Home Office Setup

A Home Office Setup to match your Virtual Plan

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Setting up a home office can be a difficult task. Things that at first seem like they may not be a big deal, like avoiding a morning shower, getting properly dressed, or working from your couch, quickly become a big deal once you realize that your back will not agree with all your couch “potato-ing”.

It’s of the utmost importance then to set up your home office to be as comfortable, and productive as possible.

Office Chair

The proper office chair is the main thing you’ll need for a comfortable and productive home office. It’s common for those who are designing a home office to attempt to save money by selecting a lower quality chair, forgetting that the majority of their time spent will be in this important piece of furniture. This is “penny wise dollar foolish”, meaning you may save more up front, but the long term effects can be detrimental. There is a reason why ergonomically-correct office chairs can be very expensive. It’s because they’re high quality, and will pay off dividends in terms of gained productivity, and avoiding long term back issues. There is nothing worse than trying to work, while being distracted by back pain, and constantly having to adjust your seat. This is the most important investment you can make when it comes to your home office.

Desk Space

While somewhat less important than a good office chair, a proper desk is less about the quality of the item, and more about it being present. One may think working from a couch may be productive; however, working on your laptop from a sitting position at a desk has proven to be a more productive setting. Those who have migrated from their lazy boy to a proper desk quickly found that their thrived with the extra desk space. It proved beneficial, not only to place their working materials down, but also to organize documents, and to give themselves a place to get in a “working” mood. The home office may seem like an ideal solution to sit away from your cubicle at work, but you’ll still need the desk.

Home and Office separation

The third ingredient in the equation is less about a physical item, but just as necessary as the previous items. When working from a home office, there is a tendency to let the mind wander. And while common remote working arrangements allow for extra time to go do errands around the house or go pick up the kids from school, the wandering mind can destroy productivity. Unless you have excellent discipline, you may slowly find yourself slipping more into pleasure, and less work.

That’s why the distinction between “home” and “office” is so important. Getting into a routine to start the work day just as you would if travelling to work is essential. Take a shower, get dressed in professional clothes, and grab a coffee. Then you’ll be ready to start your workday.

If you’re ready to start a new business take a look at our packages and start your Virtual Office today! 

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Grow plant company

Re-Grow your Company with a Virtual Office

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Grow plant company

Small or large, the pandemic has forced all companies to have the same goal; survive, recover and re-grow.

From a small startup which has just now reached their profitability or IPO stage, or a large multinational wanting to expand into a new territory to grow globally, every company struggles with growth to begin with. Not only is it a large monetary investment, but it’s a risky proposition. Even the largest companies who spend adequately in order to research their expansion can find themselves in a hard spot and needing to bail out. Losing out not only financially, but in lost opportunity cost as well.

So how can Virtual Business Offices help?

At Virtual Business Offices, we are in a position to help your company survive, recover and re-grow in a safe and controlled way. By signing up for one of our available virtual packages, you get professional phone answering, mail handling and forwarding, and more importantly, a premier Bay Street address which is recognized the world over as the business centre of Canada.

However, these are just the tools by which you can extract the real value of our virtual services. The value comes in using us to grow your company further. A local phone number and a local address add trust to your business by showing that you’re not just trying to grab international business, but that you’re here and contributing to the local economy.

It will also reduce costs for your clients by letting them send their mail locally, and call local phone lines, thereby increasing your potential client base, as well as maintaining higher satisfaction levels.

We can even save you more money with our meeting room hours. Complimentary with our virtual packages, you can use free meeting room hours to meet with local clients and officials, with beautiful Lake Ontario or Toronto cityscape views and just steps away from Union Station.

If you’re looking to grow your company internationally, then getting a virtual package is just a no-brainer: taking that complicated process that is growing your company, and making it easier and more cost-efficient than ever before.

Sign up Today!

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Tips for Working Virtually

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Tips for Working Virtually

We made it!  It’s 2021.  We’re turning the page on 2020 and are setting our sights on greener pastures for the year to come.

Although this holiday season proved to be much more difficult than years past, getting back into your everyday work schedule has never been easier.

Okay, so you may not be able to show off the new clothes that you were gifted on Christmas morning, but you entered the first official work week of the new year, refreshed and with a high level of environmental comfort.

