A unique service that is being used by many professionals today is the virtual office. With so many business professionals working from their homes or on the go, the virtual office has evolved into a popular alternative to leasing a permanent office. It provides a creative solution which benefits the small business owner tremendously by letting them have the cake and eat it too.

What is a Virtual Office?

A virtual office gives small business owners a presence in the business world for a fraction of normal rental costs. It is an alternative to leasing an office space, which can be costly for a new business owner. Virtual office services may also provide a set of online tools to help manage the small business. Although virtual office services differ, below is a list of some of the most common features.

1. Physical Business Address

Clients are provided with their own physical mailing address where business mail and small packages can be received. Virtual offices are not typically used to receive heavy volumes of mail as in a mail order business, but normal business mail quantities only. Those who operate a business from their home can use the virtual office address instead of their home address, which provides a safe and professional way to receive mail. Mail to a virtual office can be forwarded to the client's home address.

2. Local Phone Number

Virtual office services also include a local phone number where a business owner can receive calls and messages. Voice mail and forwarding are usually included so the client can check messages at any time. This works great for someone who works from home or does not wish to tie up a cell phone line if they are continuously on the go.

3. Fax Capabilities

Being able to receive faxes is important to any business. Faxes are used to conduct business, send reports, take orders and receive memos every day. Using the virtual office fax, the client receives faxes which can be forwarded directly to his/her email.

4. Part-time Office Access

Some virtual office services offer part-time access to a desk or work station with Internet capabilities, office equipment and more. This is available for those times when the client needs to organize a presentation before a conference or use the Internet or computer for business purposes.

5. Conference Room Access

Conference rooms are available for rent with some virtual office setups. The client can hold business meetings or give sales presentations without interruption.

6. Web Conference Room Access

Web conference rooms are available for virtual meetings. Rather than hold a physical meeting, the client can hold virtual business meetings or give virtual sales presentations. Virtual meetings have gained popularity in recent years because they save time and money while providing instant presentation opportunities. Some virtual office services offer this tool as an added service.

7. Online virtual tools

Online tools such as calendar, address book, webmail, document respository, to do's, forums, digital fax and digital voice mail have become common among many large businesses. Some virtual office services offer these tools and others as an added service.

Who can Benefit by using a Virtual Office?

People of all trades find virtual offices useful. Executives, salespeople, accountants, marketing consultants and online business owners each benefit by using a virtual office for certain tasks. Those who work from home and wish to establish a business presence find that a virtual office meets this need. Corporations also use virtual offices as a means of testing a business location before opening a new branch.

When renting an office is not an option, a virtual office can be used by small business owners to meet the daily needs while saving time and money.