A virtual office is normally set up like any other office space equipped with a computer, printer, and fax machine.
Virtual offices offer many advantages for businesses owners to achieve business success without having an office or full staff of their own. A business owner can save thousands of dollars a year with services such as online meetings, electronic fax, and conferencing options.
Definition
A virtual office is a fully operational and functional "work space" where an individual can complete the necessary tasks to carry out professional or personal business without the start-up costs of having a "physical" business location.
Benefits
Having a virtual office space is beneficial for small business owners or one-staffed entrepreneurs who don't require the accommodations of a full-scale office setting.
Function
Individuals who use virtual offices can choose to hire employees who work from home as well as pay a telephone answering service to handle all business calls. Many people who work out of virtual offices use laptops to better mobilize their work and make use of virtual business offices offered at places like Kinko's Fedex.
Considerations
While virtual offices can save an employer money by cutting costs affiliated with staffing and having an actual business location, they can also have drawbacks because of the lack of personalization. Many virtual office staff assist more than one business at one time, thus making the customer services for your business seem a bit watered down.
Other Factors To Consider
A virtual office may offer a space to hold your meetings with clients, which is a plus for businesses who have clients that deem personal contact as an important factor when conducting business interactions.
