Business is changing. The way people work is changing. Thanks to technology, today’s entrepreneurs and workforces are mobile, on-the-go and flexible, driving a demand for virtual offices.
Modern virtual offices provide a range of amenities such as mail forwarding, call answering and administrative services, along with office, training, meeting, boardroom or conference rooms, furnished and fitted with the latest technology, and available on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Virtual offices offer cost-effective and flexible solutions for start-ups, small businesses, travelling professionals, companies exploring business opportunities in new areas and businesses that are downsizing or looking for temporary space while, for example, renovating.
The demand for virtual offices is particularly strong in growing cities, such as East London in the Eastern Cape where growth and infrastructure development of the region is taking place. Having a virtual office infrastructure in place, helps create real value for businesses contributing towards the development of the Eastern Cape, by providing them with a platform to be productive.
“Virtual offices are enablers connecting businesses. They create space for companies to set up systems away from their own offices and provide them with space and resources that allow for maximum productivity without the capital costs” says Sibongile Booi, founder & MD of Second Office. ““Without a professional space to function, it is impossible to conduct quality work and it is for this reason, that Second Office, is one of the drivers of development in the province,” concludes Booi.
Here are four top reasons why using a virtual office makes excellent business sense.
1) Cost Savings
Finding and paying for additional office space is expensive and the resources can often be better utilised in other areas of the business. Virtual office services reduce overheads while maintaining professionalism, by providing not only furnished office and meeting facilities but also professional administration services on an ‘as-needed’ basis, containing costs of rentals, utilities, furniture, equipment and staff.
2) Risk-free growth
A virtual office allows for low-cost expansion with no long-term commitments. A company can control investment risk while expanding into new areas, testing new waters and branching out into new markets to grow their business, without the risk and cost of setting up an office. Co-working or shared services is also a viable option for start-ups and national companies.
3) Virtual Assistant
A receptionist answering calls professionally, forwarding calls to you directly or taking messages when you are unavailable, creates a professional impression. A virtual assistant helps manage your administration, so you can run your business, without the labour issues that apply to traditional staff.
4) Flexibility
A virtual office provides immense flexibility, with office or meeting space and/or administrative assistance ‘on demand’ and ‘as needed’. Choose only the services you require, for the period of time you need it.