A year that proved to be unpredictable in every sense of the word, has provided the global workforce a new appreciation for remote work.

However, it’s more important than ever to keep a high level of structure while in your home office.

Check out some of my tips for working virtually.

Finding a Creative Space that will encourage continuous productivity.

Creating a euphoric, zen environment that will make you anxious to get to your home desk each and every day is critical to your productivity. Adding little pieces to the workspace that make it personal and reflective of yourself will help create ambiance and make the desk YOUR perfect working environment. Make sure to turn the lights on and keep the space well lit. Some people prefer to work at night, which is perfectly fine if that’s when the creative juices are flowing. However, don’t force yourself into a dark working environment as this will force you to become tired and less attentive to the task at hand.

Declutter.

Continuing from the first point, there’s nothing that’s going to keep you from rushing to your workspace each and every day like a messy, unorganized desk. Before we go into comparing ourselves to geniuses like Einstein and Twain, let’s consider that for the vast majority of us, a clean desk is an indication of projects and tasks completed. Keep your desk a separate area from your regular domestic setup. Dirty dishes, laundry piles, these are perfectly normal components of any living space but your virtual office or remote desk is your business and should be treated as a different spot altogether.

Establish a schedule for your day.

It can be very easy to procrastinate when you have your own office in your own home and dictate your own schedule. If you find you work best in the mornings, never hit the snooze and don’t be late to your desk. In fact, change out of your pajamas and make yourself ready to tackle your day. If you’re a nighthawk and the most productive times of day come in the evenings, don’t put aside work for a movie or that dinner out with friends. These bad habits will develop and worsen and nothing will help your business prosper more than a regulated and predictable schedule where you can deliver consistent results.

Log-off from distraction!

The hardest parts about remaining productive in your virtual office are the same as in our everyday life; shutting down the social media and other online distractors. Training ourselves to regulate our daily social media intake will benefit in the long run and pay off dividends. The next time you feel compelled to spend time on a social media platform, make a game of it. Don’t open the apps that are purely there for fun and try to go as long as you can without indulging in Facebook, Snapchat or Instagram. It is estimated that the average person will spend five years of their life on social media. Think what you could do with all that time!

But it’s not as easy as having a structured schedule, or a clean desk.

You have to have the proper business support and Virtual Business Offices specializes in providing those services.

At Virtual Business Offices we have solutions for you.  Whether it be a Bay Street corporate address, live reception services, or access to meeting rooms, our wide range of virtual office packages are fit for any business.

If you are looking for more information about our virtual service packages, contact Virtual Business Offices by e-mailing info@rostiegroup.com or calling (416) 214-1840.

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Virtual Services: The Key to an Effective Online Presence

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Virtual Services: The Key to an Effective Online Presence

Virtual Services: The Key to an Effective Online Presence

It’s 2020 and the world is operating, although barely, in a very unusual and increasingly virtual manor.  With the Covid-19 pandemic still lingering, everyone continues to shop online, date online, exist online. With everything, and everyone, getting used to this switch, it’s important to ensure your business is able to thrive without physical office space.

The key to all of this is an effective online presence.

Even before the global shutdown, businesses that were pulling ahead of their competition grew increasingly reliant on their ability to attract their target audience via the web. Now, that’s the only real option! Countless work hours and funds are allocated to creating an online experience that distances them from their competitors.

Whether it is ordering a pizza from Domino’s, purchasing a TV from Amazon, or finding an e-date for Friday night on Tinder, there is an industry leader who has developed a plan for operating remotely, until things return to normal.

So, what is it about an online presence that sets the industry leaders apart?

According to Spin, elements like solid navigation, clear call to action; proper layouts and being mobile friendly play major roles in making a good website successful. While these elements seem discernible, you’d be surprised at how many former industry leaders are finding that they’re step behind because they aren’t changing with the times. Now, with the entire world online, it is IMPERATIVE that your website is the best it can be.

The trial-and-error period of creating an online presence is over. Users don’t hold the same level of patience as they would have 5 years ago. If a website isn’t easy to navigate, mobile friendly, or attractive, potential business will fall by the way-side.

Placing greater emphasis on research and design, structured management, clarity of vision, and a reliable support system is paramount to ensuring that your online platform reaches its potential.

