As we progress into the future, it would seem that our dependence on technology becomes even more pronounced. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, technology has always been our greatest advantage over other Earthly organisms. It’s only natural that we make use of this advantage in order for us to be able to reach higher heights.
One of the fruits borne from the tree of technology comes in the form of the virtual office. As the world becomes more and more populated, it would only make perfect sense to find a way to be able to fulfill our work duties without having to deal with the stressful morning commute. Not only that, but productivity can be further improved when we’re able to communicate with our co-workers without the need for a physical presence.
The virtual office is a solution to all these problems. So, if you want to experience the full benefits of having a virtual office, these are the things you should never skimp on.
A Modern Website
A website is the digital equivalent of a calling card and a newspaper ad. The site is what’s going to let your prospective clients know what services you provide and what your qualifications are. It also provides information on how to contact you as well as what your prices are.
Billing Software
Keeping track of all your receivables can be pretty tricky, especially once you establish your name in your chosen market. Billing software can help you expedite, simplify, and automate the billing process. Dr. Bill is a prime example of what billing software can do. It’s specifically designed to handle OHIP medical billing codes. No matter what type of industry you find yourself in, you’re definitely going to need billing software.
An Answering Service
Naturally, you’re going to get inquiries about your services. Some people may want to clarify a few things about the information you have on your website. This can be a time-consuming process as inquiries aren’t exactly billable hours. So, in that regard, wouldn’t it be a smart thing to have someone else do the answering for you? This also includes chat services that allow guests to chat with whoever is in charge of handling inquiries.
Cloud Storage
Specifically, you’re going to need a common platform on which to store and share your vital files. Dropbox, Google (News - Alert) Drive, and even proprietary cloud storage platforms would fit the bill quite nicely. Though, you should be keen on security when using these platforms. The more confidential data, the more stringent the security measures should be.
Internal Communication Platform
It’s one thing to be able to answer customer inquiries about your services. It’s another to be able to ensure communication within your organization. Slack, Hangouts and even Skype (News - Alert) make for good internal communications platforms for your virtual office. This is going to help you and your team members coordinate on projects, tasks, ideas, and goals. After all, communication is key to being able to deliver the quality service that we all hope to give.
