top 8 business plans virtual enterprise

The virtual enterprise: Six ways modern businesses can become more open and agile

It’s been more than a year since the cascading effects of  the COVID-19 pandemic  quickly shut down businesses and economies all over the world and spurred the massive shift to virtual work, where new tools and ways of working became commonplace overnight. Even before the pandemic, we were moving towards a tipping point where companies applied technology at scale to create new business models. Now, the need for businesses to go further and faster has accelerated their digital transformation journeys at warp speed. In fact,  a recent IBM study  found that close to 60% of organizations have accelerated their digital transformation due to the pandemic.

Now,  more than 159 million Americans , including more than 60% of American adults, have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Yet as countries with vaccine access begin to reopen, it’s clear that we won’t simply be returning to old ways of working.

In our new reality, business leaders are forced to embrace a new destination for modern business— what we refer to as the Virtual Enterprise .  It requires leaders to re-evaluate the role of physical assets, infrastructure and talent. Extreme digitalization, platforms and partnerships are now the fundamental building blocks of competitive advantage. 

As companies look to emerge stronger from the pandemic, better serving their clients and finding new sources of value, business leaders must be prepared to advocate for openness and agility across six key dimensions. 

Grow an ecosystem of partners:  Openness is the defining characteristic of the Virtual Enterprise, as leaders are called upon to build the ecosystems necessary to solve problems, enhance innovation and secure market opportunities in this increasingly inter-connected world. Building strategic relationships with other organizations requires a clear vision of the growth potential and competitive advantage from orchestrating the extended business platform in which others wish and need to participate. The potential for ecosystems to connect with clients is given a new release through the power of digital connectivity and the sharing of information and new combinations of data. Technology architectures built on open, secure standards and software-defined networks allow these engagements to be increasingly straightforward.  

Innovate with science-forward and data-led approaches.  Science and discovery constitute $52 trillion of the $88 trillion world economy, according to IBM Research Strategic Business Insights. With a scientific discovery approach, openness accelerates the access to new products and service innovation. Access to exponential technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and quantum computing enable related processes for businesses—faster than ever before, and across many different industries. All this can now be executed in real time through ecosystems and intelligent workflows that can identify and mine new value pools faster and better. This comes down to how leaders use data as a source of innovation across ecosystems and think about how products and services could be modernized to succeed in that world.

Expand intelligent workflows.  For the last few years, organizations have been applying AI and automation to the essential “heartbeat” processes of the enterprise like hiring, supply chain, and customer service. Throughout the pandemic, this went into overdrive, as companies depended on extreme automation and AI to meet mass customer and employee connectivity and service needs. The next step is to extend those intelligent workflows beyond the enterprise, across ecosystems, to break down siloes and gain even more insights and value. 

Create inclusive human-technology partnerships.  The extremes of virtual access to customers and work colleagues have meant hitting a reset button on human-technology interfaces. As location becomes less important, the opportunity to access skills and capabilities from anywhere becomes real. The virtualization of work has resulted in global capabilities that can be accessed with greater ease. But this extended access to employees across an organization has challenges as well as potential. COVID-19 spurred employees to permanently raise the expectations of their employers for greater support on skills and training and career growth, as well as individual well-being. New hybrid ways of working will require leaders to redefine workflows, provide more easy-to-use tools, systems and rules of engagement for people, teams and organizations, as well as cultivate renewed trust in data and technology as key drivers of decision-making.

Embrace the power of sustainability.  The pandemic has reminded us how connected we are to each other and our planet. Nine in 10 consumers  report  that the pandemic has affected their views on environmental sustainability, and many are willing to pay a premium for a sustainable future. With sustainability and stakeholder capitalism taking hold in the C-suite, new technology-enabled business models will help provide solutions to the biggest challenges of our time around climate, health, security and equality. This focus on sustainability and stakeholder capitalism plays an increasing part, too, in the way that customers, partners and employees feel about engaging with organizations — and how leaders will need to make decisions about the future. 

Build a secure, open architecture.  Data and information are the raw material of business today – but the ability to put that data to work depends on the architectural choices leaders are making right now. An open and secure architecture delivered on the hybrid cloud is the backbone leaders need to make use of their data, no matter where it resides, and achieve the flexibility, adaptiveness and security that digital acceleration demands. Hybrid cloud architectures also enable openness to connect with partners and access the full potential of leading open technologies and ideas to drive innovation.

Even after the world rebounds, there is no going back to the way things were pre-pandemic. Future disruptions are as inevitable as they are unpredictable—whether it’s a natural disaster, major cyber-attack or even another pandemic. As we place this revolution in the context of an increasingly virtual world, we see even more power arising from the ecosystems, digital workflows and networked organizations that technology made possible.

Mark Foster is head of Global Business Services at IBM.

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to create a virtual assistant business plan

• Jeremy Greenbaum
• Sep 14, 2023

There are some things you can’t neglect to do when starting a business . One of the primary requirements is a well-thought-out business plan. This plan isn't merely a set of documents; it's your guiding compass in the world of virtual assistance. It's a comprehensive document outlining your business's objectives, strategies and financial projections - how you plan to make money as a virtual assistant and the timeframe. Essentially, it's your roadmap, providing direction on how to achieve success and effectively tackle the challenges unique to the virtual assistant industry.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the various components of a virtual assistant business plan, plus the steps for creating your own.

Ready to get your name out there? Use Wix’s website builder to start making a website today.

Why create a virtual assistant business plan?

