This is one of the most common questions we get asked when discussing our virtual office services. So here is a simple list to explain why a business might want to use a virtual office:
1. Credibility
Most start up businesses begin using their home address and a mobile phone number. Depending on the industry you’re in and the aspirations for your business using a home address and mobile number may work fine for you. But in most cases our customers are accountants, consultants etc who need to portray a credible professional image to the public. When you’re looking at a list of accountants and wondering who to call, are you more likely to call the accountant with the home address and mobile number or the one with the landline number and prestigious business address? Which would you trust with the financial side of your business?
2. Professionalism
Do you answer every call every time? No? Most people don’t. Missing calls and or not getting back to potential customers promptly will almost certainly result in lost business. Take a carpenter for example. The chances are if someone needs a carpenter they get a list of companies from the Golden Pages and start calling. If you don’t answer, your competitor will. With a virtual receptionist all of your calls will be answered and the message delivered to you immediately. At least the customer knows someone will call back and they have had some interaction with your company and not your voicemail message.
3. Cost
How much does it cost to employ a receptionist annually? €25k? €30k? You can have a virtual office with phone answering for a fraction of the cost. We will answer all your calls in your business name and deal with your callers extremely professionally, just as you would get from someone you employ on a full-time basis.
4. Flexibility
Virtual offices provide a flexible alternative for all types of businesses. If your business is growing or downsizing virtual services can help. If you have a receptionist who is going on a three day week, we can answer your calls for the remaining two days. If you are too busy to answer your own calls but not busy enough to hire a dedicated receptionist, a virtual office can help with the transition. If you’re going on holidays or unable to work for a period of time, we can provide call answering and send the messages to you via SMS or email.
5. Time
How much time do you spend on the phone answering calls? How many of those calls are unproductive? Virtual offices can be used to create a buffer between you and your callers. Review the list of messages in your inbox during the day and choose who you want to respond to. Take control of your time and don’t let your phone dictate your working day.
There are lots of reasons why businesses use virtual offices. In our experience, these are the main reasons our customer choose to avail of our virtual office services. If you are interested in virtual offices, phone answering solutions or professional business addresses, contact us on 061 502000 for further information.
