ON TRACK TO SUCCESS
A pro shares his top ten tips for starting a virtual business.
Tip #4: Leverage technology. Do you have the technology in place to support a virtual business, or a good technology advisor who can help wire your business for success? Did you know that with voice-over-Internet (VOIP), you can place a call anywhere in the world from an Internet connection without incurring long-distance fees? Have you considered streamlining your office with all-in-one fax-printer-copier equipment, notebooks, and a wireless LAN network? What about instant messaging and the latest SKYPE technology to stay connected with employees? Thanks to technology, many virtual companies have the face of a traditional company – yet operate with lower overhead and greater flexibility to stay competitive.
Tip #5: Create an online storefront and take advantage of ecommerce. An online presence can give your business the appearance of a traditional brick-and-mortar company. Companies like eBay and JetBlue have proven that virtual offices work – small companies can grow into larger companies with an effective virtual business strategy.
Tip #6: Find a part-time virtual office space for “on-site” meetings. Services like “The Intelligent Office” http://www.intelligentoffice.com enable small businesses to emulate the image and professionalism of a traditional office – providing everything from a prestigious business address to impressive offices and conference rooms that rent by the hour, day, or week, to a listing on the office building’s lobby directory. You can also check in your area for shared office spaces.
Tip #7: Brand your business. A company web site, email address and corporate identity package will add credibility to your business. Consider a service like LogoWorks http://www.hp.com/go/logoworks to design your logo at a fraction of the cost a designer would charge. You might even develop your own business package, from business cards to PowerPoint presentation templates, that incorporates your brand.
Tip #8: Collaborate with employees and customers. An intranet and extranet will not only keep your virtual team connected, it will make your customers feel like part of the team if they can also access documents, files and online meetings through the web. Have you considered the latest in web-based meeting and training rooms? Even large companies are replacing in-person meetings with these convenient meeting tools.
Tip #9: Go wireless. The mobile workforce really does exist. Arm your team with PDAs and smartphones. For added security think about connecting through a wireless virtual private network (VPN) and watch your productivity expand. Even away from the home office, your employees can tap into WiFi networks at Internet cafes. And don’t forget web-based and hosted mail and messaging services. They can grow your biz.
Tip #10: Take security to heart. Computer security can be a real threat. Fight back with anti-virus, vulnerability and business protection solutions to protect data and secure your networked PCs. And don’t forget about a good consultant to advise you on the solutions that best suit the needs of your business.