SMB – The Virtual Office

In times past gone, long past gone being a business and not having a physical business office would have had you laughable and ridiculed. Today, however, it is a viable  option for start-ups and an accepted way of conducting small business.

Communication and its tools have come a very long way in a very short amount of time. Improved communication means it is possible to work from almost anywhere. The small business owner can have a professional video conference with a CEO of a multi-national and its all perfectly normal in these times.

In essence, unless a public front is essential to your business – i.e retail / shop etc ; what purpose do those rents and rates fixed costs serve? status? productivity? Working from home should be a viable alternative for many small businesses. Telephonists, sales people, and administrative personnel can all work efficiently from home providing appropriate systems are in place.

Working from home, has many advantages to individuals and companies. For the individual, the convenience is a big factor which cannot be necessarily quantified. Being able to take quality breaks from work in and around your home is surely going to make one more productive when back to doing work. For the company, remote working is fast becoming an increasingly attractive option in respect to expensive offices.

The ‘new economy’ is one that is rapidly becoming made up of business with small bases that operate internationally / over vast distances than the traditional huge international HQ in one place.

Anybody considering the use of  a virtual office / working from home should have a lucid pathway for its implementation and successful operation. Otherwise, it can quickly unravel. In any case, make sure you make a detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of not having an office in relation to yourself / your business.