BizWorld Jamaica

Reducing overheads is often the bestsolution for businesses looking to survive tough economic conditions.  One way of doing so is to switch fromoccupying premises to running a business from a virtual office - an option thatan increasing number of Jamaican companies are taking.

The concept, which offers fulloffice support, including reception, telephony and meeting facilities, is anaffordable and practical alternative to the traditional approach, which oftenproves prohibitive to an up-and-coming business.

Portmore entrepreneur, Andre’O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer of Interak, is one of the Jamaica’s marketleaders in Virtual Office Solutions.  Interakwas launched last year, and offers a host of services that Mr. O’Connorbelieves will level the playing field for small businesses, and give thefreedom to focus on their products or services, without the added burden ofhuge overheads.

This means that the small business entrepreneur,who wants to create a better company image, and successfully compete with thebigger boys, can have the trappings of a real professional office, at anegligible cost.

Employing your own receptionist cancost in the region of JA$50,000 per month, which can be a lot of money to a newbusiness.  Interak’s currentInternational Plan is incredibly affordable in comparison, as it will cost thesmall business only US$120.00 or approximately JA$10,500.00 per month.   

However, the Virtual Receptionist isonly one service offered under this plan. It also includes UNLIMITED international calls to the US, Canada and theUK, a International number (US, Canada or UK), a local business landline, twoextensions, fax to email, voicemail to email, a business address, meeting roomaccess, 24/7 automated attendant, three-page website, and conferencebridging.  Companies find these offeringsquite appealing, as it gives them a clear advantage over their counterparts whochoose to traditional physical office space.

“The service is much more than justphone answering. We have a real high-end reception service that isprofessional, and can drastically improve your company’s image.  It's just like having your own receptionist,but without the high cost”, Mr. O’Connor explained. 

In Jamaica, there are many personswho operate their businesses from home, but in our current climate, it is notvery prudent to allow the general public access to your home.  As such, it is always better for a newbusiness to have a proper business address. Interak makes this possible, without having to rent an office andcontend with the cost of all the furniture, utilities, stationery, toiletries,etc.

In addition to these virtualservices, there is still a need for meeting rooms, so Interak offers this inmost of their Plans, at no additional cost. You don't have to physically rentspace, just book rooms when you need them.

Companies that do not require areceptionist opt for other packages that range between US$40 to US$87.00.  These include the services of an automatedattendant that forward messages to their email, so they never miss a call.  These services are perfect for persons whohave their own businesses, but are still working in full time jobs. 

Larger businesses looking todownsize are also shifting to these virtual office services.  It significantly reduces the expense, whilstmaintaining professional quality.  It's asolution for companies needing to reduce overheads, and it offers strugglingbusinesses the option of tearing up their leases, if they determine that theydon't need the expensive physical space anymore.  So they choose the more cost-effectivevirtual office concept.

With a PC and a smart phone in hand,you are in business.  It is amazing howeasily a business can transform into a virtual office.

O’Connor said that the response totheir services has been tremendous, and envisions that this business model willexpand globally in the next couple of years as more people recognise its advantages.

Of course, this offers endless jobopportunities to Virtual Receptionists, who can operate from home and make agood income in the process.  This is a temptingalternative to an uncomfortable commute and stressful workplace.  All they need is to be certified and experienced in telephone handling/customer service, and have access to aPC/Laptop with high-speed internet connection.

For additional information contact:  www.interaknow.com, sales@interaknow.com,(876)614-3991.