When I was younger if someone mentioned the word “virtual” I would relate it to films, such as Star Trek, Lost in Space or The Matrix for example, it certainly was not something I would envisage would “exist” in my lifetime, but fast forward some 15 years (or so!!). Here we are living in a world where virtual is now part of everyday life, with many companies using services, such as virtual offices, virtual assistants, virtual callhandling and even virtual phone numbers.
With the economy at something of standstill many businesses are continuing to tighten their purse strings and are seeking alternative methods to drive efficiencies without compromising customer service or risking their reputation.
But what are the drivers behind virtual business services? Is it really here to stay and what seems to be the attraction?
Lower Overheads
Businesses that outsource part of their main functions, such as lead generation, market research, call answering services, no longer need to directly employ as many staff, meaning they can reduce the size of their office. In some cases a physical office is no longer required therefore reducing business overheads, such as salaries, office rental, furniture’s and utilities.
Businesses that outsource part of their main functions, such as lead generation, market research, call answering services, no longer need to directly employ as many staff, meaning they can reduce the size of their office. In some cases a physical office is no longer required therefore reducing business overheads, such as salaries, office rental, furniture’s and utilities.
By setting up a virtual office businesses can create a regional or global presence without any of the expense usually associated with opening a new office.
Focused Workforce
Sales staff are costly to employ, outsourcing often gives businesses more value for money, as the people working for them are proactive, selling ALL of the time and cannot be distracted by other office duties which may arise such as administrative tasks, answering emails or dealing with incoming enquiries. Many outsourced companies also now only employee people educated to a higher level who have worked in many different industries and sectors, therefore possess the capacity to explore different target markets.
Sales staff are costly to employ, outsourcing often gives businesses more value for money, as the people working for them are proactive, selling ALL of the time and cannot be distracted by other office duties which may arise such as administrative tasks, answering emails or dealing with incoming enquiries. Many outsourced companies also now only employee people educated to a higher level who have worked in many different industries and sectors, therefore possess the capacity to explore different target markets.
Virtual PA’s are also viewed as a god send to many business owners as they free up their time so they can concentrate on running the business. HR consultants take away some of the burden of an employer’s responsibility, ensuring that they stay on the right side of the law and do what they are legally required to protect their employees.
Quicker Expansion
Virtual offices can assist companies to quickly and cost effectively achieve a global presence without the high cost of physical office in all territories.
Virtual offices can assist companies to quickly and cost effectively achieve a global presence without the high cost of physical office in all territories.
But is Virtual really here to stay? Some businesses owners may be sceptical about giving up control and handing aspects of their company to outside sources. But companies that undertake outsourced work tend to adhere to strict procedures, set agreed KPI’s for clients and implement quality control guidelines which can often improve customer service levels leading to increased sales for businesses.
I believe there should still be a balance between keeping your in-house department and outsourcing though, utilising the right outsourced company means they can work in harmony with each other.
People are still the core of any business after all “people do business with people”, though in order for any company to succeed it needs to establish ways to work smarter and by outsourcing functions a business can cost effectively achieve its growth plans, which I feel can only be a good thing for our economy. Personally I think virtual services have a great future part to play in all of this and may well be around longer than we are.
What are your thoughts? I’d be keen to hear from anyone who has considered or whom has used any of the above services please comment below or tweet me @suekinsella1.
THAT’S HOW SUE SEE’S IT
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