As a designer and/or developer, all you need is a computer and an Internet connection, right?
While that may be technically true, virtual office spaces and solutions deliver a whole lot more. Graphic designers, web developers, and other professionals in industries like these know how hard it can be to get their best work done. Whether you work for yourself or for a larger company, you need to know that you’ll have the space and services you need to be productive.
And let’s be honest — that coffee shop WiFi could use some improvement.
Today we’re talking to Casey Winslow, the Web Design Lead at Parallel Path. Parallel Path’s offices are in Colorado, but Casey works remotely from Oregon. He’s going to share 3 of the top reasons why virtual office spaces and services have benefitted his work so much. If you’re a designer or developer who’s considering joining a coworking space or using virtual office services, keep reading!
Virtual offices have the latest technology, and that includes fast Internet speeds. You won’t have to mess with your home router every time there’s an outage, ask the barista for the WiFi password, or struggle to keep your cool as speeds drop while someone downloads the latest season of their favorite TV show. Virtual offices know that the WiFi will be used heavily and they plan for high usage.
Internet is probably the most important thing you’ll need, but virtual offices also have projection equipment, printers and scanners, and other helpful business technology (so you don’t have to buy it).
Designers who are interested in using a coworking space can be concerned about what will happen when they need to hold a phone meeting, but they shouldn’t be. Casey holds regular weekly calls with his team in Colorado and with clients, and has never had an issue.
Every virtual office company handles things differently, but many have designated phone booths or spaces for making calls. In a coworking space, simply asking your fellow coworkers if it’s alright to make a short call is acceptable. Reserving a meeting room is another option that’s especially handy for longer phone or video meetings.
More and more companies are opting to pay for virtual office spaces for their remote workers. Memberships aren’t costly, employees are more productive, and they help present a more professional image to any clients or guests who visit.
This same benefit applies to freelancers, too. A virtual office is a cost effective business solution with a great return on investment. Memberships are customizable based on what you need. Some, like Intelligent Office, even have virtual assistant services in addition to office space.