How to Become a Live Virtual Receptionist
‘Virtual Reception’ is a fast growing industry that enables businesses to add a personal touch to an automated system,without having to limit their customer service stemming from the burdens of additional costs. A Live Virtual Receptionistis generally an independent contractor that provides professional administrative and secretarial services to clients who have virtual offices. They’re trained to perform these different aspects of administration remotely through the use of the Internet and a home office equipped with necessary communication devices.
If you’re interested in becoming a live virtual receptionist you must first familiarize yourself with the answering service industry. Usually working in virtual offices requires applicants to have an employment history accented with various clerical and customer service ventures. It’s a good idea to have this experience going in, as you will be dealing with various callers and interacting with them at different levels.
To become a virtual receptionist today begin with the following steps:
Research. Once you know what is expected of a live virtual receptionist, you can then harmonize your skills and better present your resume to potential employers. Your resume should be geared toward customer service and your ability to interact with the general public.
Polish your skills. You must make sure when relaying messages that you transcribe them as accurately and concisely as possible. Virtual Answering Services have customizable policies and requirements. As a live virtual receptionist you want to make sure you know the specifications of the company you are providing the service for.
Prep for the interview. During the interview you will be scrutinized on your ability to perform and handle potential cliental. Employers will test your ability to problem solve and measure how well you handle general conflicts that may arise from interacting with callers. Keep calm and you’ll do just fine.
Apply. Look in various facets of employment marketing. View local newspapers, magazines and search online. Virtual Receptionist jobs are everywhere!
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
Benefits of Having a Virtual Office in Chicago
Experiencing Chicago is more than just the great deep dish pizza, catching a baseball game, going up the Sears tower, and checking out the bustling shopping in the heart of the city-it is also be one of the best cities in the U.S. for a budding entrepreneur or small business to thrive. Why is that? Because of the endless potential of a Chicago virtual office, and how much the city has to offer for a business. (Some would even argue that Chicago is better than virtual offices in New York.)
Having a virtual office in Chicago means having the benefits of establishing your name in a major city without the huge costs it entails. Instead of having meetings at coffee shops and missing calls because you don’t have a receptionist, use a virtual office in a major city to show clout and have a professional image that can be respected.
So, what are the exact benefits of a Chicago virtual office?
- A live virtual receptionist will be able to take your calls and relay any messages you might have so you don’t miss out on anything.
- Be able to have a fully furnished conference room in the heart of Chicago (One location being near the famous Michigan Avenue).
- Mail forwarding, fax services and even courier services can all be included in your virtual office package.
- Auto-attendant services for your virtual office can also be included.
While at it, let’s just include all of the great scenery and nearby locations in the mix, too. Being able to place a business address on stationary and business cards in such a famous city means better business and more confidence to do better business. And when you compare rates to actually buying office space in such high-profile locations, you’ll start seeing major results immediately.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
How to Convert Ideas into a Business
If you want to accelerate your business planning, leveraging the Internet is essential. It provides you the greatest opportunity to wield the Launch and Learn model and convert an idea into a successful business. Here are
multiple resources to support streamline business planning and effective time management.
Market Research
- Assessing the demand for your idea is a primary task, but some published market research is expensive. However, the Internet is replete with free research that you can use. Here’s one way to quickly access it: type in keywords for your targeted market into the Google search bar and add “pdf.” This will generate some of the most current and relevant data available.
- Use keyword search tools to evaluate both online and offline market demand.
Mentors
- Engage mentors to flatten your learning curve, foster connections and help you to maximize your offline efforts. SCORE offers exceptional online mentoring.
Business Plans
- The One Page Proposal and Executive Summary are abbreviated business planning templates that can evolve as necessary.
Market Testing
- Setting up a website to test your offering is simple and inexpensive. Using the insights from your keyword search, you can create a search engine optimized domain name.
- Next, set up a monthly hosting plan for less than $10. Competitive hosts also offer simple website templates and free ad money for top search engines.
- The third component for a test website is a free mailing list manager to capture email addresses.
- You can drive traffic to your site using free ad money from your site host, YouTube videos created from free screen recording software, forum discussions and other social media and/or original Kindle articles. Localized ad campaigns are also an option with your free ad money from web hosts.
- Via your beta launch, you can test buying patterns, poll visitors, crowd source ideas and split test content and design. Free testing tools are widely available.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
Is the Recession a Good Time for Startups?
You have a viable business idea, but everyone keeps telling you to wait until the economy turns around before you move on it. A recession may seem like a bad time to start a business, but in reality it may be the perfect time for you to create your dream job. With less competition and lower prices for supplies, now’s the time to get in where you fit in. A startup is risky no matter when you lay the groundwork; success largely depends on the type of person you are, and the clarity of your vision.
In the initial set-up process, you have to be open to re-evaluation of your idea. The key is figuring out how to run your business economically. Those that are afraid of traditional investments, like stocks, will be open to new ventures if they appear economically responsible. You may have to tweak some aspects to satisfy the investors, but it’s worth it.
