Unlock New Revenue Streams with Our New Virtual Offices Module

Introducing Our New Virtual Office Module

We’re excited to introduce our new Virtual Office Module, designed to help coworking operators streamline virtual office services more efficiently. With this module, you can easily manage business addresses, mail handling, phone answering, and more, providing a seamless experience for your members. This enhancement not only improves operations but also unlocks new revenue opportunities for your coworking space.

The popularity of remote and hybrid working has prompted many organisations to rethink the way they utilise office space. Many have swapped their large, static HQs for more flexible satellite solutions that can accommodate a disparate workforce.  

Perhaps the leanest type of flexible office space is the virtual office, which enables organisations to adopt a professional business address and gain occasional access to the services flexible workspaces offer. Without the cost incurred by renting a physical office, businesses can improve their cash flow and invest in other areas. 

Virtual office or coworking virtual membership?

A virtual office and a virtual coworking membership are similar solutions in that they are both remote. Virtual offices have been around for decades, whereas virtual coworking memberships are relatively new. The services on offer differ slightly too. 

In fact, services can differ from provider to provider, which is why it’s best to do some research before signing a virtual agreement. Here are some of the key differences:

Virtual office

What is a virtual office?

A virtual office traditionally offers business services to companies that don’t need access to physical space but do require a professional business address. An address in a prestigious location can have a big impact on client perception. 

Typical virtual office services can include:

• Business mailing address (for registering your company and receiving post)
• Mail handling and forwarding
• Phone answering service (with a business telephone number)
• Meeting room access (usually at an additional cost)
• Administrative support, such as a virtual receptionist

Coworking virtual memberships

A coworking virtual membership takes some of the benefits of the virtual office and combines them with some of the benefits of a coworking space. It can be well-suited to freelancers or startups that want to benefit from access to desks or meeting rooms on a more ad hoc basis, or those looking for networking opportunities. 

Typical services can include:

• A business address and mail handling 
• Ad hoc or limited access to coworking desks
• Access to meeting rooms (on a bookable basis)
• Access to community and networking events
• Access to a coworking app, member directory or comms channel (e.g. on Slack)

The term ‘virtual office’ is credited to Ralph Gregory, who founded The Virtual Office Inc. in 1994. Although it’s become very popular in recent years, the virtual office concept actually dates back to the 1960s and 1970s alongside the development and advancement of modern communication technologies.

Fast forward to the early 2000s and mobile phones and cloud computing enabled business owners to operate from home or third spaces. The gig economy, which gained prominence in 2009, further propelled the shift to remote working, and the coworking movement really started to gain traction. 

Then, of course, Covid happened, and the need for virtual office space and other flexible workspace solutions increased even further. 

Virtual office benefits and features

A well-rounded virtual office membership offers both physical and digital support, making it a great solution for businesses that want a professional presence, administrative help, and occasional office space access without the high cost of a traditional office lease.

From a business address in a prestigious location and remote receptionist support, to access to digital services and networking events, let’s take a closer look at the benefits and features of virtual offices and virtual coworking memberships. 

1. Business address and mail handling

When you sign up for a virtual office you gain a professional business address. This is a real address, potentially in a prestigious commercial location. Some business owners do this to boost credibility in the eyes of stakeholders. 

Depending on the membership type, you may also get mail handling included in the price, or as an additional extra. This is where any physical business correspondence - including packages - are received and securely stored for you, or forwarded to an address of your choosing. Some virtual offices can also scan and email documents. 

2. Phone and communication services

As well as a dedicated business address, you may opt for a business telephone number with live receptionist support and call answering. A trained receptionist (or an automated virtual one) can answer calls and handle basic enquiries on behalf of your business. Calls to your business phone number can also be forwarded to your phone. 

3. Meeting rooms and hot desks

Some virtual office and coworking memberships include access to meeting rooms and hot desking facilities that can be rented at an additional cost, either by the hour or the day. Other workspace operators also provide access to event and workshop areas. If you require occasional access to physical workspace, a virtual solution could be ideal. 

4. Admin and business support

Virtual office packages can also include secretarial support for business owners who need help with administrative tasks, such as travel arrangements, diary management or basic customer service. Of course, the more complex and time-consuming the service, the higher the cost of the membership.  

5. Digital services and communities

In today’s digitally connected world, coworking operators are offering virtual office customers access to some of the digital services in-person office renters enjoy. 

You might be granted access to cloud storage and collaboration tools, a coworking app where you can manage your membership and book meeting rooms, and with access to a collaborative member’s directory, like the one Nexudus has. 

Is a virtual office right for my business?

A virtual office might be a viable option for you if you don’t require full time access to a physical office space but would benefit from the option of remote work solutions, such as meeting rooms and hot desks. It may suit you if you run a remote or dispersed team, or operate a business in a service-based industry. 

Should my coworking space offer virtual office services?

If you run a coworking space, offering a virtual membership package can provide you with an additional revenue stream. You could charge for business addresses and mail handling, while expanding your market to those who work remotely but require a corporate presence. 

Of course, there’s always the opportunity for upselling - clients who start as virtual members might become coworkers eventually. What’s more, with so many coworking spaces already offering virtual services, doing so will help ensure you stay relevant in a competitive market. 

If you decide to add virtual office services to your roster, bear in mind that you’ll need the capacity to handle calls and mail, and you’ll need to ensure you meet regulations regarding business registrations using your address.

The future of virtual offices

Virtual offices are here to stay, for the foreseeable future at least. Like coworking spaces, the virtual office concept is evolving to meet the growing demand for flexible business solutions. 

AI and automation integration are impacting the future of virtual offices. 

AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots can handle call answering, scheduling, and customer enquiries, and automated mail scanning and forwarding services can streamline document management with minimal human intervention.

The rise of metaverse and virtual reality meetings are also redefining flexible workspace solutions. Soon, more businesses might be partaking in immersive digital meetings, dismantling geographical barriers and boosting engagement. 

Virtual offices are essential enablers of borderless business operations. 

They help organisations to establish a presence in multiple markets without having to commit to long-term physical office leases. As remote work continues to evolve, virtual offices will remain at the heart of the digital workplace.

Want to streamline your virtual office services and boost revenue? Try our new Virtual Office Module! Designed to simplify operations and enhance your offerings, it’s the perfect way to manage business addresses, mail handling, and more. Get in touch to learn how it can work for you!