Running a Successful Virtual Office

In today’s business environment, it’s all about mobility and casting off the shackles of a fixed location, nine-to-five working mentality.

The cloud really does have a silver lining

Cloud computing has transformed the way businesses work. With an internet connection, employees can have access to their data on the cloud from anywhere around the globe. It means a more collaborative approach, as many people can view and edit the same information at once. Whether it’s web mail, CRM systems or accounting, there’s no longer any need for people to be chained to their desks to have their finger on the button.

Stay on top of your technology

Making the most of working on the move means making sure that technology is up to speed – for example, a camera built into a laptop is as effective as video-conferencing facilities. However pay for good infrastructure. Don’t be afraid to get help setting it up.

Get a virtual team

Many small-business owners struggle with the choice of taking on staff that they can’t afford, or battling with the admin themselves. But a virtual PA may be the answer. This can save businesses both time money, as you only pay for the time that your virtual assistant is actually working, and you don’t have to cover sick pay or holiday pay.

Present a professional face with flexible office space

Feasible as it may be to run your business from your local café or sun lounger in Tenerife, there will be times when you need to demonstrate a semblance of formality and a meeting round your kitchen table might just scupper that important deal. Instead, it is possible to hire a quiet professional meeting space for as little as an hour at a time, and have access to any facilities required.

Trust your workforce

One of the essential elements in running a successful virtual office is trust. “Putting efficient remote-working processes in place can be done both quickly and easily, but trust in transition can be an issue. Work is something you do, not somewhere you go, and adopting a flexible culture has been proven to cut down on wasted time and cost,” says Phil Flaxton, chief executive of Work Wise UK. “Trust and perceived impact on culture are, however, the main barriers to change – not technology.”

Do you have any tips for creating a virtual office?

Adapted from an article by Jenny Hirschkorn, telegraph.co.uk