How Virtual Offices Work Does your business well to operating in a virtual environment? Are your employees willing to work from their homes, cars, or other moving targets?

Where will you do your work? Technically, your office is wherever you are. Your office could be in your home, in your car, in the airport, on the beach, or even on a mountaintop. A quiet location away from the distractions that being at home will always have.

First impressions mean a lot If you're running a business from your home, you probably don't want your home address used as the business address. Rent a post office box, or you can use a CMRA (Commercial Mail Receiving Agency) mailbox service Suite Number or Corporate-sounding address

Virtual Office Setup Laptop computer Docking station Monitor, keyboard and mouse, Hard drive space, Memory (RAM) High Speed Processor Printer Fax machine CD/DVD Modem Digital camera

Virtual Office Software program -Microsoft Outlook Express or Eudora Word processor -- Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, and Lotus Word Pro Spreadsheet and database programs -- Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Intuit QuickBase Presentation software -- Microsoft PowerPoint, or Astound.

Virtual Office Software Virus protection software -- McAfee, or Norton AntiVirus Utility program for computer maintenance -- Symantec Norton Utilities, McAfee, or TechTool Pro Graphics and/or image editing tool -- CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop,Macromedia Freehand, Deneba Canvas Internet browsers -- Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer

Virtual Office: After office Visto: Web-based scheduling, file storage, and management tools Office Clip: Clip your team together PlanetIntra: Web-based management and communication tools Punch Networks: The Internet file management platform Some of these services available on the net:

Virtual Business Communication Tools Cell phone Wireless web Teleconferencing Instant messaging, Web conferencing

Setting up an Internet Connection Broadband connection Cable Satellite.

What about client meetings? Take Executive Suite on lease that provides you with Receptionist, Voice mail, , and other services, Time-limited access to Private offices, Reception area, Meeting room. Offices2 share. com, a meeting room

What about client meetings? Other standard meeting place Hotel lobbies, Restaurants, Golf courses, etc.

The Virtual Assistant “Virtual Assistant.“ ( many links to sites that are built, managed and maintained by people who used to sit outside your door and help you manage business ) They provide services on an as-needed basis.

What should you look for? VAs also include the wide range of skills you can find. VAs offering skills ranging from basic data entry to web design to accounting.

Setting virtual office policies Home office location Home office equipment Computer software Procedures for system logins Procedures for submitting time-sheets Accessibility Procedures for forwarding calls or s Protocols for client interactions

Legal ramifications of virtual business Parking may be an issue. Contact your tax accountant or attorney to find out the law as it pertains to your situation.

Advantages Environmental benefits Reduction in traffic congestion Reduction in stress levels Time saved not commuting to an office Monetary benefits Manages your time more effectively

Continue…… Productivity benefits Health benefits Opportunities to get physical exercise when needed mentally Reduced stress benefits Benefit of living a more balanced life A more relaxing work environment More opportunities to hire part-time or contract workers A larger pool of employee applicants because location isn't as important

Disadvantages Miscommunications or misunderstandings Technical difficulties Feelings of separation or disassociation among employees Problems separating your free time from your work time because your work is always "there“ Feelings of isolation if you are always home alone Lack of support - both administrative and managerial

More Great Links The Virtual Office Group Virtual Office: Afteroffice InteleWorks.com ITAC: International Telework Association and Council Home Office Association of America: Good info, group insurance and shipping rates, etc. Offices 2 Share: Short Term Space Solutions

CA. VINAY GOEL FCA, DISA