How To Set Up A Virtual Office

There are actually quite a lot of things you need to think about when setting up a virtual office. Whether you are starting a small business, expanding an existing company into different geographical locations, or just wanting to keep your overheads low then a virtual office is a great solution. There are 5 key steps that you should follow when setting up a virtual office:

1. Validate your business strategy

Every business should have a business plan, and just because you are working from home this doesn’t mean you should neglect yours! There is lots of information on the internet if you aren’t sure where to start with this. Your local Chamber of Commerce website is usually a good place to have a look too.

2. Claim a business address

You may want to have a think before listing your home address as your business address. We have talked about this a lot in the past, so feel free to have a look through some of our older blogs for advice on this. There are sometimes guidelines and regulations that apply to specific businesses too – for example corporations and LLCs are required by law to have a registered agent.

3. Think about your workspace needs

Whether you have a large remote team, or are a one-man band you need to have a think about the space you require. Will you be working from home? Do you need access to meeting spaces or coworking to get you out into the world? It may also be worth thinking about the tools and resources you and your team need. Do you require a business phone number, and possibly IT support?

4. Virtual office tools

When working virtually it is very important to have the right tools and resources at your fingertips. This will help both you and your team (if you have one) to remain productive and continue operating the business optimally. There are lots of tools out there, it may just be a case of testing a few and seeing which work best for your team. These tools and resources will allow for communication and collaboration, keeping your team working closely on projects even if they are working remotely.

5. Hire a virtual assistant

If you are struggling to find the time to carry out some of the more menial tasks within your business, a virtual assistant could be the answer you are looking for. As well as delegating administrative tasks to them, they can help with customer service and also run your social media accounts. Basically anything that you haven’t quite got time to do yourself, but know that you should be doing it! 

For a business that is operating virtually, the possibilities are endless. A virtual office address is a great way to keep overheads down whilst allowing your business to grow and succeed. If you would like to find out more about the virtual office packages we offer here at Venture Offices, give us a call on 01205 809222.