Back-to-school time is the most wonderful time of the year for weary parents. Sure, summer is filled with wonderful outings to the beach, lazy weekends in pajamas and backyard barbecues. But for working parents and small business owners, it can mean managing snack time in the midst of a conference call, taking away “screen time” (which results in “scream time”) and a countdown until the big yellow school bus comes to restore some peace and quiet to their home. Or home office.

The benefits of a virtual office are many. A bona fide mailing address and telephone number to establish credibility. Mail handling and call routing to give you an extra set of hands. Privacy and protection of your home address. So, if you’ve recently made leap to a Virtual Office – or are considering doing so – here are five things you should remember to update to keep your prospective customers, partners, clients and vendors in the loop.

Ask yourself a few questions:

 
Ever see a sales person in their car in a parking lot, trying to balance their laptop against the steering wheel and squeeze in some work? That’s no way to be productive.

For some people, working from home is convenient and cost-efficient. No commuting. The ability to grab a snack at any time. The autonomy to run an errand at lunch time. But for others, working from home may not be 100% conducive to getting work done. The laundry beckons, the kids get off the bus and cause a ruckus… What if an employee’s home environment isn’t conducive to getting work done?

The answer could just be coworking.

Well, you finally did it. Stuck your neck out. Dipped your toe in the water. Got back out there. And congratulations… you landed yourself a part-time job. (Partially to get the heck out of the house, and partially because you wanted the money!) But this accountant who hired you works from his house. There’s literally no office to go to. And you certainly can’t work at home with the kids running around. Now what?

Have you reached a point in your career where you need flexible work space?

Is your part-time job starting to require a part-time office?

Do you crave the routine of leaving the house and working in a space with other professionals?

If you’re a small business owner, chances are, you’re looking for ways to establish credibility for your business. As you approach vendors, partners and creditors, you want to appear buttoned-up and credit-worthy. This isn’t a fly-by-night operation or a side hustle – it’s your business. Here are three ways to show the world that you’re the real deal.

No, it’s not a sizzling new trend… hot desks have been around for years. (And will continue to be!) Let’s talk about the origin of the term, the definition, and whether hot desking can be right for your organization.