A virtual office space gives your business access to a wide range of services via the internet. It can serve many different purposes, depending on your business.
Typical virtual office space services include a business address, receptionist and answering service, access to meeting rooms, a coworking space, and a range of mail services.
But do you really need a virtual office space in the first place? Your business could benefit from one, if you need to:
1. Operate in a specific location
You don’t need to physically be at the business address your virtual office space provides. This can help boost your brand visibility in a highly desirable location.
For example, if you’re a tech start-up, an address in Silicon Valley could provide your business with the exposure it needs to attract new clients without the high rental rates associated with this region.
2. Reduce operational costs
A virtual office space gives you access to a range of office services. However, you don’t have any of the operational costs associated with running a physical office.
Rates can start between $30 and $50 per month, depending on the level of service you require.
Such cost savings are particularly attractive to new businesses that may not be able to afford a physical office.
3. Project a professional image
A virtual office space provides you with a business address. This can help you appear in a more professional light in the eyes of your potential and existing clients, compared to a residential address.
4. Manage your mail
If you do not have the capacity to manage your own mail, a virtual office space can take on this task for you.
You may also be able to use a mail forwarding service, which means your post is automatically forwarded to your home address on a regular basis.
Plus, you can arrange for your virtual office space to accept your deliveries so you don’t need to wait at home for any scheduled deliveries.
5. Access to a meeting space
Most virtual office spaces offer meeting room access. This means that you can meet a client in a professional office building rather than a crowded cafe or your home office. Again, this can help solidify your business’s reputation.
6. Work remotely
If you’re paying for a physical office, you’ll probably feel obliged to work from there on a permanent basis. With a virtual office space, you (and your staff) still have the freedom to work from wherever they want.
7. Register for products and services
Some enterprise services require a business address on sign up. While some may accept a home address, others demand a professional address to allow you to benefit from their products and services.
8. Expand your reach, quickly
If you want to expand into a new region or country, a virtual office space can give you an instant presence.
There are also no limitations on the number of businesses addresses you can have. So, if you are undergoing a period of rapid expansion, a virtual office space is a highly versatile option.
9. Compete with the big players
It can be difficult for a small or new business to compete with big enterprises. Virtual office space levels the playing field, allowing you to get a business address in an in-demand location and project a professional image to your clients.