A clear business plan provides direction for your business and reduces the chances of missteps that could hinder your business's growth. It helps you remain resilient and adaptable by mapping out potential roadblocks and considerations.

On top of this, a well-crafted business plan can help you raise money for your business . Investors and lenders often look at your business plan before extending financial support. A detailed plan demonstrates your commitment and understanding of the market, and boosts your business's credibility.

Furthermore, a business plan can guide many of your decisions, ranging from how you choose to operate your business to how you promote it once it’s launched. Something as tactical as your business website may draw from your business plan to define its messaging, branding, purpose and more.

Check out these service business examples to help get your creative juices flowing.

How to write a virtual assistant business plan

By investing time and effort into creating a comprehensive, well-structured business plan, you can lay a solid foundation for your virtual assistant enterprise. We’ve outlined the six main components of a plan below to help you get started:

Executive summary

Business and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plan.

Marketing advertising plan

Financial plan

01. executive summary.

The executive summary of a virtual assistant business plan is a concise overview of the entire plan. It highlights the key components, such as the business's goals, target market, services offered, competitive advantage and financial projections. While being brief, the executive summary should encapsulate the essence of the business plan, enticing readers to delve deeper into the document.

To write a clear executive summary for a virtual assistant business, focus on providing a snapshot of the business's unique value proposition, its potential impact on the target market and the financial prospects.

02. Business and domain names

Selecting an appropriate business name and domain name is crucial for brand identity and online presence. A strong name reinforces your virtual assistant business's mission and values, building trust and recognition among clients. Utilize a business name generator to spark ideas and find a name that aligns with your business identity.

When choosing a domain name, opt for simplicity and relevance. It should reflect your business's services and be easy to remember. Check that the domain is available and consider using common domain extensions like .com. A domain name that closely matches your business name helps potential clients easily find you online.

Note: once you’ve decided on your name and legal structure, make sure to register your business .

03. Market analysis and research

Incorporating a market analysis and research section into your virtual assistant business plan is a smart move. It helps you get a grip on the competitive landscape and craft a strategic approach that works for your business ideas or idea. Dive into your target market's demographics, preferences and pain points. Take a close look at your competitors to find those sweet spots in the market that your virtual assistant business can tap into. This info will be your secret weapon for shaping effective marketing strategies and positioning your services just right.

04. Operations plan

The operations plan outlines the logistical aspects of your virtual assistant business, including location, premises, equipment and staffing needs. Determine whether you'll operate from a physical location or virtually. Specify the technology and tools required for seamless service delivery. Clearly define staffing roles and responsibilities, ensuring you have the necessary skills to meet client demands.

05. Marketing and advertising plans

When it comes to your virtual assistant business, diving into the nitty-gritty of your marketing and advertising strategies early on is essential. In this section, think about the marketing techniques that will resonate with your business, such as content marketing, social media campaigns and advertising. Define the channels you plan to focus on—and why—relating it back to your core audience and their user behaviors.

Remember to also think about your branding plan. At this stage, you’ll want to think of your visual identity as well as your core values, vision and mission as a company. Start by thinking about the emotions and personality you want to convey with your brand. Draw up a strong logo (you can use a logo maker for inspiration) and define other assets that will help keep your branding consistent.

06. Financial plan

The financial plan outlines how your virtual assistant business will be funded initially and how it will achieve profitability. Detail your proposed startup costs, ongoing expenses, revenue projections and a break-even analysis. Identify potential funding sources, such as personal savings, loans or investors. Lay out a timeline for achieving profitability, including key milestones and financial projections for the first few years.

Thinking of starting another type of business? Check out some of these creative service business ideas  to help get you started.

Hypothetical virtual assistant business plan example: Virtual EASE Assistants

Virtual EASE Assistants is a forward-thinking virtual assistant service poised to revolutionize administrative support for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Our mission is to simplify operations, enhance productivity and empower clients to focus on their core activities. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including administrative tasks, calendar management, email correspondence and social media management. By seamlessly integrating technology and expert assistance, we aim to elevate our clients' efficiency and success.

Projected growth: We anticipate capturing a 15% market share within the first two years of operation. Our innovative approach and customer-centric services position us to achieve sustainable growth and profitability by year three.

Company and domain names

Company name: Virtual EASE Assistants

Domain name: www.VirtualEaseAssistants.com

Our company name reflects our commitment to providing virtual support that makes clients' lives easier. The chosen domain name aligns with our brand identity, making it easy for clients to find us online.

Target market: Our primary target market includes small business owners, entrepreneurs and startups seeking cost-effective and efficient administrative solutions. Extensive research has shown that this demographic is actively seeking virtual assistant services to streamline their operations.

Competitor analysis: We've analyzed our competitors and identified a need for personalized and flexible services tailored to individual client needs. This gap allows us to position ourselves as a versatile solution provider.

Location: Virtual EASE Assistants will operate as a remote business, allowing us to serve clients worldwide without geographical limitations.

Premises and equipment: Our team members will work remotely, equipped with modern technology and communication tools to ensure seamless interaction with clients.

Staffing: Our team consists of skilled virtual assistants with expertise in various administrative tasks. Each team member has been carefully selected to ensure they align with our values of efficiency, professionalism and adaptability.

Marketing and advertising plan

Content marketing: We will create informative blog posts, eBooks and guides that address common pain points faced by our target audience. These resources will demonstrate our expertise and position us as thought leaders in the virtual assistant industry.

