

4.   Organize your messages: Plan a time to respond to emails, phone messages, text and social media.  If it is not an emergency, have a set time to handle all of the above. Do not feel you have to respond immediately to everything. This disturbs your train of thought and waste time in the day.

   
  
5.   Designate a place for things in your business:  Do you at times feel overwhelmed when you see piles of things that need to be done?  Have a designated place for everything. This helps by keeping things clean, organized and you can find things when you need them.

 

Following all or a few of these tips will make our days more productive and successful.  Please share your tips of organization with us below. Blog by Sharp Realty, Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.

 

 

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al. 35209

205-879-1995

www.sharprealty.com
Leasing Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.

Other topic:
4 Time Management Tips for Small Business Owners
6 Smart Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate. 5 Ways to Reduce Cost the First Few Years of Operating a Retail Business

 http://www.sharprealty.com

12 Dos and Don’ts for a Successful Meeting

Remember to:

1.  Prepare! Even if you know the material inside and out, being prepared helps you stay on track, remember all the points you want to discuss and command your audience.

2.  Start and end on time. You lead and teach by example, starting and end on time shows a level of respect on your part to the audience and gains the audience’s respect for you.

3.  Have an easy to follow agenda.  Audiences like knowing what is being cover and what is next, having an agenda that is easy to understand will ensure that anyone can stay on point with you.

4.  Have the right attendees. By inviting only the attendees relative to the subject or project will ensure full attention and participation.

5.  Agree on action items.  This step eliminates wasted time later trying to gather all the parties back together again for an approval. There is nothing worse than trying to get an approval to move forward and a key person is on vacation.

6.  Have common understanding of outcome.  By everyone having on the same sheet of music will ensure productivity.

 

Do NOT:

1.  Meet too often. Having meetings too often is a waste of time and money on everyone’s part.

2.  Meet too long.  Cover only the necessary points and information.  At a certain point the audience losses interest. 

3.  Meet without need.  Again, biggest waste of time and money for any company large or small – monitor how often meetings are arranged for your business.

4.  Get off topic. Getting off topic can take you down different roads and you may miss the points of what you need to cover.  If questions arise during the meeting have a Q&A at the end or in an email format to be addressed at a later time.

5.  Get off rhythm. Stick to the agenda and don’t get stuck on a single topic.

6.  Allow anyone to commandeer. Maintain control of the meeting, otherwise you will lose respect and risk not achieving your expected outcome. 

Blog Content and photos: Sharp Realty
Contact us for details or visit our website.


Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300  Birmingham, Al. 35209

205-879-1995
www.sharprealty.com


Leasing Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.

Other topic:
4 Time Management Tips for Small Business Owners

6 Smart Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate.

5 Ways to Reduce Cost the First Few Years of Operating a Retail Business 

 

Good Customer Service Leads to Repeat Business

Have you ever gone in a store and ask for help or when cashing out the person taking care of you never said a word or even looked up? How did it make you feel?

In the age of online communication, there seem to be a disconnect with communicating with a real person. Many people have to learn or relearn how to communicate in person.

Providing good customer service online is great but connecting with the person in front of you in your store is a must for the success of any small business.

Small business must set themselves apart from big corporate brands. A successful way to do this is build a rapport or bond with your customers. Since most purchases are bought on an emotional level, learn and teach your staff to build a bond with your customers.

Here are 5 tips for better customer service;

1. Say “Hello, how are you? How may I help you” and here is the catch, WHILE looking the person in the eyes.

2. When a customer is looking for something, take them to the item don’t just point in the direction.  Oblivious they don’t know the store very well or they have never been in the store before.

3. While helping customers, ask questions either related to the product for service or general questions. The more you communicate with your customers the better you will know them and their buying habits and you build a bond with the person.

4. Ask the customer their name, repeat it in the conversation and make note of it with a few notes so when they return you will remember.  The goes a long way! People like to feel remembered and special.

5. Say Thank You. Two simple words we sometimes forget while building a bond with customers.

By providing great customer and making those personal connections you have given them an emotional experience rather than just a purchase. They will remember it, share with others and return for more.

 

How do you feel about this issue?

 

Blog by:
Sharp Realty
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300
Birmingham, Al. 35209
205-879-1995
www.sharprealty.com
Leasing retail locations nationwide.

  

5 Important questions to ask your property management company before leasing a retail space.

You may have heard the three most important factors when starting a business is location, location, location. Yes, location is vital to your business success but equally important is the relationship you maintain with your property management landlord.  

Just as every property is distinctly different, so are the companies that manage them. You are going to be in an ongoing relationship with the property management company and it is essential that the lines of communication be and remain open.   

Rhonda Lusco, property manager of Sharp Realty, suggests meeting with your management team while still in the searching phase for available commercial space to lease.

Have your written questions ready ahead of time and be clear on what your expectations are, not only for the answer but how they are answered. For example, does the management team seem to be flexible and easy to deal with or are they fixed on “these are our rules no exceptions”.  Know what is important to you before the meeting. 

Below are a few questions you may what to consider.

1. What the expectations of the leasing agency is regards to rent payment, utilities, garage or snow removal each month?

2. Can you put displays in the front of your store? Is so, are there any restrictions?

3. Who is for responsible signage, and how is it handled?

4. Is the management company promoting foot traffic the business complex and how?

5. What are the procedures when renewing the lease or if expansion is needed?

Being prepared and having your answers before you lease will save a lot of time, money and discontent.  Most of all establish a good relationship with the property manager that is built on open communication.

Sharp Realty has served the served the commercial Real Estate community for over 20 years. Contact Sharp Realty to discuss our commercial space needs.

Sharp Realty
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209
Phone:205-879-1995
www.sharprealty.com