Wikipedia defines a virtual office rightly as:
“A combination of off-site live communication and address services that allow users to reduce traditional office costs while maintaining business professionalism.”
Think of a virtual office as an office without borders. Although you may be busy, mobile or out of town most of the time, your clients have a solid impression of you, and know they can always reach someone at your company when it’s convenient for them. Your address and phone number stay the same, you always have a secretary at your fingertips (who answers your phone, handles your mail and does your admin work) and if you should ever need a physical office space or boardroom, we accommodate that for you too!
Do I need a virtual office?
Good question! Often we suggest a virtual office solution to particular types of business people, mainly those who are on the road a lot and rarely come in to a physical office space. In this regard, even satellite offices with headquarters in another city or country could make good use of a virtual office service. This could include, but is not limited to:
- Agents, advisors and sales reps
- Consultants and mobile professionals (e.g. mortgage & stock brokers, financial planners, notaries, etc. that come to their clients instead of having their clients come to them)
- Business professionals that are unavailable (e.g. lawyers spending a lot of time in court)
- Trades people who are always busy (e.g. mechanics, construction workers)
- Regional and Satellite offices
- Foreign Entities
- Virtual Companies (e.g. Internet companies)
Virtual offices are also an economical alternative to hiring a receptionist for entrepreneurs who don’t have the budget for a full-time employee. These include:
- Small businesses
- Self-employed individuals
- Home-based business owners
- Independent contractors
Another type of organization that could benefit from virtual office services are non-profits, charities and associations. Since these organizations are usually run by volunteers, man-hours can be limited. However, it is still important to be available for calls, inquiries, and to have a business mailing address to receive registrations, donations and other important documents or packages. An office address is certainly a better alternative to using the president’s home as a membership hub!
