By Deanna MitchellPS Executive Centers, Inc.
In today’s uncertain business climate, many are searching for cost effective ways to maintain and grow their businesses. Utilizing a virtual office can help you work without boundaries.
Hopefully this article will provide some guidance in developing a cost effective strategy that is the best fit for your business (See chart on left).
The virtual office can provide a profitable solution for the corporate arena as well as home office, business startups or businesses moving to their next level.
CLICK CHART FOR BENEFITS COMPARISON
When making a comparison it is important to review the agreement/contract thoroughly. Keep in mind your goals, priorities and budget. Deciding on a virtual office is a good first step for a startup business or home office situation.
To some degree it allows you to test the waters without a lot of upfront and monthly costs.
Take in consideration…. setup fees, incoming call charges, add-on fees for services, length of agreement term, termination fees, pay as you go services, phone system flexibility, day office and available space for small meetings and conferences.
I personally worked from a home office sponsored by my corporation. I recall several times when it wasn’t convenient or professional to make phone calls to clients. At times it was difficult to stay focused, on schedule and motivated. I was handling shipments, mass mailings, printing presentations, etc. I believe my valuable time could have been spent on more money producing tasks. I can appreciate the benefits of having a professional environment to go to while traveling and the comfort of knowing phones are being answered, instead of going to voice mail. Having administrative help with the miscellaneous tasks would certainly have been money well spent.
Last but not least…take a tour of the facility, listen to the person answering phones, sit in the offices, check the conference rooms, ask about available office equipment, meet the manager and speak with other clients. This can help you determine your comfort level with the facility.
Look at the bottom line and make sure you are comparing ‘apples to apples’. Do your comparison, your homework, and select the best fit for you…move forward!
Deanna MitchellPS Executive Centers, Inc.
8425 Woodfield Crossing Blvd. Suite 100
Indianapolis
(317) 469-7500
