So, you’re finally taking the leap—maybe you’re launching your dream bakery, or you’ve got grand plans for a cozy coworking space. Whatever it is, picking your business spot is a big deal. It’s weird how this one choice, which might seem simple from the outside, ends up making or breaking the whole adventure.
I’ve seen folks rush this, eyes glazed over at the first “For Lease” sign or just wanting to be done with paperwork. But picking the right site isn’t just about finding a place with a roof and parking (though, yes, parking is golden). It’s about planting your business somewhere it can actually grow—kind of like choosing the right-sized pot for a plant, only with more spreadsheets and less dirt under your nails.
Location, Location, and…Movement
Let’s talk about the basics first. You’ve probably heard “location is everything” so much that it’s almost background noise. But, honestly, it’s true. If people can’t find you or get to you easily, your grand opening won’t matter much. Think about foot traffic. Is it busy at lunch? Do nearby businesses attract your kind of customers or do they chase them away? Are your people—your customers and your employees—close by or will they grumble about the commute?
I once had this wild idea for a coffee truck, so I parked it at a sleepy office park on weekends, figuring people would love a treat. Guess what? Loads of parking, but zero customers on Saturdays. Lesson learned: always watch the area while imagining your customers, not just your own wish list.
The Lay of the Land—Literally
Alright, so let’s say you find a place that seems perfect. Walk it. Check what’s around. How’s the lighting? Is there actual space for your specific needs or would you be squeezing a bakery oven into what used to be a closet? Picture your operation on a wild Tuesday morning when everything’s moving at once. If it feels like a game of Twister, you’ll thank yourself later for passing.
Think long term, too. That tiny back room? Maybe it works now, but if you get busy (which is the goal, right?), will you have room to expand, or will you spend more time daydreaming about sledgehammers and open walls?
Why Getting Help Isn’t a Sign of Weakness
If you’re like me, making big calls alone can keep you up at night. Thankfully, there are people whose entire job is finding the best business spots. Seriously, site selection consulting is a thing, and it’s saved more than a few businesses from some truly tragic starts. Going it alone is fine if you’re into high-stakes adventures, but sometimes a nudge (and maybe a bit of hand-holding) is money well spent.
Don’t Forget Permits and Red Tape
Here’s where new folks get tripped up: every city, county, and landowner has rules, and some of them love paperwork almost as much as they love inspections. Make sure your dream doesn’t stall because you forgot to check zoning or you need a laundry list of permits. It’s boring until it bites you, and then it’s all you can think about.
A Few More Little Tips
Bring friends (the brutally honest kind) to look at spaces. Open doors. Is it loud? Is there weird stuff growing in the corners? Trust your gut, not just the sales pitch. Get everything in writing, especially promises about repairs or upgrades. And don’t forget about the “vibe”—if you can’t picture yourself happy there, your customers won’t either.
The Bottom Line: Pick a Place That Feels Like Possibility
The right location isn’t always the flashiest or the cheapest, and sometimes it’s not even the one you thought you wanted. It’s where your business stands its best shot at thriving. Take your time, trust your gut, ask for help—and get ready to set up shop somewhere you (and your customers) can actually enjoy. Read More