One of those invaluable support systems is a reliable virtual office provider.

Virtual Business Offices provides the kind of support that allows our clients to concentrate on the task at hand and further expand their businesses online presence.

With a Premier Bay St. Address, Live Reception Services and Fully Equipped Meeting Rooms, you can run your business from anywhere in the world, knowing that all your needs are being met with the utmost professionalism.

Virtual Services are the key to an effective online presence.

Find out our Virtual Services can help boost your digital footprint.

 

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We’ve Got You Covered – Under our Umbrella, Ella, Ella

You’ve all heard the saying “we’ve got you covered – rain, sleet, or snow.”

Now, let us prove it to you.

Corporate Address

Bay Street. Need I say more? This iconic street is one of the most well known in the country, as it’s recognized globally as the Financial centre of Canada.

And that’s not just boasting.

Aside from our neighbours in the financial industry, Bay Street is also shaping up to be the new home of Toronto’s tech hub. With companies such as Microsoft, Acumen Solutions, Cisco Systems Inc, VMware, and Salesforce, Bay Street is further proving to be THE place to be for business operators of all industries to call home.

Virtual Business Offices has long been offering the ability for companies, from the newest startups, to enterprise corporations, to create and reinforce their corporate identity with at Bay Street address and be looked upon as an industry leader.

Live Reception Services

Aside from a great address, having professional live reception & phone services is also a large boost to the success of a company.

Our professionally-trained live reception team can do just that for you and your business.

With customizable greetings, call screening & forwarding, appointment scheduling, and voicemail options, we have the ability to personalize our phone services for each client.

In addition to the customizable service, we offer our clients a highly sought after 416 phone number that reinforces their position in Toronto’s competitive downtown core.

At Virtual Business Offices, we have solutions fit for you.  Whether it be a Bay Street corporate address or customizable live reception services, our wide range of virtual office packages are fit for businesses at any stage of their growth.

If you are looking to add a new corporate identity your business, contact Virtual Business Offcies by visiting www.virtualbusinessoffices.com or calling (416) 214-1840.

If you’d like to begin working in Toronto’s hottest area Sign up online today!

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Entrepreneurial State Of Mind

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Being an entrepreneur is an innate trait that some are born with and some aren’t. It’s a mind set that many with this gift can’t seem to escape. They see the world as a large opportunity and continuously seek ways to seize the moment.

The world has seen its fair share of entrepreneurs who have succeeded and others who have failed miserably. It truly is a high risk, high reward life style.

Companies such as: Microsoft, Apple, Virgin, Tesla & Amazon all began as an idea on a piece of paper, by larger than life personalities that once started out in their parent’s basement. After countless trials and tribulations, these individuals were able to successfully penetrate a market and become king pins of their respective industries.

However, this success certainly didn’t come overnight. It’s a known fact that even these successful would-be billionaires were once on the verge of being homeless, surviving on ramen noodles and living out of the back seats of their vehicles. It was only their entrepreneurial instinct that kept them pushing through these hard times and as luck would have it, their hard work and determination paid off.

Then, you have the other side of the coin.

In the early 2010’s, the world became obsessed with the reality TV concept of seeing entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to investors on shows like Dragon’s Den or Shark Tank.

These shows gave the everyday viewer a chance to see what entrepreneurs were coming up with, prior to their multi million dollar success. Some were successful, while most failed to develop a concept that could wow not only the investors, but the audience who were watching the show. In some cases, the feedback went as far as telling these individuals to “stop putting money into this and walk away while you still can” or “this is the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard of”.

One thing to be taken from the countless seasons of good ideas and bad ideas is that the mindset of the participants never veered from their end goal of being a successful entrepreneur, regardless of the feedback they received.

Whether you possess this way of thinking or not, it’s important to remember that each person has a place in the world to be successful.

Most importantly, any good entrepreneur needs the proper business solutions to complement their ideas, so they can continue to develop and grow.

At Virtual Business Offices, we have those solutions for you.  Whether it be a corporate address, live reception services, access to meeting rooms or a combination of all three, our wide range of virtual office packages are fit for businesses at any stage of their growth.

Sign up online today!

