Crafting a Realistic Office Illusion
Not all small businesses need a physical location. Some are perfectly run from a home office, giving solopreneurs more flexibility than other types of entrepreneurs. One of the biggest perks of this setup is that you don’t need an actual office. I’ve been working without an office for years and would recommend it to anyone who wants to work comfortably from home and save on expenses.
While being officeless is great, I don’t always enjoy how it’s perceived. If people figure out you’re working from your dining room and using your personal cell phone for business, they might not take you seriously. Regardless of whether that’s fair, you want your business to look professional, not like a hobby. Here are a few tips to create the illusion of a traditional office-based business.
First, get a real office address. The UPS store can rent you a business mailbox with a street address, and other companies like FedEx offer similar services. This way, it seems like you have office space in a professional setting. Plus, they’ll sign for and hold packages, so no surprise visitors at odd hours.
A key strategy is to have a dedicated office phone and fax number. Relying solely on a cell phone can make you look less professional. I recommend Google Voice for an office number since it’s free, online, and flexible with call forwarding. You can even take calls via Gmail.
Even though faxing feels outdated, some businesses still use it. For a fax number, consider services where you got your mailbox or your local library. You might pay per page, but you won’t fumble when asked for a fax number. For frequent faxing, an electronic fax service might be worth it.
If your business deals with a lot of calls or needs administrative support, hiring a virtual assistant could be helpful. They can handle calls and admin tasks, allowing you to focus on what you do best. You can manage everything without meeting them in person.
Lastly, coworking spaces are great for creating the impression of having an office. Many offer desk space, a mailing address, and fax services. They also provide meeting rooms, which come in handy if you have frequent meetings. Instead of meeting at a coffee shop, you can book a conference room at your coworking site.