Social media engagement: Engaging content and tips shared on platforms like LinkedIn, X and Instagram will build brand awareness and showcase our ability to simplify clients' lives.

Paid advertising: We will invest in targeted online advertising campaigns, particularly on platforms where our target audience is active, to increase our visibility and drive traffic to our virtual assistant website .

Startup costs: Initial investments will cover website development, technology tools, marketing materials and staff training. We estimate a startup cost of $20,000.

Revenue projections: We forecast steady growth, aiming for a revenue of $100,000 in the first year, $200,000 in the second year and $300,000 in the third year.

Funding: We plan to fund the business through a combination of personal savings, a small business loan and a contribution from a silent investor.

Profitability timeline: Based on our projections, we anticipate achieving profitability by the end of year two, driven by our expanding client base and optimized operational efficiency.

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The Ultimate Digital Business Plan Template & Tips

Article Snapshot

Traditional business plans are long, comprehensive and difficult, and they take a long time to prepare. It is a task that will require the development of assumptions and projections based on vision, objectives, market conditions, and competitive analysis.

This article aims to outline how you can modernise your business plan in order to create a digital business plan for the contemporary age. Before you get started, it may help to briefly recall the purposes that a traditional business plan serves. It is, in essence, a strategic document, and needs to:

• Set out clear business objectives based on information and analytical data.
• Present the viability of a business venture.
• Detail the assumptions on which a business prospect relies.
• Outline cash flow projections based on assumed sales, expenses, market data, and competitive analysis.
• Include resumes which outline the strength and relevant background and experience of the most important staff members including the business owner.
• Outline business and market strategies in case of setbacks and adverse conditions.

The traditional business plan is a selling tool used in negotiations with lenders, banks, and investors. You can also use the business plan to solicit feedback and advice from your lawyer, bank, business mentor, trusted business friends, potential customers, and small business organisations. Finally, the business plan is a tool for measuring income, expenses and profitability against projections made in the plan.

The Digital Business Plan

Market conditions are changing rapidly in response to technological advancements. For this reason, a business plan has a progressively shorter life-span and needs to be revised and updated more frequently.

Both assumptions and market data needs to be reviewed and updated at least annually and quite possibly quarterly. Two separate market conditions have changed expectations about strategies that must now be incorporated into a digital business plan.

• Business organisations must now embrace technology to remain relevant and competitive.
• Organisations must develop a digital strategy with particular emphasis on mobile technology and mobile applications.

These conditions have given rise to what is now called the Modern Digital Business Plan, and this type of digital business plan is dramatically reduced in size. Entrepreneurs may wish to use an application called StratPad to guide them through the process of writing a shorter plan.

What is a Digital Business Plan?

A digital business plan is an extension of your regular business plan that details how digital initiatives can contribute to the success of the vision, the goals, and opportunities contained in the business plan.

For example, consumers today expect to communicate with a company using a website, app or phone, and the strategies outlined in the business plan should facilitate such communication.

What Needs to be Included in a Digital Business Plan?

There are some aspects of a business plan that will be applicable to both a traditional business plan as well as a digital business plan, and these include:.

Vision - A business vision statement will outline that you wish your business to focus on, and should communicate your long-term view for your organisation. It should include your mission statement, your goals, and your company’s values to your staff, your financial backers, and your customers.

Mission - Your mission statement is the core of your business objectives, and the principles underlying them. It should reflect every facet of your business, as this will help to clarify what you want to achieve.

Goals - By sitting down and taking the time to choose goals that are tailored to your company, you will be on the right track to achieving those goals. They shouldn’t be generic, but rather be specific targets that you can work towards.

For example, instead of setting a goal of ‘I will turn a profit in six months’, you should set a goal of ‘I will sell 200 units of Apple headphones in six months in order to turn a profit on this product’. By being specific you keep yourself and your staff on the right track of what needs to be done to achieve that goal.

Values - Your business values should be made up of three things: The principles you personally stand for; the attitudes and beliefs that everyone in the business has in common, and the standards of behaviour that your organisation subscribes to.

There are also aspects of every business that will have an impact on the actions you need to take, and these include:

• ‍ Finance - How will you generate revenue? What are your costs likely to be? What are your profit projections? ‍
• Staff - What positions in the business are there to be filled? What policies do you need to have in place? ‍
• Marketing - How do you plan to market your new venture? Include the four P’s of marketing: Price, Product, Promotion and Place. ‍
• Operations - What systems will your business use? What will your overhead be? How will you improve efficiency? ‍
• Customers - Who are your target customers? How will they find you? How will they purchase/hire your goods/services?

Cloud based accounting practices

How do you backup your financial data? Cloud computing offers a convenient and reliable method for backing up accounting data, and the primary advantage is that the data can be retrieved using a desktop or mobile device from any location.

However, before choosing a cloud provider it is essential to make sure that it offers more than incremental backups, as historical financial reports must be retrievable ongoing.

Online ordering and payment system

How flexible is your online ordering and payment system? Many programs and mobile applications are now available to allow customers to place orders and pay online, but some are still user-unfriendly. Ensure that the ordering and payment system you choose is suited to your products/services.

BYOD policy

Do your employees prefer to use their personal mobile device to perform work-related tasks? It can provide a significant cost saving for an organisation to implement a BYOD policy, as it reduces the amount of hardware that needs to be purchased upfront by the business. If you decide to allow your employees to BYOD, does your BYOD policy ensure that company data is not mishandled? And does the policy set out what to do if a mobile device is lost or stolen?

