As the remote office platform takes form, the virtual office is taking centre stage as a way to support office space that functions primarily online. The remote worker is not the only group of professionals who have found the virtual office a great tool. Freelancers, startups, and small businesses have also joined the virtual office revolution because it can provide your business infrastructure online.
The virtual office platform is one characterised by great versatility because of the ability of users to manage it from any location in the world. However, it is marked by affordability as well because the office requires users to pay on an as-needed basis depending on the plan. When it comes to virtual offices – Servcorp US, for example, is one provider that offers a plan through a serviced office that provides business with technology and brick-and-mortar office space. The idea is really an ingenious one, but because there are so many, finding the right one can be a challenge.
Read more to learn about what you should enquire about before purchasing a virtual office plan.
Virtual Office Types
Of the many types of virtual offices, there are two main types that you might find in the office landscape. The subscription-based offices can be used anywhere in the US, and it is simply software a business would purchase that allows them to do a number of business activities online. This type of online suite works well for home businesses or for those who do not need an onsite meeting space.
Then, there are the serviced office virtual offices. These offices provide businesses an internet connection and a business address and phone number with some also providing businesses with access to meeting and boardrooms. These offices typically have a receptionist or some type of answering service, and some come with concierge services like a mail courier. This particular office lease is great for businesses with employees and for those who have to travel frequently.
Office Rates
The subscription rates might vary depending on the number of tools the software offers, but they usually need to be renewed every six months with some even lasting for at least twelve years. Alternatively, the virtual office lease through a serviced office is one that can be as short as a month-to-month. The virtual office lease is great because it allows businesses to transition into other office space styles easily with little downtime if leasing from the right office provider.
Advantages
The advantages of using the virtual office are plentiful. Of course, overhead costs are reduced, but those who purchase a plan might find that their business runs a little more efficiently. With productivity a little higher, you can expect to get more growth out of the virtual office.
Another benefit to adopting the virtual office is that it allows businesses to grow into the online landscape and for free. A business needing to transition but not necessarily sure that they want to do so in an office will only need to modify the combination of applications used to run their office or tweak their website to adjust to company growth. In no other situation can a business expand into other space without taking on a whole lot of extra costs, but the online format can this for many businesses.
In The Know
The virtual office has allowed small businesses to leverage the business community simply by providing access to some of the tools needed to do well. While virtually eliminating the commute on any one of the American highways and drastically reducing costs are immediate benefits, being able to launch an idea with little start-up costs is one of the best reasons to go with the virtual office. Worst case scenario, if it does not work out, all you need do is simply log off – no harm done.
Author Bio:-Alexandra Richards is a business consultant, located in United States. She takes a keen interest in the business structures and work culture of US based businesses. She has recently been working with Servcorp to help deliver tailored solutions to local businesses.
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