How to Create a Virtual Office Right Now
Thinking about transitioning to a virtual office? Business owners who have made the switch say they are more satisfied with their job and personal life afterward. Running a virtual office is easier, cheaper, and more productive than a physical or “brick and mortar” location.
Below is a guide for creating a virtual office today, including everything you’ll need and special tips and tricks to consider along the way.
What is a Virtual Office?
A virtual office is run from your home or a remote location. By working with third parties, your virtual office can have a trustworthy business address, a toll free phone number, and a live receptionist that answers all calls as thought you are a physical office.
More flexibility and freedom
Meeting & conference rooms
Virtual services
Better mobility
Short-term agreements
Cost effective
Know your audience
Along with simply asking your audience if there are topics they want to hear more about, you should know your audience to know what they would want to hear about. If you don’t feel you know your audience well, it’s time to get to know them by creating an audience persona. All of your content should be fine-tuned to what your audience wants to hear about.
Think about your customer’s average day and figure out what they may be searching for, what problems could be solved, what fun things they like to do, and what inspires them. This should help you come up with things to talk about that your audience will appreciate.
Deciding to go virtual?
If you’re just starting out or you’re looking for a way to eliminate a major part of your overhead, taking your office online might be the right solution. You won’t pay for a physical office space and you can still remain as professional as you always have been.
The problem with the traditional office is the cost and commitment. You have to purchase your property or lease it, which requires a long-term commitment to that specific location. When you take your business online, you won’t have to worry about any type of long-term commitment.
Every business owner is in a different situation. Sometimes you just need a coffee house or restaurant for all your client meetings. It’s not unheard of to meet a client for a cup of coffee or lunch instead of at the office, anyway.
You will need the right virtual services to help you get the most out of your new virtual office. Maintaining a business address, using a virtual receptionist and outsourcing some of your regular tasks are just a few of the things you’ll need to create a professional virtual office space. There are details on creating your virtual office below.
Creating a Virtual Office Right Now
If you want to create your virtual office from home right now or in the near future, you will need the following:
- Your own personal work space – Whether you create a physical home office or just choose a place on the couch, you need a spot to work from. Keep the receipts and write off your home office on your taxes next year!
- A virtual receptionist service – This type of service will make sure your calls are answered professionally.
- P.O. box address – A P.O. box address will provide a professional look and feel for your business.
- Online conference call services – Some businesses regularly hold conference calls and this type of service can allow you to meet with partners, clients and employees from anywhere.
- A toll free phone number – Our partner Conversational Receptionists offers toll free and local phone numbers at a nominal cost each month.
There are many more services that can enhance your business when you set up a virtual office from home; however, you really don’t need more than a good address, someone answering your calls and a way to meet with important people.