Regulated use of mobile devices

If your employees are allowed to use either their own or company mobile devices, do you have a system in place to regulate their personal vs professional use and their device’s security? It’s important that everyone is on the same page, particularly regarding what your staff’s responsibilities are regarding software and security updates, bills and liability.

Use of cloud-based applications and tools for projects

Have you thought of using cloud-based tools for project management and project collaboration? Cloud providers supply a range of tools on a subscription basis and can be an economic choice for startups and large enterprises alike.

Integration of digital technology and apps

Can your staff members communicate and collaborate regardless of location? Can they accept orders, process payments, and enter project time and expenses using a mobile device? There is a large range of business applications available on mobile stores like the Apple store and Google Play designed to provide mobility for staff, as it enables them to access project data from any location. For example, Google recently introduced a work-related mobile for Android devices called Android for Work .

Online Chat

How do your staff members communicate between themselves and with customers? Online chat can be implemented with a service provider like Skype, which provides voice, video, and conference call facilities.

Online presence

Does your website attract a sufficient number of visitors? Search engine optimisation (SEO) ensures the visibility of a website in Search Engine Result Pages (SERP). The purpose of SEO is to make a website appear in search listings in response to a person’s search intent. The major factor is the selection of a major and some secondary keywords (search phrases), but SEO is a complex process that involves more than 50 ranking factors.

Pay-per-click (PPC) is the use of paid advertisements ( Google Adwords ) to increase visibility and bring in sales/leads from the search engine Google. PPC is an essential part of any lead generation campaign for a business, and so should be implemented by the marketing department of a company.

Do you have a presence on social media channels? Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest facilitate engagement with potential or existing clients. Like website content creation, social media activities should be based on a content marketing strategy that defines what type of content to post, the frequency of posting, and analytics to measure what type of content produces the best engagement with clients. Facebook ads can also be a valuable lead generation resource for business, depending on your industry and target audience.

Google for Business

Can new clients easily find the location of your business? The Google for Business program suite is particularly important for promoting a business in a local area, as people will be able to look at Google Maps to find the business location. Once entered, the business will also appear in search and on Google+. You can begin the process of adding your business to Google here .

Email marketing

Having an email marketing system in place is a great way to take advantage of any contact information you may have in your database. This is effectively free advertising and can be a good way to encourage consumer engagement. There are a number of email marketing solutions available where a company will take care of your email campaigns, such as Direct Mail and Marketing , or there are DIY solutions available such as Hilltop Mail and MailChimp .

Responsive website design/Mobile site

Is your website optimised for mobile devices? This implies what is called responsive design. Wordpress sites use a responsive theme, while HTML/CSS sites can use different techniques to make the design responsive. A responsive design means that the site displays correctly on the narrow screen of a mobile phone, as well as on the size of a PC screen. All websites today should have a responsive website design or a mobile-friendly site, as Google is now prioritising those sites with mobile-responsive features over sites that are desktop-capable only. You can find out more about this here , and you can find out if your website is mobile-friendly by Google’s standards here .

Implementation of a content strategy

Do you have a website content strategy? It should set out the planning, development, and management of your website content, as Google and other search engines now emphasise website content as a critical factor for site ranking. Articles or posts should be longer and more comprehensive than regular page content, and in addition to main keywords the content must contain theme-related words and phrases, also called semantically related terms . Such terms ensure that the content is relevant to your target audience. An example template of a business’ content strategy can be found here .

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Do you have an integrated customer management system? A Customer Relations system is a prime software tool for managing a company’s interactions with customers. It can automate, organise, and synchronise sales, marketing, customer service, and customer support activities. There is a range of different CRM programs available, such as Microsoft Dynamics , Salesforce , and Infusionsoft .

Cloud-based file management

Have you considered the pros and cons of cloud-based file storage? Files stored on a cloud server can be retrieved from any location using a mobile device. It provides flexibility as project staff working in different locations can collaborate, share files, and assign project tasks easily.

Online security

How secure is your computer and communications network? Security systems must be implemented that prevent the intrusion of computer viruses, malware, malicious hackers, and spam mail.

Reliable backup process

How safe is your data? A reliable backup process is an essential requirement for any business. Apart from data loss caused by equipment failure or malicious hacking, the process should also provide off-site data storage as protection from theft, fire, or natural disasters.

SSL security

A Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate increases website security and provides encryption of data, and is recommended for all businesses with an online presence.

Cloud computing

What hardware and software could you potentially hire from a cloud service provider? Cloud service providers supply hardware and software on a subscription basis.

Source nationally and globally

Do you operate on a worldwide basis? Digital facilities enable companies to source products or services on a worldwide basis.

Customise software

Are your software systems optimised for the tasks they perform? Strategic reviews may reveal areas where existing systems can be customised to provide improved productivity.

Digitise processes

What manual processes can potentially be automated? Manual processes should be reviewed and analysed with the intention of integrating them with online computer systems.

Automatic inventory control

Is your inventory management a manual process? Computer systems are available that can re-order products on the basis of sales volume and inventory holdings.

Online purchasing

Review and implement systems that improve online purchasing as a service for customers, and as an internal process for inventory management. A variety of mobile applications are available.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Save capital costs by paying a subscription service to software programs.

Online purchasing capability

An increasing number of Australian people now prefer to shop and pay for products and services online. As outlined in the operational section, potential systems include payment gateways and mobile applications.

Channel development

What channels can customers use to order and pay for your services? These can include the Internet, mobile applications, Facebook or online ordering applications.

Create FAQs

How do your customers find common information and problem solutions? Publish an FAQ on your website. It can save your staff a lot of time by not having to answer the same questions repeatedly.

Online support

Who and how do your customers contact your business for support? Customers today expect fast turnaround and good customer support service. Implement a live chat system or a ticket system, or alternatively, have a dedicated email for contact.

Call to Action apparent throughout the website (CTA)

There is a saying that people browsing a website will only take action if told to do so. Be clear what action you want people to take, and spell it out on every page.

Use of social media for engagement

Implement a social media strategy, and establish a presence on social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest. This will increase the engagement with your customers and potential customers have with your brand.

**This article is limited to the incorporation of a digital strategy in the appropriate segments of the business plan

If you’d like more detailed instructions on how your digital business plan needs to be filled out, this YouTube video from the Queensland Government could be of use. Based on a recording made from a June 2013 webinar, this clip is an introduction to digital strategy for small businesses, but can also be applied to larger enterprises that are moving online.

Remember, the right talent is critical to success. At Expert360 we connect the best talent with the right project.

Digital Business Plan Template

If you’d like to use our outline to create your own digital business plan template, download the PDF here.

• http://www.digitalbusiness.gov.au/getting-online/planning-your-online-activities/online-business-plan-template/
• http://www.myownbusiness.org/s2/
• http://www.entrepreneur.com/businessplan/index.html
• http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/05/the-modern-business-plan.html
• http://www.businessplanarchive.org/
• http://www.discoverbusiness.us/business-plans/
• https://www.business.qld.gov.au/business/running/technology-for-business/digital-strategy/creating
• http://websprint.me/blog/business-planning/digital-agency-business-plan-template-target-market/
• http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/224460
• http://www.plan2profit.ca/modern-business-plan/

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Gabe is part of the content marketing team at Expert360. He is a classically trained journalist, with strong interests in the future of work, the consulting industry, startups and technology.

Virtual Office Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting your own virtual office business can be a daunting prospect, but with the right plan and the right tools, it can be an incredibly rewarding and profitable endeavor. To get you one step closer to success, we present to you The #1 Virtual Office Business Plan Template & Guidebook - an invaluable resource to help you plan, strategize and launch your virtual office business in no time.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

How to Write a Virtual Office Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your virtual office business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your virtual office business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a virtual office business:

Our mission at Virtual Office is to provide entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses with a convenient virtual office space, along with access to a variety of resources to help them be successful in their ventures. We strive to create an environment that is conducive to collaboration and innovation, while offering a secure and reliable platform for employees and customers alike.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Virtual Office Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your virtual office business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your virtual office business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your virtual office business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your virtual office business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a virtual office business?

To run a Virtual Office business, you will need the following:

• A good quality computer with an up-to-date operating system and reliable internet connection
• Dedicated phone line with a VoIP service like Skype or other communication system
• Business email accounts and web hosting services
• Software and tools for managing documents, scheduling, accounting, and more
• Potential permits necessary for running a legitimate business in your area

5. Management & Organization of Your Virtual Office Business.

The second part of your virtual office business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your virtual office business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Virtual Office Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a virtual office business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a virtual office business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your virtual office business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your virtual office business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your virtual office business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Office Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a virtual office business.

A business plan for a virtual office business is necessary to help define the company’s purpose, outline the strategies and objectives for success, establish financial goals, and secure external funding. It also serves as a road map to ensure that the business is heading in the right direction and helps identify areas of improvement or opportunity. Additionally, it provides stakeholders with an overall picture of the company’s plans and values and allows the company to measure progress toward those goals.

Who should you ask for help with your virtual office business plan?

It is recommended to seek help from a business consultant, a financial advisor, or a professional who specializes in virtual office businesses. Additionally, your network of peers and colleagues with experience in this industry can be a great source for ideas and insights.

Can you write a virtual office business plan yourself?

Writing a virtual office business plan can be a daunting task, especially if it's your first time. It is important to first do research and understand the virtual office industry before constructing a cohesive plan. Consider researching the market, writing out a detailed business strategy, creating financial projections and developing a long-term vision for the success of your business. Additionally, include an executive summary that outlines the key points of your business plan. Finally, seek professional assistance or advice from a certified public accountant or attorney if needed.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

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The 8 Best Business Cell Phone Plans

• 2. RingCentral
• 7. Net2Phone

How Did We Compare the Best Business Cell Phone Plans?

Our rigorous research reveals that 8×8 offers the best business cell phone plan, scoring an almost perfect 4.7/5 in our overall analysis. Equipped with the most comprehensive list of features , 8×8 offers the mobility you need out of a cell phone plan. RingCentral follows close behind with its formidable inbound communication features and scalability .

In this article, we’ll be exploring the top eight business VoIP plans that are accessible via cell phone. We’ll be focusing on domestic and international minutes, SMS capability, and all the features you’ll be looking for in a cell phone plan. Below you will find an  overview for each contender that is sure to help you decide which VoIP to choose for your team.

Alternatively, get expert recommendations specially made for your team with our free quote comparison tool . Just answer a few questions about your business requirements, and we’ll get you connected with the best VoIP providers that match your business’ needs. They will then contact you with tailored, obligation-free quotes.

1. 8×8: Best Overall Business Cell Phone Plan Provider

8x8 leads the pack with an outstanding overall score of 4.7/5 . Right off the bat, 8x8 offers unlimited domestic minutes from its cheapest (Express) plan, allowing you to connect to anyone within the country. On the next pricing tier (X2), you’ll have unlimited international calls to 14 countries added to your features. This will extend to 48 countries when you upgrade to the X4 plan, giving you smoother communication with your team and clients across the globe.

Scoring the highest in features (4.8/5) , 8x8’s plans include call forwarding and call flip to transfer current calls to another user or another gadget, increasing your mobility while you work. It also offers voicemail-to-text, call queue, and ring groups from its X2 plan and above. Plus, advanced features, like power dialer and predictive dialing are also available on X6 to X8 plans for an additional cost. It’s also worth noting that 8x8 ranks first in  our research for customer support (5/5), security (5/5), and scalability (4.9/5).  

The catch is, 8x8 has a user limit of 10 on its cheapest  plan (Express) . That’s far from Vonage, which offers no user limit across all its pricing tiers. Regardless, 8x8’s user limit will be taken down as you upgrade to the next plan.

Most comprehensive list of features

Up to 500 video conferencing participants per meeting

Extensive customer support channels

Widest range of pricing options

Mediocre customer score

Power dialer, predictive calling, and auto-dialer only available at an additional cost

2. RingCentral: Best for Small to Medium Businesses

RingCentral is our runner-up because it achieved the highest scores for external connections (4.2/5), customer support (5/5), and scalability (4.9/5). More specifically, RingCentral plans have near perfect scalability with over 250 software integrations gearing your smartphone  with the essential tools to help manage businesses.  Because of these reasons, our researchers deemed RingCentral the best for small to medium businesses in our research. 

It provides unlimited domestic minutes across all of its plans and it lets you port your existing number when you switch to RingCentral. Notably, it boasts a splendid list of inbound communication features, including a virtual receptionist , customizable greetings , and hold music .. It also has voicemail-to-text, allowing you to convert your voicemails into text messages. RingCentral also has an SMS functionality, and can integrate with Whatsapp, Facebook, Slack, and Hangouts Chat.  

The disadvantage is that many outbound communication features, like auto dialer and custom call lists, require RingCentral Engage on all plans . Apart from this, it has a 20 user limit on its cheapest, the Essential plan. Luckily, RingCentral becomes unlimited when you upgrade to the Standard plan. If you’re planning to expand your business, Vonage has no user limit across all plans and allows you to choose the features you only want to include on your plan.

Up to 97 CRM integrations and 57 analytics platforms

An array of advanced call features on Premium and Ultimate plans

Some features require RingCentral Engage

Bulk of integrations only available on Premium and Ultimate plans

▶ Read more: The Best Small Business Phone Systems

3. Vonage: Best for Scaling Businesses

Vonage offers a unique proposal, boasting over 50 communication features you can choose to include into your plan. This essentially means you’re building your own plan, only adding and paying for the functionalities you need on your cellphone. This sees it score a high 4.5/5 feature score .

Vonage offers unlimited users and unlimited domestic minutes on every plan. Not to mention, it allows you to port your business number so you can keep your professional and personal calls separated. Another plus is that it offers various call features, such as set caller ID, external video calling, team messaging, and spam prevention . 

That said, the advanced features, like voicemail-to-text and call queue, are only available at an additional cost. These functionalities help you manage incoming calls and are offered free by 8x8 and RingCentral. Another drawback is, Vonage’s call conferencing is limited to three participants. If you plan to use this feature for a large group meeting, you would have to pay an extra fee to increase its capacity to 30 users. Even SMS, a fundamental feature in cell phone plans like Ooma and Net2Phone, requires an additional cost for Vonage users.

Affordable plans

A variety of inbound communication features

Wide customer support channels

Most advanced features cost extra

No 24/7 live support

4. Ooma: Best for Low-Cost 24/7 Support

Ooma’s noteworthy key factor is its excellent customer service (4.4/5 ) alongside very affordable plans. For as low as $19.95 per user, per month, you’ll get 24/7 customer support , giving you fast, reliable assistance whenever you need it.

What’s more, you’ll get unlimited user and domestic minutes across all plans. Ooma is also packed with inbound communication features, such as customizable greetings, voicemail, voicemail-to-text, and virtual receptionist . Plus, it also allows number porting on every plan, so you can keep your business number separated from your personal one on your smartphone. 

However, unlike 8x8 and RingCentral, Ooma lacks management and collaboration features like team messaging and call transcripts to help you supervise and work with your team while you’re on your smartphone. Plus, it’s missing important security features for your cell phone, like user permission and multi-factor authentication .

24/7 live support

Affordable pricing tiers

Limited integration capabilities

Poor security features

Lack of outbound features

5. Nextiva: Best for Flexible Set Up

Scoring 4.3/5 in our research, Nextiva provides unlimited users, unlimited domestic calls, and number porting across all its plans. But what makes it stand out is its flexible set up. Nextiva offers you versatility to work efficiently whether you’re on mobile or in the office.  First, it has an impressive list of inbound communication features, including voicemail, spam prevention, and ring groups, so you won’t miss any important call. Likewise, you can have more mobility with features like call flip and call forwarding that transfer calls to another gadget or another user.  Lastly, it offers a good set of collaboration features like team messaging and task management to help you efficiently work with your team even while on the go. 

