Virtual office - shared space (financial, pay, work, tax)

[maf763]

I'd appreciate input on the experiences people have had with virtual offices and/or shared office space. I'm exploring the possibility of becoming an independent practitioner/consultant and don't think renting a traditional office makes financial sense.

Thanks.

[cpg35223]

It doesn't. I've worked from home for seven years now, and I've managed to simplify my life beyond belief.

First thing's first: Reduce expenses to a bare minimum. That being said, why would you want to pay for office space and all that entails?

Second: Nowadays, all you need is a laptop, a good internet connection, and a good printer. With eFax (which is a pretty great service), you don't even need a fax machine anymore.

All you need is a quiet place to work (Which, in my case, happens to be a nice, comfortable red chair in my den. When the kids get home, I move upstairs and work on my bed). Sometimes, if you get cabin fever, you go to a library with a good WiFi connection.

Really, that's all you need. No file cabinets (Just back up weekly). No paper. No nothing. Just a good laptop with a backup system that borders on paranoia.

What's more, if you work out of the house, you won't believe all the tax advantages it confers quite legally.

[maf763]

Thanks - that's great feedback.

[NewYorkSalo]

Originally Posted by maf763

Thanks - that's great feedback.

Hey, found your post on google. I'd consider a virtual office, because it is a good idea if you are looking for a business address, outside of your location. Unless you have a PO BOX, it is not always a good idea to share your home address as a business address, in my experience.

A Virtual Office allows you to use their address, and they handle the mail and package, and forward it as well. Voicemail is easy as well, because it goes right to my e-mail, as a .wav file. I use an IP Phone all the time for travel, and when at home, and anyone can call me at my 212 number, I use one from Manhattan, Virtual Office Space Solutions in New York City, and it goes right to my ip phone, no matter where I am. It is fairly neat.

The other convenience is if I need conference space at the location, its provided. Day-to-day office space is also rentable, for prices as cheap as a hotel, which is always neat in case you need to be physically present at the location for a client.

This is my experiece, hope I was able to help