NuNomad Location Independent Living, Lifestyle Design, Independent Travel

Recently, our forum was joined by a new member, Manu, who described his business in Berlin as on in which office space can be rented for short periods of time specifically for the working traveler. TheBusinessClass.net offers space in downtown Berlin that comes complete with internet access, fax, phone, printer, coffee, etc. Everything you would need to keep your business running in an environment of people with like minds about seeing the world not just as the typical tourist. Manu Kumar, Head of TheBusinessClass.net, was kind enough to take the time for the interview below, describing what this new office concept can offer the nu nomad as well as how this Berlin business may soon spread to worldwide locations.

Can you describe what TheBusinessClass.net is, where you are located and what services you provide?

TheBusinesClass.Net (BCN) is an international network that works on two distinct levels. First it’s virtual and second it’s real. The virtual aspect is a digital (online) platform for artists, creative people and freelancers to present themselves, realize projects and find business contacts.

The second aspect – the real, physical network – is a network of offices, so-called BCN-ports. These offices provide accessible and uncomplicated working spaces world-wide, with all necessary office equipment like wireless internet access, fax, phone and answering machine, scanner and laser printer all in a comfortable, friendly surrounding. The first BCN-port was opened in Berlin, Germany in May 2007.

In the bigger picture each BCN-port acts as an interface between the local and global network through the local BCN-Port operator.

What gave you the idea to start TheBusinessClass.Net?

Simple, I would have loved to have something like TheBusinessClass.Net myself. For nearly a decade I worked as a freelance architect and artist throughout Europe and Asia. I sometimes envied employees of large international corporations (Sony, Microsoft, Nike etc.), because they instantly had access to their company’s global network. On the other hand I can’t imagine working permanently for such a ‘major player’ – as an artist I need my freedom and independence.

Then one day the idea just popped up: an independent network of freelancers providing working spaces, contacts and local infrastructure. Come, plug and play. It’s your business, anywhere.

How has the response been so far to using your service?

A lot better than we expected. After the first three months we have over 80 members from several countries and our web traffic is rising steadily. Our customers in BCN-Berlin were all very satisfied and I really enjoyed personally meeting all those people from different professions and backgrounds. My personal favorite: every customer of BCN-Berlin recommended us to friends and acquaintances.

From a practical perspective we really enjoyed being able to mediate several contracts through BCN-Berlin: a Spanish company seeking a local construction company for a trade fair booth; a local metal worker – also from Berlin – specialized in the construction of artistic installations, who is currently completing installations for well known artists in Venice (Italy), Iceland, France and the United States. And we also received a couple of requests from people looking to open their own BCN-Port …

… I wanted to mention that later …
I noticed your maximum duration is 12 weeks. Is there a minimum?

Currently our minimum stay is one week. In special cases – whether shorter or longer duration – we will of course consider making exceptions.

Let’s say I’m a nu nomad who really only needs internet and phone. In other words I have no need of paper/fax/printers/etc. What would be the advantage for me of using your service vs. just going to an internet café?

Our coffee tastes better… No, seriously, our main advantages are quite simple. First, while each BCN-Port provides the necessary infrastructure, it also offers a highly professional atmosphere. Practically speaking, we all need to be able to concentrate to work efficiently – no background party please. You’ll be much more productive in a quiet, spacious environment than in a small booth in a noisy internet cafe. Our equipment is compatible to virtually all systems and is available 24/7.

Second, every BCN-Port offers a local network, concrete practical assistance and an array of everyday contacts and addresses: from pharmacies to government agencies, night clubs to post offices, health insurance to night life, workshops and translation services to room rental. And a small kitchen where you can grab a quick bite to eat or enjoy a really good espresso…

If I were wanting to conduct some in-person business at my destination would you have conference rooms that I could use to meet with clients or hold meetings?

Sure… if you give us some lead time. How many people? Any special requirements? You need a beamer? How about a small buffet or full scale catering…

I noticed that you are offering franchises of your business, or as you call them “fairchises”. What are the opportunities for others to open a BusinessClass.net?

A BCN-Port can offer its operator his own office and a basic living with a minimum of effort. We take care of all the backend and marketing, including your own web presence and local and global advertisement in six different languages. As a side effect a BCN-Port operator constantly meets new and interesting people – potential contacts – from all over the world. The larger the network, the more every operator and BCN-member benefits. That’s why we prefer a fair and equitable partnership… a ‘fair-chise’.

Our basic concept of ‘fairchise’ is based on:
 no license fees (which we believe amounts to financing the franchise offerer)
 no expensive ‘managment courses’
 no inventory or equipment that must be bought from the franchise offerer
 no fixed monthly fees (for royalties, marketing, etc.)
 short franchise contracts (3 years)
 instant start-up (open a BCN-port within four weeks)

Generally speaking, any outgoing, sociable person can operate a BCN-port. The bottom line is that there are only a few basic rules and standards in order to guarantee that our customers find the same working conditions wherever they go. Due to our ‘fairchise’ policy the only restriction is that we reserve the right to decide who we accept as a BCN-port operator.

The ‘classic’ or ‘typical’ BCN-Port operator was previously deeply involved in this profession, but at some point found their own niche. From their own professional experience they developed a profound expertise in their profession. As a ‘NuNomad’ they found their place and built up a lively, interactive network.

Ideally there should be an intense exchange between the local people and BCN-members that inspires all.

Do you have certain destinations that you are targeting for growth?

Basically, TheBusinessClass.Net is looking for two types of locations. First, cities and large towns where members can work directly on their projects. Second, nature retreats and sanctuaries where members can really turn off and brood over their next big idea.

Currently we are discussing and planning BCN-Ports in Cape Town (South Africa), on St.Cruz / Tenerife (Spain) and in the Mojave desert (California, USA). Our goal is to establish seven BCN-Ports by end-2008 – at least one on each continent

Thanks, Manu.

Further information about BCN, Membership and Fairchise under:
www.TheBusinessClass.Net
or just contact Manu directly: manu@TheBusinessClass.Net