Office Space News
New OBCAI Web Site Serves as Industry Hub
Published February 15th, 2010 by Jennifer LeClaire
When Richard Meyers took the helm as executive director of the Office Business Center Association International (OBCAI) last last year, one of his first tasks was to redesign the organization’s Web site.
Plainly put, Meyers thought the old Web site was confusing because it spoke to two audiences: executive suites owner/operators and executive suites clients. The new design directs information and resources where Meyers thinks they belong: OBCAI members.
“An association Web site should be attractive and serve as a brochure for prospective members,” Meyers explains. “But it should also be a home-base for our membership; a place where they can find industry news. Our goal is to keep the site fresh with new information, like blogs and podcasts, to give people a reason to keep coming back.”
The new site is more interactive and dons a cleaner design than its predecessor. For example, Meyers has established LinkedIn as the official discussion platform for OBCAI, and has prominently displayed links to the association’s LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter accounts on the home page. The site also gives visitors access to webinars, interactive polls, industry news feeds, an industry calendar, industry market watch and much more. It’s a true Web 2.0 experience.
Of course, Meyers didn’t leave prospective business center clients out in the cold with his new design. The home page still features a link to a directory of serviced office space, as well as advice on how to choose an executive office suite. But the new positioning doesn’t confuse the visitor.
Under Meyers’ leadership, OBCAI’s new Web site will soon launch a blog and live chat features to let members communicate more effectively. The site will also archive stories by topic through a newsfeed so members can search and find specific industry-related information they need.
“When our members get to the office every day,” Meyers says, “I want part of their routine to be checking the OBCAI Web site.”
With a fresh design, Meyers may see his wish come true.
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Elizabeth Sanchez February 15th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I love the new web site. I think it’s jam packed with information for the serviced office industry. This Meyers fellow seems like he’s taking the bull by the horns. I think it’s great that he started with one of the most public-facing pieces of the association – the web site. This is what the world sees first. Great job, OBCAI. Good luck to you, Mr. Meyers.
Bill Brookshire February 15th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
The new site is much more informative and interactive. This really does go a long way toward giving the office business center industry a resource. Love the podcasts. Looks like the networking and blog are still under construction, but the Linkedin and Facebook groups are a nice touch. Congrats on the new web site.
Taylor Adkins February 17th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Love the site!