Since 2020 we've seen huge changes in how and where people do business. Now that more options are available, people are starting to consider whether or not they need to pay the huge cost of an office lease. One option to consider if you need an office but only part of the time is virtual office space.
If you’ve decided to rent a virtual office, make sure you avoid some of these common mistakes:
Overlooking the benefits of a virtual office
Many people get a virtual office rental because they want a virtual address; but a virtual office is so much more than just a physical space. With a virtual office, you'll also have access to a virtual receptionist, who will answer phone calls for your business and take down messages. You also have access to workspace, whether you need it only for yourself or a small number of employees, in the form of furnished offices with phone lines and strong Wi-Fi.
Depending on the virtual office location you choose, there will be a host of other amenities available. Many virtual offices have open conference rooms, which can be reserved for business meetings. 24-hour building access, breakrooms and virtual assistants.
Choosing a place that doesn't focus on service
The virtual office building exists to serve people just like you, so you should always be satisfied with what it provides. Treat your virtual office lender just like any other business that wants to sell you a service. Expect to be treated well and for your needs to be important to them.
Similarly, make sure to check that the virtual office you're visiting has quality, professional employees. If you’re going to have the lender’s virtual receptionist answering your business’ calls, make sure the receptionist is up to your standards. After all, their voice can be a caller’s first impression of your business – don’t you want it to be a great impression? Keep in mind that clients will look up your address online, so make sure that the building has a respectable appearance as well.
They don’t guarantee it’s a favorable lease
Signing a lease for your virtual office is going to be a very different experience than signing a lease for an entire office space. In those experiences, you might feel taken advantage of and given little to no options when it comes to terms and price. A virtual office is meant to be convenient and cost effective, so make sure the price and terms are satisfactory to you. One of the main reasons to choose a virtual office over a traditional lease is the flexibility. Don’t sign any lease with terms that you aren't completely happy with. Remember that virtual offices should be about what you need, not the other way around.
To read more on this topic, download our free eBook "4 Reasons Why a Virtual Office is Perfect for a Home-Based Company".