Technology is a resource that creates an extremely viable environment for a startup company. Utilizing virtual offices cuts major and minor costs. You won’t have to worry about employee health insurance costs when your people telecommute and work from home. Other costs, like utilities, remain affordable without the extra bodies in the brick and mortar office.
Virtual office options like virtual phone services are a great option because they allow you to conduct business from anywhere with call forwarding to cell phones, sending your voicemails to your e-mail, unlimited extensions for high call volume, and a convenient toll free number if you want to go global.
Don’t let the media deter you from pursuing your dream or trying something new. The time is now to execute your vision. Recessions occur within a cycle; once this rebounds, you want to be up and running.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
September 11, 2001: 9-11 Memorial
Today marks the 11th anniversary of that fateful day. I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news in the morning, and the devastating scenes of the planes flying into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania will forever be etched into my mind. We will always remember and empathize with the thousands of people whose lives were changed forever on 9/11, and send our thoughts and prayers to their families and friends. We have shown remarkable resolve during the tough times we’ve faced, from the 9/11 terror attacks and subsequent two wars in the Middle East, to political turmoil and an economic recession at home. We have worked together to encourage freedom and get our country back on the right trick.
In the aftermath of 9/11, we stood with the victims and their families, and we also stood with each other. Today should be a day of remembering and grieving, but it should be a day of reflection; a day to look back at the past 11 years and how, despite how much adversity we’ve faced, we have been able to get back on track and truly be the UNITED States of America. This is why our country is so strong.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and friends today. We will never forget, and we will never struggle to end extremism and stand together to fight oppression.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
Virtual Offices vs. Traditional Offices
Both traditional offices and virtual offices have their place in the workforce. However, more people are choosing to work within a virtual office setting due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility. There was a time when a virtual office was very obviously virtual. This turned people off from working with a business. However, times have changed and a virtual office is a great way to get a professional image.
Now, when you choose to have a virtual office, you no longer need to worry about not having a physical address. Using a P.O. Box can be off-putting to potential clients because some unscrupulous people have used these in a negative way. That is why it is important to choose virtual offices that give you a physical address in a prestigious business location, located in many cities across the US.
In addition to a physical business addresses for your mailings, you will also have access to conference rooms and office resources at that same address. This makes you look more professional because you are meeting with clients in a proper setting rather than a coffee shop or your home. It also means you can produce more marketing materials at a lower rate than you would from a home office.
Traditional offices, on the other hand, have the luxury of consistency. Youre always going to be there, and your clients know where to find you. They also ensure that you and your team are together in an office environment, which is important for daily operations, strategy and development, depending on the type of business.What it really boils down to is the size and type of a business, and what their needs are.
Traditional offices and virtual offices have many things in common. However, small businesses and businesses with a larger virtual workforce can greatly benefit from going virtual. There is typically more flexibility by choosing a virtual office.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
United Virtual Office Adds More New York City Virtual Office Addresses
Known by monikers such as the “Big Apple” and “The City That Never Sleeps”, New York City is a global icon. Often described as the cultural capital of the world, NYC boasts a multitude of renowned landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, United Nations HQ and the Empire State Building, and is an important center of international diplomacy and commerce. Aside from the cultural spotlight New York City perpetually receives, its also an excellent city for businesses to establish a presence via a New York City Virtual Office, and we have just added even more virtual addresses in the city.
With a prestigious business address located in the heart of the city-Madison Avenue, Broadway, Third Avenue and One Penn Plaza- you give your business a piece of the limelight that New York City perpetually bathes in, attracting clients not just within the city, but all over the nation.
The most impressive factor, however, is the savings you accumulate as a result of avoiding the costs associated with leasing a physical office space. Use these savings to invest in other aspects of actually growing your business and improve your business’ foundation. Moreover, the immense New York metropolitan is hardly homogenous. Millions of people are in need of all kinds of services, presenting startups with a prime opportunity to expand their reach.
The number one reason people launch or expand their business in New York City is that its, of course, New York City. For the past several centuries, NYC has been a symbol of entrepreneurial opportunity, and the city continues to live up to its reputation today.
Getting a Virtual Office in New York City means you don’t have to spend money on an expensive office space downtown and instead can get a prestigious business address to show off to both current and prospective clients. And if you want to hold meetings or conferences at your address, you can rent out the fully furnished, state-of-the-art space so that people know you’re a legitimate player in your industry.
With a Live Virtual Receptionist to handle your phones calls, faxes and mail, whats not to love about everything a New York City Virtual Office will provide for your business ventures?
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
The Importance of Joining a Professional Organization
Gastronomic delights are not the only benefits of the dining room. To paraphrase Ben Franklin, more deals are brokered in the dining room than in the boardroom. Professional organizations are the dining room of small business owners. There are a variety of organizations to join, many with a casual agenda and low to medium membership fees.
The start up cost to join a professional organization is nominal and the benefits are extensive. Your biggest output is time, and it is well spent. Most organizations keep tight meeting schedules to accommodate busy members.
In return, members receive an excellent return on their investment.
