A recent end-2010 financial study conducted and compiled by the Office Business Center Association International (OBCAI) that surveyed 442 office business centers shows a significant acceleration in virtual office growth, from 18.3% to 7.8% in a single year. And while a new study states the top 10 industries most likely to use virtual offices are financial, legal, consulting, technology, real estate/brokers, healthcare, marketing and advertising, entertainment, retail, and construction, there’s also a unique and prevalent opportunity for freelancers to take advantage of all that virtual offices have to offer. Here are just a few reasons why virtual offices and co working spaces are ideal for freelancers.
Versatility
Yes, many freelancers enjoy working from home on occasion, but it’s also necessary for them to have a professional space for collaboration and innovation. Co working spaces allow for freelancers to share workspaces of various sizes and with various amenities, including printers and WiFi, coffee, and snacks. But more importantly, having the unique ability to meet up and network with similar-minded people in the same line of work can be incredibly beneficial for future career growth opportunities.
Productivity
It’s no secret that being a successful freelancer requires a high level of time management and productivity. Working from home does offer some convenient benefits, but it can be somewhat of a mental burden to work in the same area as you live. It’s typically much more refreshing and productive to have designated areas for both work and leisure. But here’s the thing — even if you do have a separate work area in your home, it’s bound to get monotonous after a while. Those who work at home need to have a secondary co working space to give them a sense of control regarding when and where they work. And since co working spaces can be rented on almost any schedule, it’s easier than ever to find an option that’s perfect for both your technology and scheduling needs.
The Latest Technology
If you’re a freelancer, then you likely depend on your laptop as much as you depend on food, water, and air. However, sometimes you need a little something more. Whether that’s video conferencing technology, the latest software, or just a reliable WiFi connection, a modern freelancer requires modern tools. When you can’t afford to purchase all of these tools yourself, co working spaces in virtual offices are an economical solution to your technological needs.
Ultimately, understanding these major benefits of co working spaces and virtual offices for freelancers is the key to taking advantage of whichever technological and collaborative options you have at your disposal.
