Virtual offices provide the function and image that startups, entrepreneurs, mobile workers, and established corporate firms need to out-compete others in their market.

1. SIX KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL OFFICE
TRANSITION
You’ve read the statistics. You’ve seen the success stories. You’ve decided it’s time to make the change
to a virtual office. Whether you’re a home based business who wants to embrace a more professional
edge, or a startup company that needs a low-cost solution with a high-end look, a virtual office provider
can help. When you’re ready to make the leap, here are six steps to ensure that you make the most of
going virtual.
1. Prepare for the transition by evaluating your business practices.
Shifting to a virtual office is a good opportunity to evaluate your business practices and figure
out where you can make improvements. Although working from a virtual office can boost the
productivity of your team, it’s important to make sure that procedures are in place so you can
embrace all of the benefits of having a remote team. Make any changes in procedures now
before making the switch.
2. Be clear about what you expect.
With team members working remotely, you have to be clear about what you need from them,
and what you expect them to do. Outline projects in specific details. Misunderstandings about
when to check in, deliver work and communicate can lead to problems later on.

2. 3. Understand the difference between onsite management and virtual leadership.
Taking your team virtual puts you in a different role than when you work as an onsite manager.
Onsite management is time based. Your team puts in a certain number of hours per day and you
all work together in the same space. When you operate from a virtual office, your team may
very well work for a certain number of hours per day – but your real focus should be on project
completion. Virtual leadership requires you to put an emphasis on the amount of work that’s
been completed and not the way in which it’s done.
4. Screen new hires carefully.
If you need to hire new virtual team members once you make the transition, you should hire
carefully. Choose team members that have worked in a virtual office environment previously.
They’ll have the self discipline, motivation and technical skills that are required in order to work
remotely. They’ll be familiar with following virtual office procedures, and you’ll have an easier
time integrating them into your team.
5. Train your team to use technology wisely.
When you work from a virtual office, technology is your best ally. Find solutions for
communication, project management and team collaboration that will enable you and your
team to work together successfully. If you’re already using solutions before you make the
switch, be sure that they are sufficient enough for your team to use remotely.
6. Make use of your shared office space facility.
Smart companies select virtual office providers that include shared office space. Conference
rooms and meeting rooms that are part of your virtual office services allow you to host clients,
schedule presentations and create networking events. Once you make the transition to a virtual
office, make it a point to schedule events for your clients and prospects to make use of the
shared office facilities.