Running an online business, and doing all the business operations in the cloud, I don’t feel the need to have a physical office. I currently work from home, and soon, I will user virtual office services to serve my clients’ better.
Indeed, the convenience of a virtual office can offer start-up businesses an easy way of getting everything up and running without the hassle of sourcing a business premises. With the age of everything happening on the cloud, it’s becoming a popular office solution for many small businesses who don’t have the time or the cash flow for setting up a physical head office. But what are the pros and cons you need to consider before you sign up for your own virtual address?
Virtual Offices: Pros
A virtual office offers many advantages for the new business owner. If you’re heading up a start-up company and looking for a quick and easy office solution, take a look at the pros of having this virtualized mailing address.
1. Hassle Free
The convenience of a virtual office is truly unmatched. You can set up a virtual office within a matter of minutes by booking online. Setup from absolutely anywhere in the world with the knowledge that you will have an official mailing address at a monthly fee.
2. Save Money
Start-ups don’t have the cash flow to make big forward purchases. A head office setup can be extremely detrimental to your cash flow but a monthly fee with a virtual office can help you spread the costs over a period of time. A virtual office is also much cheaper than renting a physical office premises.
3. Additional Services
Not only will you have a mailing address to give to clients or suppliers but many virtual offices provide additional services such as basic messaging services, phone answering, hot desks or meeting room hire.
4. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Running a head office means footing the bill for energy usage; not only can a virtual address save you the overheads of mounting utility bills but you can promote your green approach to business by reducing your carbon footprint.
5. Increased Productivity
Without the daily stresses of managing an office, you can focus your time more effectively. Without the daily commute times, employees can be much more productive in their working day.
6. State of the Art Facilities
A virtual office can often provide state of the art facilities and access to equipment that would ordinarily cost a lot of money. Some virtual offices can offer additional services at a cost, such as large meeting rooms or video conferring facilities. Find out more about state of the art facilities and virtual mailing addresses with one of the world’s most reputable companies.
Virtual Office: Cons
Like anything else in business, a virtual office has its disadvantages a well as pros – and although it’s a fantastic solution for small businesses, expanding businesses and start-ups –every company is different and it’s not for everyone. Here are some of the cons you may want to consider before you sign up to a virtual contract.
1. No Physical Space
Although you can book meeting rooms and hot desks, there really is no true physical space for day to day work. If you have a number of employees within your company and daily interaction is essential, a virtual environment may not be the most nurturing.
2. Shared Resources
Although this can be an extremely cost-effective and convenient option for start-ups, once businesses start to grow this may not be the most efficient way of working. Growing businesses which need a dedicated team and focused resources may need to look at expanding into a physical office location.
Takeaway
So, to conclude, should you go virtual with your office needs? As cliche as it might be, the answer should be: It depends on your needs.
If your company’s physical presence is important in doing business, then you may want to consider to have a physical office space, so there’s plenty of commercial real estate for lease out there. On the other hand, if your company does business virtually and your online presence or storefront is more important than your physical office, then using virtual office services is the way to go.
Assess your needs and consider your options carefully. Remember, don’t follow the trends for the sake of it: Focus on your business’ and your clients’ need, and respond accordingly.
Before you go, here’s a little gift of meme for you 🙂