FRATERNIZING. Acquaint yourself with other business owners who share similar frustrations and frequently offer clever solutions. Although your products and services may be worlds apart, business practices and customer satisfaction are just a few of many elements that you have in common with other owners. Sharing these issues can lead to camaraderie and alliances.
RECIPROCITY. Referrals from other members and to other members can help grow your business and strengthen your alliance within the organization.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. These help you keep in touch with customer wants and needs by exposing you to the pulse of the community. We especially need to remain current on ever changing technological advances, and mini seminars are excellent for a quick overview of changes and helpful improvements.
COMMUNITY EVENTS. Volunteerism develops your network in the community and allows you to give back as you also create good will. It provides an opportunity to perpetuate name recognition both for you as an individual and your business.
NETWORKING. By joining professional organizations you will be able to network with other professionals in your industry. Especially important if you’re a business startup to establish new connections, you will be able to get your name out there while forming alliances with other businesses to help further your ventures, both now and in the future. Just make sure you stay in touch with everyone you meet so you’re networking means something.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
Virtual Offices: Why You Need One
Virtual offices can be an indispensable asset in the modern business world. Virtual office services are being utilized by an ever increasing number of companies, particularly small businesses and new startups. If you don’t know what all the fuss is about, read on and learn about the advantages of a virtual office.
Save Money
This should hopefully be an obvious answer: the money savings. The potential savings when compared with a physical office are unchallenged. The rental cost of an office space is no longer an issue, nor is the cost of maintaining and furnishing an office (i.e. computers, office equipment, hiring a cleaning staff, etc.).
Break Down Barriers
When location doesn’t need to be taken into account, your choice of applicants for each job within your company expands greatly. Maybe the extremely talented and ideal job candidate is located in Barcelona, or you require a level of cost effectiveness that is only offered by workers in another continent. When you’re working from a virtual office, it’s not a problem.
Enhance Business Image
We live in a dog-eat-dog world. With all businesses endeavoring to get to the top of their niche, competition is the name of the game. As a startup or small business then, one of the most important things to do is create an image for your brand that is strong, reliable, innovative and recognizable. Because virtual offices give you a prestigious business address in the city of your choice, you are telling your current and prospective clients/customers that you are a leader in your industry.
Think about it this way. If, for example, you’re trying to decide between two marketing firms to work with for your company, there are many things you’re taking into consideration. One of the most important? Legitimacy and brand image. If one of the companies has its headquarters on Madison Avenue in downtown New York City, and the other one is out in the suburbs, you are going to gravitate towards the firm located downtown, even if it’s only subconsciously.
Virtual offices give you that prestigious business address to set yourself apart from the competition while also attracting a large pool of prospective clients, including a phone number and mailing address. And if you want to hold meetings or conferences in your office, you can. The offices are fully furnished, state-of-the-art and are available for you to rent.
Live Virtual Assistant
Many entrepreneurs get started with a very small budget; because of this, they are often unable to hire administrative staff to assist in the day-to-day running of a business. This leaves them with stacks of simple, but very time-consuming and consequently costly, tasks to take care of while, at the same time, trying to launch a business. Virtual offices can benefit from a Live Virtual Receptionist: a cost effective virtual assistant to answer your phone calls and keep the business running smoothly, all for a fraction of the cost.
Reduce Stress
Perhaps the biggest advantage of a virtual office is the reduction in stress levels. Working in your own space, without the noise and bleak atmosphere of some offices, as well as removing the need to commute for any length of time, makes a dramatic impact to stress levels and improves productivity.
Remember, this list is in no way definitive. Enquire today and experience the advantages of virtual office services first hand.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
Benefits of Having a Virtual Office in Florida
Florida is a state famous for its pristine beaches, beautiful weather and affable people. With tens of millions of visitors every year contributing a whopping $67.2 billion to the states economy, its no mystery why Florida is a goldmine of opportunity for businesses of all types, as well as tourists.
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Businesses with a presence in Florida can look forward to a boost from the states thriving tourism industry. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by chiefexecutive.net, Florida is ranked the second best state in the entire country for businesses in 2012.
Moreover, another major factor for making a mark in Florida is the states absence of an income tax. This allows for entrepreneurs and small businesses to invest more capital into their business, ultimately improving themselves and giving them an edge to competitors located in other states.
We at United Virtual Office have just added even more Florida virtual office addresses to choose from. With numerous cities located throughout the state to choose from, from Miami and Orlando to Jacksonville and West Palm Beach, you have the freedom to select a location that suits your business the best, allowing you to connect with your target market better.
Gain the prestige of a premier Floridian city by establishing a virtual office in Florida, attracting more clients and enhancing your business image. The affordability of a virtual offices Florida allows you to lower costs for potential clients, while giving you the chance to improve other aspects of your business and improve your overall cash flow. A Life Virtual Receptionist is there to answer all of your phone calls and forward them directly to you, no matter where you are in the world. In addition, our courier services ensure that all faxes and mail is forwarded to you as well, giving you the ability to conduct your day-to-day business operations anywhere you are in the world, whether on vacation or working from home.
All of the benefits of virtual office services coupled with Floridas moderate cost of living and thriving business scene adds up to savings and an enviable stature among competitors.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +