Just like you can find the lowest-priced generic product at a discount super store, you can find the cheapest DC office space available, but that doesn’t mean you would want to trust your business with the cheapest provider on the market.

Part of the benefit to utilizing DC office space is that you have access to features like a phone answering service, professional support staff, administrative assistance and a variety of business support services. Because you will be trusting your business tasks with the office space provider, it is important to have confidence in the staff’s ability to perform well and present your business in a professional manner.

Consider asking the following questions when determining which DC office space provider is right for your business:

• What type of employees do they have providing the business support services? Are they trained? Do they promote a professional image?
• What is the tenure of the typical employee? What is the office space provider’s employee turn-over rate?
• What are the provider’s current clients saying about their office space and services?
• What is their longevity record? Are most of their clients short-term, or do they develop loyal customers who come back to use them time and time again?

By digging deeper and asking important questions, you can get the answers you need to choose more than a “value meal” style DC office space provider. You can make an informed decision and choose the provider who has a proven track record of benefiting businesses and agencies through top-notch service offerings, virtual office space and professional meeting rooms.

For more information on Washington Virtual Office, DC Meeting Rooms, Telework, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

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Kathlene Buchanan is the president and founder of Metro Offices, one of the premiere, women-owned, executive office centers in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. With presence in 8 different locations throughout the capital area, Metro Offices offers a full range of innovative business solutions and advanced technologies to help businesses compete in today’s transitioning business environment. Buchanan has been in the industry since 1979, and Metro Offices has been operating since 1989 with locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Consider these four questions to ask when choosing a Washington Virtual Office:

#1 Is there an office location available that is convenient for my business purposes and near to my home?

Part of the beauty of working remotely is that you can avoid long commutes to the office, so the last thing you want is to have to travel a distance to your DC virtual office. Seek out executive offices nearer to your part of the DC Metro, so you can hop on the Metro or Metrobus or even walk to be at your office in no time, without having to deal with expensive parking garages or hard-to-find street parking.

#2 What business support services does the Washington virtual office offer?

To make the most of your DC telework experience, it is important to have excellent support services to streamline projects and promote professionalism to current and potential clients. When comparing and contrasting different DC virtual office providers, check to see if they have services such as:

Phone answering

Administrative support

Mail service

Virtual receptionist

Private guest office usage

Wireless Internet

Videoconference, webinar and phone conference services

Business address to use for business cards, mail, website, etc.

#3 What type of workers does the office provider employ? What training do the employees receive and what is the average employee tenure?

It doesn’t matter how excellent the office space facility is if you can’t count on the support staff, so it is important to ask questions about the type of workers the office provider employs. Ask what trainings the receptionists and administrative support team members have received. Inquire about the employee qualifications and the turn-over rate for employees. These employees can significantly impact your business, so it is vital that you are able to have confidence in their abilities and level of professionalism.

#4 What are the office space provider’s current and former clients saying about them?

The best way to learn what is really going on with a DC office provider is to find out what the clients are saying. If you do not know any current or past clients of the business, ask the office provider if they can supply you with references. By contacting these clients, you can get the true story about the pros and cons of the virtual office provider. On the other hand, if the business is hesitant to connect you with current or former clients, this may be a red flag and a reason for you to look elsewhere to find the right Washington virtual office you can trust with your business.

For more information on Washington Virtual Office, DC Meeting Rooms, Telework, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

Working outside of a traditional office is becoming more common as increasing numbers of businesses are trying to cut office space and related costs. Businesses can utilize a Washington virtual office only when they need it. There is no lease required. They simply reserve an office through an online reservation system, and the fully-equipped office space is ready for meetings, trainings or special projects.

Many employees prefer working in the on-demand DC office space rather than in their own home offices. The numerous perks and benefits of a Washington virtual office make it appealing to DC government contractors and workers in a variety of industries. These popular features include:

• Mail Service
• Prestigious business address for business cards, mail and website
• Virtual receptionist to professionally handle meetings and inquiries.
• Trained phone answering service
• Access to DC Meeting Rooms for important client meetings and trainings.
• Virtual Club with Wireless Internet, phones and a comfortable, professional business environment
• Use of a guest office that is an Internet-ready, furnished, private office with access to all business support services; available by the hour, day, or week
• Access to professional business support services to outsource daily tasks

When a Washington Virtual Office is Necessary

Perhaps the kids are home for summer vacation or a holiday break, and your home office just isn’t providing the professional environment necessary to accomplish important tasks. Or perhaps you desire an office location closer to your home, so you don’t have to fight the daily commute across the Metro. If you own a home-based business, you may want a Washington virtual office to give your business a prestigious business address and a professional location to meet clients.

A Washington virtual office meets a variety of business needs for managers, business owners, federal agencies and DC government contractors. If the goal is to become “office-less” or significantly reduce permanent office space, DC virtual offices can fill in the gaps. This style of on-demand office space is changing the way people do business and enhancing telework efforts.

An employee can choose to work remotely from home or the coffee shop one day, and reserve a Washington virtual office the next. The flexibility improves work flow and ensures workers have the tools and space when they need it most.

Make More Jobs Telework-friendly with Washington Virtual Office

Some managers and federal agencies are concerned that not all positions are telework-friendly, because they require face-to-face time with clients or use of certain technology. Utilizing a Washington Virtual Office enables teleworkers to meet with clients, managers and team-members in a fully-equipped office or meeting room in a convenient location.  With more than 34 locations throughout the DC Metro Area, it is easy to find a virtual office in a central location.

For more information on Washington Virtual Office, DC Meeting Rooms, Telework, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

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Kathlene Buchanan is the president and founder of Metro Offices, one of the premiere, women-owned, executive office centers in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. With presence in 8 different locations throughout the capital area, Metro Offices offers a full range of innovative business solutions and advanced technologies to help businesses compete in today’s transitioning business environment. Buchanan has been in the industry since 1979, and Metro Offices has been operating since 1989 with locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

If you peel back the layers of misinformation about how employees can’t possibly have the technology necessary to do their jobs effectively or how managers can’t keep tabs on lazy employees, you’ll find the true stories of telework.

For example, Danette Campbell, Senior Adviser for Telework with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, was featured in a GovernmentExecutive.com article, sharing that the organization’s 13-year-old telework program now has more than 5,600 employees working successfully from home at least one day per week. She writes that PTO has created a workforce that can work seamlessly from remote locations with all business units now participating in the telework initiative.

Campbell suggests having the right tools and structure in place has enabled their telework program to be successful. She points to the following as essential pieces to the telework puzzle:

• Appropriate eligibility criteria
• Pilot programs
• Collaboration tools
• IT and non-IT training
• Enterprise-wide policy and business unit guidelines
• Clear performance measures, and labor-management partnerships

It’s these telework success stories that are beginning to emerge that will convince skeptical managers and agencies that telework can truly work as long as the right solutions are in place.

DC Telework Solutions are available to help agencies and DC government contractors make the transition to working remotely streamlined and successful, so that productivity can remain high and flexibility can increase.

To learn more about DC Telework, Executive Office Spaces, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

Below are the top five reasons to consider DC Telework Solutions for your business, organization or agency:

#1 Achieve Increased Flexibility and Productivity

Case studies show telework increases productivity and flexibility. Considering there is no commute, no office chit chat, no office donut delivery, no jokes of the day from the office clown, it makes sense that working outside of the office with the right technology has the potential to ramp up productivity. Employees can work during peak performance times and have the flexibility to maximize the work-life balance, creating happier, more productive employees that ultimately benefit business.

#2 Cut Costs

Is it possible to support ten employees for $1000 a month? Yes, it’s possible with DC Telework solutions that combine the best cutting edge telework technology with on-demand access to professional office space.

#3 Gain a Competitive Edge

Companies and federal agencies that choose to incorporate telework solutions into their business practices put themselves at the forefront of what is progressive and current in today’s business world and their individual industries. Telework helps you to become an industry leader, which catches the positive attention of clients who want to work with businesses who are at the top.

#4 Obtain Affordable, Expert Support

DC Telework Solutions come with built-in support and services to help your business perform better. From trained phone answering services to essential admin support, the services are available to promote a professional image, improve customer service, and keep clients impressed with the way you do business.

#5 Answer the Call from the Federal Government

As if all of the benefits of telework are not enough, the federal government has delivered the message to federal agencies and businesses that telework is the solution to help promote green initiatives, improve DC Metro Area traffic conditions and cut costs in an effort to improve the budget. With the right telework solutions in place, making the transition from working in a traditional office environment to working remotely can be seamless and beneficial to all parties involved.