Do note that many essential features are missing in some plans, seeing Nextiva earn a mediocre 3.9/5 features score . You only gain access to SMS and call and video conferencing on its Professional and Enterprise plans. Likewise, you can only get voicemail-to-text and call recordings when you upgrade to the Enterprise plan. That’s quite a contrast from 8x8 and Dialpad, which offer these functionalities for free across all pricing tiers. Plus, it lacks advanced outbound communication features, like a power dialer and predictive dialing, which 8x8 offers to help you contact people easier.

Award-winning 24/7 customer support

Real-time system status alerts

Great customer feedback

Below average security features

Limited outbound communication features

▶ Read more: Softphone Apps for Business – Everything You Need To Know

6. GoTo: Best for Low-Price Longevity

Check out GoTo Connect if you want a long-term plan that has good value for your money. For $24 per user, per month, you’ll get unlimited users, unlimited domestic minutes, and number porting . The best part, GoTo offers free international calling to more than 50 countries . In addition to this, you’ll get an integral list of inbound communication features, such as voicemail, voicemail-to-text, and a virtual receptionist . Because of these call features, combined with high-security measures, our researchers also gave GoTo a high 4.4/5 scalability score .

With good value for money (4.3/5) and strong scalability (4.4/5 ), our researchers named GoTo the best for low-cost longevity. This means GoTo is adaptable enough to partner with you from starting your business to scaling globally. In other words, it can evolve as your business expands.

The drawback is that GoTo’s SMS/chat feature can only be used within your organization . It also lacks external live chat integrations, so you won’t be able to chat with customers. On the contrary, 8x8 and RingCentral allow you to send SMSes outside of your team and have chat integrations, like Slack.

Offers great value for money

Very easy to scale

Glowing reputation among users

Smaller variety of features

Few ready-made integrations

No 24/7 user support channels

7. Net2Phone: Best for Low-Cost International Calling

Net2Phone prides itself on being the only VoIP that offers free international calling to more than 40 countries across all of its plans. This means you can freely speak and collaborate with your team across countries without being bound by a time limit or fees.

On top of this, Net2Phone lets you set up virtual phone numbers in over 500 countries and 300 cities. So, if you plan to make waves in Europe, the Americas, or Asia, this VoIP will help you establish your presence without breaking the bank. This is why our researchers rated Ne2Phone the best VoIP for low-cost international calling. 

Net2Phone also offers a bountiful set of inbound features, including customizable greetings and hold music, voicemail, and virtual receptionist . As for outbound communications, you’ll get a set caller ID, call and video conferencing, and SMS/chat across all plans.

The disadvantage is that it’s missing call flip, so you can’t switch from your deskphone to your cell phone while on a call. Also, voicemail-to-text is only available on its highest plan (Office Power). Plus, it only has Slack for live messaging integrations, which is only available on its Office Power plan. If you want a more comprehensive features list, check out 8x8 and RingCentral.

Unlimited minutes to 40+ countries across all plans

99.9% uptime guarantee

Limited software integrations

Lacks call flip, barge, or whisper

Call queue is only available on the highest plan

8. Dialpad: Best for Conversational AI

Dial impressed us with its generous list of inbound and outbound communication features across all plans, scoring 4.4/5 features score . Take advantage of functionalities that boost your work mobility, like call forwarding and call flip that transfer your calls to another gadget or user. More importantly, you’ll find many essential and advanced features like SMS/Chat, power dialer, and spam prevention across all its plans. 

The most impressive thing about Dialpad is its focus on technology — incorporating high-quality conversational AI to decipher and analyze your calls. This is most useful for features like call transcript and voicemail-to-text that allows you to transcribe and record conversations, even while on your cell phone.

Unfortunately, Dialpad falls short on external connections, earning a low integrability score of 2.4/5 . As opposed to 8x8’s 10 live chat integrations, Dialpad only has Slack. Luckily, it has its own SMS/chat and team messaging, so you can still reach your team in an instant.

24/7 reliable customer service

An impressive list of communication features

Stellar customer reviews

Limited external connections

Low scalability

▶ Read more: The Best Cloud Phone Systems for US Businesses

Our team of software researchers compared the top business cell phone plans in the US, analyzing key categories, including the following:

• Price – the plan's cost and value for your money
• Integrability – the software's ability to integrate with other platforms, such as Salesforce, Slack, and GSuite
• Features – the tools that define inbound and outbound communications, conversations, management, and collaboration functionalities
• Customer Support – the customer support channels available, such as phoneline, chat, and email
• Customer Score – average consumer review scores across the most trusted review sites: G2, Capterra, Trustpilot, and TrustRadius
• Security – the security measures the vendor enforces to protect your data
• Scalability – an aggregated score that assesses a product's ability to scale with business growth

As a result, we've narrowed it down to the top 8 business cell phone plans in the US, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks.

Once we collect the scores from these key factors, we then calculate the final score of each VoIP plan and rank them based on their overall performance.

While many VoIP systems offer great business cell phone plans, we recommend 8×8 because of its solid overall performance. RingCentral comes in a close second, tying with 8×8 in the final scores (4.7/5) . But the reason why our researchers say 8×8 is the best is because it ranks first across four categories: features, customer support, security, and scalability .

Boasting a robust list of functionalities, 8×8 will give you the high performance and mobility you’re looking for in a cell phone plan. Meanwhile, RingCentral is unrivaled in integrability and excelling in customer support and scalability . While 8×8 provides a generous list of external connections, it’s nowhere near RingCentral’s over 250 software integrations. This brings a lot of convenience, especially when you use a lot of apps on your smartphone.

