Definition: A smaller, remotely located office that is separate from a
company's corporate headquarters
When you find yourself and your employees traveling frequently
to a specific locale, it may be time to consider opening a branch
office there. That will reduce the need to travel and greatly
improve your coverage of the remote office. For many locations,
such as international markets many time zones away, a branch office
may be the only feasible way to serve a particular market.
Be careful about opening a large number of branch offices simply
to reduce travel time and costs, though. It can cost far more to
staff, lease, equip and maintain an office than to conduct numerous
business trips. Cost out the alternatives carefully, and only
commit when you can find the right location, the right personnel
and the right price.