To learn more about DC Telework, Executive Office Spaces, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

Businesses using virtual offices can even choose to go “office-less,” allowing employees to work remotely with on-demand access to professional executive office suites, meeting rooms and training rooms to meet all of their business needs.

Whether the business is large, small, home-based or a start-up, virtual office space provides a fast-track to green status. Lease only the office space you require and use virtual offices to fill in the gaps when necessary. There’s no need to have a conference room on-site when you can have on-demand access to fully-equipped, professional office space, meeting rooms and training rooms in convenient locations throughout the DC Metro Area.

Taking a greener approach to business and cutting out unnecessary office space appeals to employees and clients who appreciate efforts to protect the environment. Being a green business has become a status symbol that keeps companies, organizations and federal agencies on the cutting edge of business.

By utilizing on-demand DC meeting rooms, companies also enable employees to cut-down on gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions—both are steps to make a positive difference in the environment.

Are you ready to get your business on the green track to business success? The business solutions and tools are available to make your transition seamless, so you can keep productivity and efficiency high.

For more information on Washington Virtual Office, DC Meeting Rooms, Telework, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

Top business owners and managers are always on the look-out for new and improved ways to do business, and DC office space fits the bill for cost-effective and efficient business solutions. Having access to on-demand office space allows businesses to reserve the space only when they need it.

Consider these situations in which DC office space can provide the solutions necessary to benefit your business:

Home-Based Business

Having a home-based business has many perks; working from home in your pajamas may be at the top of the list. But on occasion the home office doesn’t provide the environment conducive to certain business tasks, including meetings with important clients. With DC office space, home-based business owners can reserve fully-equipped private offices any time they need them. Whether it is once a week or once a month, using an executive suite, virtual office or even shared office space can provide the flexibility and tools necessary to gain the competitive edge.

DC Government Contractors

Business and government contractors require a high level of mobility and flexibility as well as cutting edge technology, and DC office space meets these essential requirements. Government contractors can access strategically located offices through out the DC Metro Area to find an office location that is best for a specific project or client. With less travel and access to technology, state of the art office equipment and professional administrative staff, DC government contractors are free to focus on important assignments and client relationships.

DC Teleworkers

The freedom and flexibility available through telework are a great benefit to employees and businesses a like. Still, there are times when nothing can replace a face-to-face meeting or time in a professional office environment.  For times like these, teleworkers can easily access DC office space to fill in the gaps, providing a fully-equipped workspace in a prestigious DC Metro location. From a virtual club business lounge and DC meeting rooms to shared office space and private executive offices, DC office space takes telework to the next level, proving that working remotely does not have to mean the end of professionalism.

Start-Up Businesses

When you are trying to get a new company off the ground, it can be challenging to compete with the top dogs in the industry. DC office space levels the playing field by enabling start-up businesses to promote a professional image. New businesses can obtain a prestigious DC address for business cards and mailings and utilize phone answering services and trained administrative support to help establish a new company as a professional force to be reckoned with. Clients are more willing to trust a company that seems established, and with on-demand DC office space solutions businesses of any size can send the message that they are open for business and serious about providing the best services.

For more information on DC Office Space, Executive Offices, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

# # #

Kathlene Buchanan is the president and founder of Metro Offices, one of the premiere, women-owned, executive office centers in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. With presence in 8 different locations throughout the capital area, Metro Offices offers a full range of innovative business solutions and advanced technologies to help businesses compete in today’s transitioning business environment. Buchanan has been in the industry since 1979, and Metro Offices has been operating since 1989 with locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Perhaps your company or agency is considering the transition to an office-less organization. More and more businesses are realizing that a permanent office location isn’t always necessary to business. In fact, now more than ever, businesses have the tools and virtual office space available to them to conduct any work task away from the office.

Washington virtual office space is revolutionizing the way people do business and saving businesses money, as they can significantly reduce office space and office expenses when more employees work remotely. Fewer employees in the office mean less need for permanent space and office managers. It is even possible to cut out the permanent office altogether and have the entire staff working remotely through use of Washington virtual office, DC meeting rooms and Telework Solutions.