If you are still undecided about which VoIP to choose for your business, try our free quote comparison tool . All you need to do is take our quick survey, and We will match you up with the best VoIP providers. They will be in touch with obligation-free quotes that are customized to your needs.

▶ Read next: The best office phones for business

• Separate your professional and personal calls
• Achieve work mobility and take calls from anywhere
• Transfer calls to your team when you’re busy
• Protect your privacy by keeping your personal number private

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Top 8 Business Meeting Apps for Virtual Teams

by The Zirtual Team | November 17, 2020


It is quite common for companies and businesses to have team members spread out in several locations serving customers while striving to meet the organizations’ outlined goals and objectives. Although remote working has its share of benefits, there is always a real risk of workers feeling isolated, and this can impact their productivity. An excellent tool for holding virtual team meetings, increasing productivity, and fostering team collaboration is video conferencing. We will look at the various applications and platforms for video conferencing and collaborations.

Zoom  is arguably the best choice for many people looking for an ideal web conferencing tool for enterprise video communications. The cloud-based platform is also a number one tool for giants like HubSpot, whose teams use it to conduct regular video conferencing, webinars, and audio conferencing. There are several benefits that this platform offers:

• Broad compatibility:  Zoom works well with several platforms, including; laptops, desktops, and mobile phones. This makes accessibility easy, fast, and convenient.
• User-friendly – Zoom features easy to use, intuitive functionalities, including instant messaging, call recording, screen sharing, and whiteboarding.
• Free version:  Zoom has a free version that you can use to make up to 40 minutes of video calling at a time. Once you exhaust the allotted time, the cost will be charged per user.
• Additionally, the additional webinar hosting functionality is quite useful. It allows you to bring in multiple teams from across regions for conference calls.

Slack  is a messaging platform that allows users to create channels for primary communications needs. This exceptional tool also comes with additional audio and video features that enable you to hold team meetings and conduct calls seamlessly. It is one of the best choices for people working with teams as it allows for smooth, well-organized conversations, sharing of files among teams, annotating of notes during a video call. It also makes team presentations easy, fast, and convenient. Some of the outstanding features of slack include:

• Ample storage capacity that can hold more than 10,000 messages
• Features for holding one on one call with an option to invite an entire channel to join a call.

Skype for Business

Skype for Business  is a popular Microsoft, enterprise-ready conferencing tool, which offers simple ways for teams to make important conference video calls over their computers, smartphones, or tablets. It has a myriad of useful features, including: 

• Allows for up to 250 attendees in a meeting
• Seamless connection with other Skype users and virtual whiteboarding capabilities
• A free version of the platform ideal for smaller teams of less than 10
• Compatible for use with laptops, desktops, smartphones, and other devices 

BlueJeans  is a fully functional web conferencing app that integrates well with many other collaboration tools. This app is the best option if you are looking for a great, simple, and modern tool for team video meetings from any location. Some of the great features of this tool include:

• No software is required, and you can launch meetings from the browser.
• Easy viewing of all video conference activity within your company
• Affordable plans that start at 416.65/month/host for enterprise teams

If you are a small organization looking for a simple way to connect team members,  Whereby  will offer much value. It comes with streamlined features that guarantee fast services. It also allows for multiple users and admins simultaneously. The benefits of this tool include:

• Doesn’t require app download or login
• Allows for users to share meeting link, and everyone else can join in-browser
• Whereby starts free, but you can pay 459.99/month to get premium services.

Go ToMeeting

Go ToMeeting  is another top choice for virtual teams looking for better collaborations. The tool is designed uniquely to enable remote meetings through audio, video calls, and screen sharing. The software is also designed to collaborate well with Google calendar, Chrome, and other tools. Teams can also use Go ToMeeting to hold live Q&A sessions that touch on various topics with their audience. Some of the specific benefits of this tool include:

• No need for complicated software installations as the tool is browser-based. All it takes to get started on your meetings is code.
• It features a whiteboarding and screen recording functionality.
• The platform fulfills HIPAA compliance as it incorporates HIPAA Security Standards.
• Allows for integrations with third-party tools including chrome, Google Calendar, Zapier

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is a cost-effective tool that enables teams to hold voice and video conversations. The tool will save a lot of communication costs when making unlimited calls and sending offline text messages as you will only incur internet charges. It is also an ideal tool to conduct team training remotely. Other benefits of Google Hangouts include:

• Integrates well with other platforms such as Gmail, Chrome, and other Google products
• Allows for up to 10 people in a call simultaneously
• Allows for multitasking, including sending messages, texts, holding group chats, and placement of video calls.
• No need for complicated software installations. All it takes to get started with your free conference meetings is to sign up, and download. 

Google Meet

Google Meet is a very effective upgraded version of Google Hangouts and is designed for enterprise customers looking for ideal call software for big teams. It is designed around scheduled video meetings with unique features such as calendar syncing, intuitive interface, and conference room booking. Some of the specific benefits that this tool offers are:

• Unlimited meetings of up to 300 hours long
• Allows for bigger attendees of up to 250 persons per meeting
• Ability to live stream to over 100K viewers
• Around the clock support

Key Takeaway

Each of your distributed teams needs an ideal platform that helps keep communication flowing. The apps we have featured boast of cutting edge technology and enables virtual teams to carry out non-interrupted day to day collaborative operations, including scheduling and conducting meetings and fostering collaboration. Depending on your needs, any of the seven apps will be an excellent fit for your team. If you need help managing your virtual team, contact  Zirtual .

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