5 Things to Look For When Selecting a Virtual Office
The virtual office: where technological innovation and the Information Age collide.
Whether you have an existing business you're taking to the next level or are just starting a new business, securing a virtual office can be a very economical and strategic move.
So you've researched the features and benefits, have made a list of your needs and are narrowing down the providers.
There are a lot of companies to choose from; but, not every virtual office operator is created equal.
Of course, cost is an important consideration-but don't discount other important features.
Five key factors you want to keep in mind when making your selection include technology, scalability, customer service, location and financials.
1.
Technology The technical capabilities of the virtual office operator should be at the forefront of your buying decision.
After all, the benefits of a virtual office become null and void without technology that you can depend upon.
Look at the operator and evaluate how advanced their technology platform is.
You want an operator who is investing time and money in keeping their technology updated and is providing innovative services.
2.
Scalability A virtual office should grow with you and offer the ability to downsize services as well as expand.
How easily can this be done? Your needs today are not going to be the same as your future needs.
If you choose an operator that has limited offerings or is too small, you could restrict your productivity and growth potential.
You may not need a dedicated receptionist now but you might next year.
Flexibility is a very important, but often overlooked, virtual office component.
Do you have the ability to pay a competitive rate even with a short term commitment? Do you have the flexibility to utilize meeting space on an hourly basis versus being locked in for a minimum 4 or 8-hour block? Be familiar with all the offerings-even if you don't need them now.
3.
Customer Service What kind of support and services will you get with your virtual program? Five-star service from the team on site should be the rule, not the exception - what level of service does your chosen provider offer? A support team and virtual assistant should be able to troubleshoot any issues, and do so with a smile.
The operator you choose should have happy, responsive and empowered professionals.
Service also equates to a fully managed and reliable infrastructure that's maintained 24/7.
Lastly, it's important to get testimonials and feedback from other customers.
How comfortable is the staff when you ask for a list of referrals? Professionalism, service and presence: three vital characteristics of a customer-centric virtual office operator.
4.
Location You may need a physical location for client meetings or presentations.
Or, you may just want a professional address if you run a home-based business.
Think about what the address and location say about your business.
Is the address synonymous with certain industries or types of companies? Is the building well maintained and easy to access? A prestigious location will impress clients and can still be very cost effective.
It's also important to get a sense of the actual center.
First impressions count-is the reception area (and receptionist) welcoming? The center should be clean and up to date with professionally appointed furnishings and state-of-the-art equipment.
Would you be proud to have clients visit you here? Even though this is a "virtual" office, the physical location and address remain critical as they represent you and your company.
5.
Financials Pricing, of course, is an important consideration.
Virtual office programs are typically very cost-effective and afford tremendous value without tying up lots of capital.
Some providers charge deposits and set up fees - are these reasonable charges and is your deposit refundable? Like all services and products you get what you pay for.
Besides the overall cost, factors you want to consider include the opportunity to leverage buying power for certain services, such as shipping.
Also, can services be bundled? What is included in the membership? Some companies nickel and dime, even for services you might assume are included.
Lastly, take a look at the financial solvency of the operator.
Is the operator growing or expanding? You can tell much about their financial stability by the state of the center and the technology.
Assess your level of risk to safeguard your virtual services and business reputation.
Selecting the right virtual office operator is critical.
When you consider technology, scalability, customer service, location and financials, you can move forward confidently and know you're making the best choice for you, your business and your clients.
Whether you have an existing business you're taking to the next level or are just starting a new business, securing a virtual office can be a very economical and strategic move.
So you've researched the features and benefits, have made a list of your needs and are narrowing down the providers.
There are a lot of companies to choose from; but, not every virtual office operator is created equal.
Of course, cost is an important consideration-but don't discount other important features.
Five key factors you want to keep in mind when making your selection include technology, scalability, customer service, location and financials.
1.
Technology The technical capabilities of the virtual office operator should be at the forefront of your buying decision.
After all, the benefits of a virtual office become null and void without technology that you can depend upon.
Look at the operator and evaluate how advanced their technology platform is.
You want an operator who is investing time and money in keeping their technology updated and is providing innovative services.
2.
Scalability A virtual office should grow with you and offer the ability to downsize services as well as expand.
How easily can this be done? Your needs today are not going to be the same as your future needs.
If you choose an operator that has limited offerings or is too small, you could restrict your productivity and growth potential.
You may not need a dedicated receptionist now but you might next year.
Flexibility is a very important, but often overlooked, virtual office component.
Do you have the ability to pay a competitive rate even with a short term commitment? Do you have the flexibility to utilize meeting space on an hourly basis versus being locked in for a minimum 4 or 8-hour block? Be familiar with all the offerings-even if you don't need them now.
3.
Customer Service What kind of support and services will you get with your virtual program? Five-star service from the team on site should be the rule, not the exception - what level of service does your chosen provider offer? A support team and virtual assistant should be able to troubleshoot any issues, and do so with a smile.
The operator you choose should have happy, responsive and empowered professionals.
Service also equates to a fully managed and reliable infrastructure that's maintained 24/7.
Lastly, it's important to get testimonials and feedback from other customers.
How comfortable is the staff when you ask for a list of referrals? Professionalism, service and presence: three vital characteristics of a customer-centric virtual office operator.
4.
Location You may need a physical location for client meetings or presentations.
Or, you may just want a professional address if you run a home-based business.
Think about what the address and location say about your business.
Is the address synonymous with certain industries or types of companies? Is the building well maintained and easy to access? A prestigious location will impress clients and can still be very cost effective.
It's also important to get a sense of the actual center.
First impressions count-is the reception area (and receptionist) welcoming? The center should be clean and up to date with professionally appointed furnishings and state-of-the-art equipment.
Would you be proud to have clients visit you here? Even though this is a "virtual" office, the physical location and address remain critical as they represent you and your company.
5.
Financials Pricing, of course, is an important consideration.
Virtual office programs are typically very cost-effective and afford tremendous value without tying up lots of capital.
Some providers charge deposits and set up fees - are these reasonable charges and is your deposit refundable? Like all services and products you get what you pay for.
Besides the overall cost, factors you want to consider include the opportunity to leverage buying power for certain services, such as shipping.
Also, can services be bundled? What is included in the membership? Some companies nickel and dime, even for services you might assume are included.
Lastly, take a look at the financial solvency of the operator.
Is the operator growing or expanding? You can tell much about their financial stability by the state of the center and the technology.
Assess your level of risk to safeguard your virtual services and business reputation.
Selecting the right virtual office operator is critical.
When you consider technology, scalability, customer service, location and financials, you can move forward confidently and know you're making the best choice for you, your business and your clients.
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