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How To Effectively And Productively Work Remotely

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Over the last decade, the number of employees working remotely has skyrocketed, and continues to increase year-over-year. Roughly 70% of the global workforce works remotely at least one day per week, and reports estimate that 50% of the U.S. workforce will be remote within the next ten years. Despite these numbers and the increased popularity of working from home, remote work is still relatively unchartered territory. There are still mixed opinions on teleworking, and many managers remain hesitant and unsure on how to manage remote teams. As a result, it is imperative for remote employees to work efficiently and professionally off-site. I’ve written some key productivity tips below to help remote employees keep on track and stay in their managers good books.

First things first, you need to look the part. A lot of people have this idea that working from home involves sweatpants and a t-shirt, or just throwing on something quick and comfy. Dressing too casually can make it feel like you’re just relaxing at home or hanging out, resulting in lower productivity. Dressing the part, and wearing what one normally would to work, will help you get into the right mindset and feel prepared for your workday.

Secondly, it’s extremely important to keep a proper schedule and work regular hours when working remotely. Some people get into the habit of starting later, and sleeping in, or working different hours when working from home. To be successful and establish a proper routine, it’s important to work the same hours and the same times each and every day.

Similarly, it’s important to remember to take breaks, just like you would at the office, when working from home. A lot of remote workers tend to stay in one place and try to get all of their work done as quickly as possible to have more free time. Instead of cramming, it’s best to take time out of your schedule to get up and get out of your workspace for a few quick breaks.

When working from home it’s also extremely important to pick the right workspace. Creating a dedicated workspace is essential to separating work from your home life and getting into the right mindset for your daily job. When selecting your workspace its important to choose a bright lit space in order to increase your energy, reduce eye strain and keep you focused.

Finally, working from home doesn’t mean you should isolate yourself or work in a completely isolated setting. It’s important to take the time to go outside, get some fresh air, and connect with others. Many remote workers complain of loneliness or of feeling disconnected from the rest of their team. It’s therefore important for remote workers to reach out and connect to their co-workers, friends and family to counteract this.

Remote working is no longer a fringe practice, it’s a legitimate option and could very well be the new norm in the near future. It is therefore important to prepare for remote opportunities and establish strong habits to succeed.

IF you’re ready to build your business and start working remotely, you can check out the Virtual Plans that The Rostie Group has to offer you. All the advantages of having an office in a physical location, with the ability to work anywhere in the World!

Sign up online today!

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Top tools for remote workers

Top Tools for Running your Business Abroad

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The desk life just isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build a successful business. Having the right tools with you can make it easier to enjoy your new Digital Nomad life.

When it comes to these tools, you have to look both at hardware, and software. What products and services will fit you best, and are an addition to your travel experience, rather than a detriment.

Tool #1 – A new Laptop

If you currently have a laptop, there may be nothing wrong with it. Today’s portable computers are built well, and last much further than their older brethren. So why would we suggest such a large expense when you’re just about to start travelling and building a new business?

Because of the small differences.

At first glance, any new laptop may seem the same as your older one. Afterall, it’s a screen and a keyboard. It may have a few fancy new features, but is it really worth it if your current laptop works? Well, yes.

The main benefits are going to come from 3 places: Battery Life, Processor, and WiFi capabilities.

The battery life is obvious: A newer laptop will have a newer battery, which will both last longer, and will be more reliable. With laptops these days sticking to integrated and non-removable batteries, it will be a huge life saver. You won’t even have to leave your beach chair in order to recharge! The processor is a bit more interesting: newer processors are not only more powerful, but they are also more efficient. Efficiency in this case refers to power drain – meaning providing more battery life for more power. Finally, WiFi is improving everywhere in the world, but new technologies like WiFi 6 are not commonly used yet. A newer laptop will also contain a more powerful, and also more efficient WiFi adaptor. Meaning you can get a better, more consistent signal and connection, no matter where you are.

Tool #2 – A new(ish) Smartphone

A smartphone is your companion. Between notes, contacts, calls, agenda, calendar, and myriad other features, for some it’s closer than their own family. A new smartphone can also have many of the same advantages of a new laptop, meaning a newer, more efficient processor, a newer battery, and more powerful signal.

But unlike a laptop where usually the higher you go in price, the better it is, with smartphones, you’d want to be aiming at a new – but midrange – smartphone. Why midrange?

