| One of the main concerns that arise when it | | | | creating a space in the home, such as clearing out |
| comes to setting up a new business is the | | | | a spare room or an unused corner of the living |
| question of location. Start-ups tend to be big on | | | | room. One of the reasons the virtual office is so |
| ideas but the availability of funds is a different | | | | attractive is that it keeps overheads such as |
| issue altogether. The concept of the virtual office | | | | rental and monthly utilities (electricity, water, |
| has proven to be a boon for both fledgling | | | | internet service) low. |
| entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners. | | | | In the beginning, most virtual offices consist of a |
| An office address that's virtual is a good strategy | | | | desktop, or more commonly, a laptop computer, |
| to adopt if you intend to present a relatively | | | | an internet connection and a decent phone |
| modest or new business as a more prestigious or | | | | system. Even if you decide to utilize a virtual |
| larger one. Your virtual office cost may run on a | | | | private branch exchange system (PBX), you |
| minuscule budget but it doesn't have to appear | | | | virtual office cost still remains relatively low |
| that way. Appearances matter and presentation is | | | | compared to that of bricks and mortar business |
| one of the most important aspects a business | | | | premises. A cost-effective system such as this |
| can bank on if it intends to appear trustworthy | | | | provides a toll-free number for inquiries which can |
| and credible in order to attract more customers. | | | | be directed to an outsourced receptionist, or the |
| No one is going to want to do business with a | | | | owner himself, if the business really is that small. |
| person who is obviously running the whole setup | | | | Calls can be directed to landlines, mobile phones or |
| out of his basement. | | | | just voice mail. The advantage of the PBX |
| One of the first things that have to be established | | | | system is that it provides a business with a more |
| when setting up such an office is a permanent | | | | professional appearance. |
| location. For most entrepreneurs, this means | | | | |