The term “virtual office” was first coined in the mid-1990s. The concept has gained popularity in recent years with the advent of high-speed Internet and affordable cloud-based business applications. A virtual office is a physical office space that is available for rent, typically by the hour, day or month. It provides a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.

Must-Have Features of a Virtual Office Space

Virtual office space in Jacksonville can have many features, depending on location and the provider, but as a standard, you should be able to have access to business services such as Wi-Fi, meeting room access, and call handling.

A Physical and Professional Business Address

A professional business address is critical to developing trust with clients. It is the first impression your clients and customers will have of your business and can be used for correspondence, invoicing, and shipping. You can also use a physical address to register your business with the state, which can be beneficial if you want to expand your operations in the future. Additionally, some providers allow you to buy multiple addresses in different regions to attract clients looking for services that operate in certain areas.

Mail Handling Solutions

 A big part of having a physical business address is the ability to have your mail delivered there. This is a service that is typically included with a virtual office package. Your provider will receive and sign for your mail and deliveries, and you can choose to have it forwarded to you or picked up at your convenience. This can be a great way to keep your personal and business life separate.

Call Answering Services

A professional answering service can help you project a larger, more established image to your clients. You can have your calls answered in your company name and routed to you, no matter where you are. This can be a great way to ensure you never miss a call, even when you’re out of the office.

Access to On-Demand Meeting Rooms and Event Space

Another feature included in a virtual office is access to meeting rooms and event space. These are especially beneficial for businesses that need to host meetings or events on a regular basis. Meeting rooms and event space can also be rented on an as-needed basis, which can be a cost-effective solution for businesses that do not have permanent office space. Meeting rooms include facilities such as TV, refreshments, printer, copier, air conditioning, broadband, seating, and conference call equipment.

Business Services

Virtual office space in Jacksonville also offers access to essential business services. These can include a variety of services such as high-speed Wi-Fi, printing and scanning, a 24/7 reception team, and coffee bars to use when you need a break. Additionally, most virtual office space providers offer added workspace facilities such as offices, coworking spaces, and hot-desking facilities, which you can use whenever you need a physical workspace to work from.

Access to Multiple Locations

A big perk to using a virtual office is the ability to have an office in a prime location. If your business wants to expand operations into new markets, you can use this feature to your advantage. Virtual office spaces are typically located in prime real estate areas, giving your business a competitive advantage. Still, in some cases, you can access multiple virtual office locations worldwide if your business needs to have a presence in multiple areas. You will not only be able to save on the cost of renting or leasing a physical office space, but you can also have an office in a desirable location that would be difficult or impossible to obtain otherwise.

The Bottom Line

Virtual office spaces can have many features commonly found in traditional offices, but these are some essential features that businesses should look for. A virtual office space provides a physical address, mail handling and calls answering services, access to meeting rooms and event space, business services, and a flexible solution for businesses. But the most important thing to remember is that you don’t need a physical office space or be tied down to a long-term lease to grow your business. With a virtual space, you can rent month-to-month, on-demand basis, or can be customized based on your specific business needs