How to Start a Cheap Virtual Office
Creating a cheap virtual office is the smart way to run a new business. If you’re a small business owner like me, chances are you don’t have a lot of money to spend on fancy offices, high priced receptionists and swanky furniture. Even if the economy were to pick up, it’s still a prudent idea to keep expenses low and avoid spending money on unnecessary items.
A cheap virtual office is truly an idea whose time has come. Cheap technology has really helped to create an environment where you can truly have a “virtual company.” I can attest to that because I am in the Internet marketing business and my team is literally in northern and southern California, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Costa Rica. The team is made up of personal assistants, webmasters, graphic artists, audio specialists, and business development people.
Some of the necessary tools of a cheap virtual office include: a computer(s), Internet connection and a phone or phone system. The computer and Internet connection are pretty obvious. But the phone system may not be for the uninitiated. What do I mean?
After investigating about 10 different solutions, I finally settled on RingCentral. I feel that it is not only cost-effective, but also incredibly flexible and expandable. The cost? The cheapest version is only $9.95 per month. For that you get 100 minutes and 5 extensions. More on extensions later. I personally have the $49.99 subscription for unlimited monthly minutes, 10 extensions and a dedicated fax number that sends faxes to my email.
In our case, we implemented a virtual PBX solution that is really inexpensive, yet incredibly flexible and expandable. This system allows us to have one 800# that all customers call into and a live or automated attendant who answers the call. The call can then be routed to an “employees” extension, which can be either a mobile #, landline # or just directed to a voice mail box.
We use this product on a daily basis. We’ve customized it with our clients’ music on hold songs, custom greetings, special extensions and more. On my personal blog “RingCentral Tips”, I will give you tips on how to make the best of the virtual PBX solution. I also plan to give out more tips on some great free and paid cheap virtual office products which can help you save money and allow you to grow virtually.
The virtual PBX solution is by far the best, most-cost effective solution that I chose out of about 10 different products. If you’re investigating cheap virtual office products, you’ll eventually be looking at virtual PBXs. This is one product that I strongly recommend you consider.
Utilizing what the technology has to offer can really help you build a cheap virtual office. You can find more tips and tools to grow your business and save money on David Chan’s blog at http://davidkchan.com.