A virtual office is a combination of off-site live communication and address services that allow users to reduce traditional costs while maintaining business professionalism. The term is often mistaken for “office centres” or “executive business suites” which demand a conventional lease. A true virtual office does not require such an expense.

The virtual office idea developed from the meeting of technological innovation, the arrival of the Information Age and the increasing need for flexibility in the workplace. The concept could be said to have roots in the Industrial Revolution, where similar prescription cialis generic notions of working environments, such as working from home, can be seen.

The ‘virtual office’ term was first utilized in a 1983 airline magazine article that discussed portable computing. The concept of ‘virtual office’ evolved primarily from the notion of the ‘executive suites’ industry. The first recorded example of a commercial virtual office was noted in Boulder, Colorado, when Ralph Gregory introduced the “The Virtual Office Inc”, in 1994.

Services

The term “virtual office” implies space utilization but a full application includes a full suite of professional live communications and support services.

Communications

1.Remote Receptionist – using integrated computer telephone systems, a team works remotely to deal with all communications.

2.Virtual Assistant – often an individual working from home, skilled in support and communication.

3.Answering Services/Call centres – utilized by companies receiving a high level of incoming communications.

4.Voicemail – low cost service, often used by start-ups using virtual offices.

Space

1.Professional Address – can be used in marketing materials to imply prestige, privacy and build a presence.

2.Mailing Address – used for accepting, sending and forwarding without the connotations of a P.O. box. Also used as a convenient and secure location for transfer of inter-office documents.

3.Receptionist – provides a face to the company when receiving and sending out documents, visitors, couriers etc.

4.Workrooms/meeting rooms/business spaces – for the times when it is necessary to meet face-to-face with a colleague, client or partner. Usually on-demand and paid for hourly/daily or weekly.

5.On-site amenities – full service virtual office will provide all necessary technologies and communication devices, kitchen and meeting area, as well as a professional lobby.

Cost Efficiencies

It is vital to ensure that your company provides a consistently professional image without forgetting about important business necessities like communications, interaction and engagement. A virtual office will provide you with all the comforts and efficiencies of a full-time office and support, whilst cutting down on the overhead costs.

A virtual office combines office and home spaces and tools to keep costs low and still retain a highly professional image. This can also reduce environmental damage of commuting and be seen as a positive tax write-off situation. Clientele usually have the ability to match expenses with revenue immediately, thus developing more efficient and profitable conditions. Other cost-savings are seen in the elimination of traditional time-off, benefits, sick days, records, health care, insurance and rent.

In summary, Virtual offices will help you retain a professional image while enabling significant cost efficiencies for your small business.

Author Bio: Sarah Edison is an office space expert at Elite Business Centres. Elite specializes in Vancouver Virtual Offices and has 6 offices in the Vancouver area. You can visit their website at http://www.eliteoffices.com

Category: Business
Keywords: vancouver, virtual offices, business centres, elite, executive offices, future of work, co-working