In the ever-more connected world of business, there are no longer any physical constraints to small businesses trading across a wide geographic area.
Traditionally, companies have only been able to do businesses where they have had a shop, store, workshop or factory, but this is no longer the case.
The advent of ecommerce and the high-speed internet means small companies can now attract customers from all over the country, even the entire globe.
Orders can be placed via the firm’s website and then the goods shipped to the customer’s address, or the services delivered over the internet.
This means that small businesses need no longer be solely community-based – rather than targeting customers in the immediate vicinity, they can sell to anyone in any location.
The challenge they have is standing out from the crowd.
With the majority of small companies now active on the internet, many firms are having the same idea and attempting to attract web-based consumers.
As such, people looking for a specific product or service online are relatively spoilt for choice.
Even offering a bespoke product or service at an affordable price may not be enough to boost trade, with consumers having so many credible options.
Businesses need to capitalise on every opportunity they have to boost the reputation, credibility and brand awareness, in order to rise to the head of their field.
And one way they can achieve this is by taking advantage of virtual office services.
Having a prestigious London address on their website, marketing materials and products can make the difference.
The company may not carry out business at this location, but using an elite city address for correspondence can boost the profile of the company.
It makes the firm look like a sound proposition, and potentially gives it an advantage over the many other small companies providing similar services.
Prestige can go a long way in business, and virtual office services can help provide a little extra to make the all-important difference.