Imagine the real estate and maintenance costs that could be saved if the entire staff transitioned to telework. The good news is these savings do not have to mean a sacrifice in productivity. Washington virtual office space provides everything workers need to stay on task working efficiently. Whether workers need to host an\ important business meeting or training or just spend some time online with wireless high-speed Internet in a comfortable yet professional office environment, there are virtual office locations throughout the DC Metro, including Maryland and Northern Virginia.

For more information on Washington Virtual Office, Telework, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

Telework Solutions offers to the total package to DC federal agencies and businesses that are moving forward to answer the call from the federal government to increase telework efforts. The transition from working in a traditional office environment to working remotely can be challenging, but the right services and support cut out the trial and error and keep business running smoothly through the changes.

By utilizing innovative Telework Solutions, businesses have access to cutting-edge telework technology and on-demand, professional DC meeting rooms, which revolutionize the way business is done. Employees can use the technology, such as the VoIP platform, to work from the comfort of their homes, or they can reserve a convenient, private office in one of many available locations around the DC Metro Area.

Telework Solutions is a big, but simple step, toward making a company more efficient, productive and environmentally-friendly. If inclement weather or other crises make getting to the office impossible, having Telework Solutions as a part of business practices means there will be no need for business slow down. Workers will remain productive and customers will stay happy, even if the rest of the DC Metro Area is closed for business. Telework is the ultimate business continuity plan.

Among the business benefits to Telework Solutions are:

• Unified Communications including VOIP with local number
• Follow-me/ Find Me phone technology
• Unlimited domestic long distance
• Voicemail to e-mail
• Telephone answering
• Call screening
• Membership to all Metro Office locations
• Access to meeting rooms, Virtual Clubs, Lounges, FlexDesks, and Guest Offices at any Metro Office location

To learn more about Telework, Executive Office Spaces, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

There are a number of DC meeting space options available, but it is important to be selective in choosing the right space provider. Quality, personal customer service and on-site support are what make the experience of utilizing on-demand or instant office space successful. It is also essential to select a space provider that understands the DC Metro Area because they are actively involved in local business.

Choosing an owner-operated DC meeting space ensures that the ownership is involved in the quality of business practices and customer service. When you trust your important business meetings and trainings with another company, it is important to know the physical work space provider cares about your business and will work to make your experience a positive one.

Look for DC meeting spaces that offer the following services and equipment:

• On-Line DC Meeting Space Reservations
• Flip Charts
• Web/Audio/Video Conferencing
• Beverage and Catering Services
• Dedicated Bandwidth
• Ergonomic Herman Miller Seating
• High-Speed Internet
• Polycom Speaker Phone
• Wireless Internet
• On-Site Administrative Support
• LPR Projector
• Attendee Registration Support
• High Resolution Overhead Projector
• Color copiers/printers/scanners
• White Boards
• Kitchen/Lounge, vending, coffee, spring water

With these services, you can be certain your business will have everything necessary to conduct meetings, team trainings and client presentations. Whether your business is home-based, a start-up, or a company of any size, you will promote a professional image utilizing DC meeting spaces in prestigious office locations throughout the DC Metro Area.

DC Meeting Space is the Perfect Accompaniment to Telework Programs

More and more businesses and DC government contractors are expanding telework programs, and DC meeting spaces are a great way to work remotely yet have access to physical work spaces when necessary. No matter what industry you are in, there are times when nothing substitutes for a face-to-face meeting in a professional setting.

Rather than requiring telework employees and clients to commute across the Metro to a permanent office setting, hop online and reserve a DC meeting space designed to make your work easier and more productive than ever. With a few clicks you can instantly reserve any of 34 private offices, meeting rooms, training centers and virtual office clubs throughout the DC Metro, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. There are also 650 worldwide locations, so your business can meet with clients and employees anywhere, anytime.

For more information on DC Meeting Space, Telework Solutions, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

# # #

Kathlene Buchanan is the president and founder of Metro Offices, one of the premiere, women-owned, executive office centers in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. With presence in 8 different locations throughout the capital area, Metro Offices offers a full range of innovative business solutions and advanced technologies to help businesses compete in today’s transitioning business environment. Buchanan has been in the industry since 1979, and Metro Offices has been operating since 1989 with locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.