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5.3. Staffing Alternatives -
Virtual Office |
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The virtual office is a concept that is becoming more and more popular with smaller firms.
In this model you essentially have no day to day office. This leaves you free to move around
to your clients or work from anywhere. |
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The internet and the technology that we have has started to eliminate the need to have a
physical office. Client meetings can be done much quicker with video conferences and
internet phones do not require you have a stationary landline. |
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| Cloud resources allow you have full access to all your software and data. |
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Clearly the first prerequisite of this model is to be paperless and capable of telecommuting.
Without those, this model is next to impossible. |
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| Step 1 |
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The first step is to rent a virtual office. There are many providers of this service in every city.
They provide you a physical location for clients to drop off or mail any documents and they
have physical office space that can be rented whenever you may actually need an office. |
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They generally have different levels of packages that you can subscribe to. The major benefit
of this, is you have an office when you really need one but only pay for the time you use it. |
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| Step 2 |
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The second step is to set up a virtual phone. Some virtual offices offer this service as well.
With automated services directing your call or an actual receptionist. There are also
software packages that can be installed on your laptop and turn your laptop into a fully
functioning phone. |
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The only downside to this is that you must be connected to the internet to receive calls. A
work cell phone may be another solution to look into. There are pros and cons to each
solution, pick the one that works best for you. |
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This is a very quick way to get a new office up and running. The biggest drawback is that not
everyone is capable of telecommuting. Some people need the structure of an office to
complete their work. If you are able to work remotely than this is a great option. |
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| It has low overheads and gives you the freedom to spend more face time with your clients. |