Today’s midrange smartphones tend to be more powerful than yesterday’s flagships. The technology is moving THAT fast. And some of the limitations are what make the midrange phone experience better than a flagship for travelling.

The processor tends to be more conservative. While certainly fast, it will draw less power, by the fact that it’s more efficient than previous processors. Battery life tends to be better on midrange devices, with companies not being as concerned with aesthetics, making thicker devices with chunkier batteries. And things like a lower resolution screen, and less gimmicky features tend to leave you with a solid smartphone experience, for a smaller price, and no frills. Since today’s devices are built as a SOC (system on a chip), the same improvements in terms of signal strength and performance will be included.

And of course, less people will want to steal your chunky plastic brick, rather than your shiny new iPhone.

Tool #3 – VideoConferencing Software

If you work with a team, you’ll want to speak with your team. If you work with clients… you’ll probably want to speak to your clients. As you’re travelling, email and messaging may be the best way to reach you, and conversely communicate with your stakeholders. But text on a screen pales with comparison with a phone call. And that in itself pales in comparison to a full fledged face-to-face conversation. Videoconferencing is the next best thing, and one more of the essential tools you need.

You can truly engage all of the senses of a viewer when they can both see, and hear you.

Just make sure that you’re not calling in from a beautiful beach somewhere, if the place you’re calling is in the middle of a dark and dreary winter.

Tool #4 – Noise Cancelling Headphones

Silence is Golden. On a plane? Put on your headphones and relax. In a busy cafe? Put on your headphones and tune out the noise. Making a video call to your clients? Better believe you need to put those headphones on. Yes the noise cancelling needs a charge, but the trade off is worth it. The sound of silence speaks for itself.

Consider a wired pair, that can be plugged in to the laptop to save some battery life. But with smartphones these days dropping the headphone jack, you may find yourself having to go completely wireless. Which can be a microcosm for your new life, living untethered from your desk.

Tool #5 – A Notebook

Know what the tools above this one all need? Yup, the occasional charge.

Even with a new laptop with a highly efficient processor, a new midrange phone with a massive battery, and some great new headphones… you’re gonna run out of juice.

Know what doesn’t run out of battery? A notebook and a trusty pen. Has worked for centuries, and will work for centuries more. Take down notes, write appointments and important information. And even doodle while you’re waiting for your laptop to charge.

A notebook may be the most essential of the tools on that list. Except for just one more…

Tool #6 – Sunglasses

To enjoy the beaches you’ll be visiting of course.

So if you’re ready to start your new business venture, and have a great time travelling. But still need a central place to receive your mail, and a competent staff to answer your phone, then look no further than Virtual Business Offices. Pick your package and sign up today!

 

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Rostie Group Scoop Social Cover

The February Scoop is Out!

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Toronto Virtual Business Address

Your Virtual Address in Toronto

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An address is arguably one of the most important elements of your business identity.

It’s what defines you as either a local or international business, and leaves a lasting impression on your clients. Even if you feel that it may not be relevant to your particular clients – that you sell your products or services online – it is a small detail that your potential clients will notice. At some point, you’ll have to receive physical mail, and you certainly want an address where you can receive cheques and have official government communication.

Perhaps you think that your address is a minor detail, but small details matter, especially when building your brand. Your business isn’t just your product or service, it’s also your entire brand, and how it’s reflected on the consumer. Your business address tells the world where you stand. Whether it’s a small startup in a trendy growing district, or in the same alley as major world corporations.

That is exactly what we offer you here at virtualbusinessoffices.com. A premier, Bay Street address in Toronto – Canada’s business capital. 

Having your address here on Bay Street means that you’re rubbing shoulders with AON, RBC, Salesforce, and Microsoft amongst others. It means a certain pedigree and reinforces the idea that you’re serious, which echoes through all parts of your business and its identity.

An opportunity to have the same address and position yourself similarly to these large companies can have a massive impact on your bottom line. Your clients will view you not only as a new or growing business, but one that is located right in the most desirable location in Toronto, one of North America’s largest and most influential cities.

If you’re thinking of starting a new business, or want to take your current business to the next level, then contact us today, and let us help you and your customers find your place on Bay Street.

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