Internet technology, mobile devices, and new software programs have opened the door to an entirely new world of possibilities. Chief among these is the chance to operate a virtual office, which reduces overhead and gives you the flexibility to move around as you please.
Part 1
Set Up a Physical Space
While it may seem contrary to the idea of a virtual office, the first step to creating one will involve setting up a physical space that will function as your central base of operations. In other words, you need some kind of room to work out of.
Most people set up an office in their home or apartment, but in theory you could work from anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection. The value of having a physical space is to instill a level of consistency in your operations.
Use New Technologies to Launch
Apart from setting up a physical space, the rest of the creativity is up to you. Your needs will dictate most of what you will and won’t need, but there’s also freedom to try new technologies and experiment with various types of software and programs, like google apps, virtual assistant, project management programs, etc.
Interaction With Employees and Clients
While technology will help you stay connected, the truly successful virtual business knows how and when to interact remotely with employees and clients. It’s not something everyone can do and requires a particular skill set.
You must be comfortable with letting go of some of your control (since you won’t be able to oversee everything that’s happening directly) as well as being capable of providing clear instructions and effectively motivating your employees. Video chatting programs like Skype are a lifesaver because they allow you to put faces to names.
View All Comments /Add Comment