A virtual office is a combination of off-site live communication and address services that allow users to reduce traditional office costs while maintaining business professionalism. Frequently the term is confused with “office business centers” or “executive suites” which demand a conventional lease whereas a true virtual office does not require that expense.
The virtual office idea came from the convergence of technological innovation and the Information Age. The concept has roots in the Industrial Revolution, where parallels to current work styles, specifically working from home, have been drawn. The term was first used in a 1983 airline in-flight magazine article about portable computing. The virtual office concept is an evolution of the executive suites industry. However, the inflexibility of an executive suite lease does not work for many business models and helped spur the virtual office concept. The first commercial application of a virtual office occurred in 1994, when Ralph Gregory founded “The Virtual Office, Inc” now known as Intelligent Office, in Boulder, Colorado.
A virtual office blends home and work to gain efficiencies in both. Office expenses are low, while the user’s professionalism retains the image of a traditional, high-cost office. A virtual office user can reduce their environmental impact, as well as the personal negatives of a daily commute. Virtual office clientele have the flexibility to match expenses with revenue fluctuations immediately, as the costs are usually variable. A virtual office can allow for low-cost expansion with no long-term commitments. Users taking advantage of virtual office receptionists eliminate the traditional burden of health care, records, payroll, insurance & rent. Also, traditional time-off (sick days, vacations, personal leaves, etc…) does not apply to a virtual staff.
Common Virtual Office Users:
- Home-based entrepreneurs.
- Accountants.
- Attorneys.
- Law Firms.
- Mobile salespeople.
- Trades (Home service industry: roofers, electrical, plumb, landscape, construction, repair/remodel, etc).
- Doctors & Dentists.
- Therapists.
- Business consultants.
- Mediators & Conflict resolution.
- Frequent travelers & Foreign companies.
- Chambers of Commerce.
- Senior management.
- Real estate.
- Mortgage companies.
- Stock brokers & Financial planners.
- Collections agencies.
- Networking groups.
- Trainers & Instructors.
- Incubators.
Virtual offices are experiencing growth even in a recessionary economy, and not just in the United States. As businesses look to trim expenses, virtual office services help reduce overhead while keeping professionalism high.
For example; by paying for space and communication infrastructure on an
as-needed basis, businesses can keep office expenses to a minimum. The portability of today’s technology also allows for a more flexible work environment. As businesses trend to a more “online” workplace, the notion of paying for space full-time becomes chronologically misplaced. Traditional receptionists making $12-14/hour - can be replaced with remote receptionist services - at a fraction of the traditional cost.
For only $8,97 a month. It just can not get any better!
Thank you for your time,
have a great day!
Mia Hienovirta - Nasty™
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