Applications to Use for Virtual Meetings

What are the virtual meeting applications you can use?

  1. Zoom
  2. Google Meet
  3. Slack
  4. GoToMeeting
  5. FaceTime

 

With the pandemic situation putting a limit on face-to-face contact, we rely on video calls to keep in touch with family, friends, and coworkers. Not surprisingly, there has been a huge demand surge for virtual meeting applications.

No matter what city around the world, citizens are living under some kind of quarantine mandate. This means organizations have to adjust their operations plans to embrace the work-from-home culture. It’s business as usual. All companies will need to find a way to communicate with their employees effectively.

Numerous virtual meeting applications are available on the market today. Aside from being able to host meetings, users can enjoy numerous perks offered as well. But as remote work is the new standard for companies, only the best communication tools should be used.

As this can be a challenge, we’ve rounded up the best applications to use for virtual meetings. Any of these five choices will definitely instill productivity in your team. Read on!

 

Zoom

With the rising popularity of the Zoom app, it may come as a surprise that it has been founded since 2011. Once this application started gaining traction, users immediately appreciated the flawless HD video quality.

Zoom is a reliable cloud-based video conferencing service. Whether it’s audio-only calls or video calls – you can conduct live chats at any given moment. The best perks of it? It has a screen sharing feature that’s easy to use, scheduling display, and call recording.

The application’s “Zoom Rooms” is a major advantage for companies as well. This allows participants to use their laptops, tablets, phones, and more when attending meetings.

To set up a virtual meeting, all you have to do is sign in, create a new call, and then invite others by sending a link. It doesn’t matter if participants have a Zoom account or not. All they have to do is download the app.

Zoom allows users to have a virtual meeting with up to 100 participants. However, the free meeting option has a time limit of 40 minutes. If you want to upgrade your plan, you can do so for a reasonable price.

 

Google Meet

Videocalling businessman

In an effort to upgrade their current video communication service, Google has introduced Google Meet. It is a popular tool that can hold voice and video conferences as well. However, the Google Meet difference offers more advantages for users of Google Suite. This means participants can join virtual meetings directly from Gmail. They claim to be the best application that is built on robust security systems. Google states that they secure all your information through encrypted video meetings.

 

Slack

Before anything else, Slack is a platform that offers well-organized chat rooms first. Instead of a single email inbox filled with jumbled content, Slack offers users dedicated channels that divide conversations depending on the topic chosen. You can send direct messages as well.

Aside from streamlining work, social media platforms and file-sharing programs are integrated too. Known as one of the best software for companies, Slack stepped up their game by adding video conferencing for desktop devices.

Say goodbye to complicated login procedures. With one click in the conversations, you can host a virtual meeting. Go ahead and send fun GIFs and emoticons to your team. Slack’s only downside is that it does not allow screen sharing.

 

GoToMeeting

Freelance business women casual wear using tablet working call v

Contending all the applications stated is GoToMeeting. One of its key benefits includes being browser-based. Users do not need to install any software to set up a virtual meeting. A code sent will do the trick.

Users can integrate 3rd party tools such as Google Calendar and Chrome plugins. Moreover, GoToMeeting functions in compliance with HIPAA security which is perfect for companies who want to protect all their sensitive information. Here, everyone’s privacy is protected with strong passwords and end-to-end encryption.

The whiteboard feature allows other participants to highlight the presenter’s screen while the virtual meeting is ongoing. You can also send out a saved recording for absent team members.

More attractive features include 24/7 tech support and unlimited meeting sessions.

 

FaceTime

You know too well that urgent meetings can arise. If your team has Apple products, FaceTime is the perfect application for this. Have a quick one-on-one call with a team member.

You can never go wrong with this one because it’s free and pretty straightforward. Simply call the person’s number and communicate from anywhere you may be.

 

Key Takeaway

During these times, remote teams cannot function without the help of virtual meeting applications. It’s time to use the right one for yours.

Do you have a work-from-home team and need a way to communicate with ease? Try out Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, GoToMeeting, and FaceTime. Foster productivity, improve collaboration, and help your company better with these five applications today.

5 Types of Co-Workers You Might Encounter Working in a Virtual Office in Manila

What are the types of co-workers you may encounter when working in a virtual office in Manila?

  1. The Best Friend
  2. The Complainer
  3. The Musician
  4. The Cool Guy/Gal
  5. The Gossiper

 

 

Working in a virtual office in Manila, or pretty much any office around the area, can be great, although it can get a bit random at times. Day by day, you encounter a lot of different people, with a lot of different personalities to deal with—and in your case, some of them can be great, while others can get on your nerves sometimes!

In any case, working on something on a day-to-day basis can allow you to interact with different people and different personalities. If you’re looking to learn more about this notion, here are some of the different types of co-workers you might encounter when working in a virtual office in Manila:

 

 

The Best Friend

Of course, when working in an office, it’s nice to have a co-worker to bond with every day, the one confidante that can help you through any stressful day in the office, the one you can really get into a strong bond with! In any case, the ‘best friend’ type of co-worker is the one person you can rely on when things get tough!

Think of it this way: when working in a virtual office in Manila, things can get complicated and, as a release, you want to talk to someone about it. With your best friend in the same office as you, you get to vent out your frustrations with more ease! In fact, maybe your best friend vents out the same frustrations they may have, making a mutual release really great!

 

 

The Complainer

The Complainer

Now, this is the co-worker, whether in a Manila virtual office or any office in general, that you really don’t want to meet on the daily. Sure, things can get complicated at times, and various changes can happen when you least expect them to—but it doesn’t mean that you have to complain about everything that happens, which is what “the complainer” is known for!

Dealing with this type of co-worker can be troublesome at times, but otherwise manageable. Of course, things can get particularly stressful—but unlike the complainer, the best way to deal with it is to continue doing your best in what you do and keep your head held high! That way, you yourself don’t end up as the complainer in the future.

 

 

The Musician

While working in a virtual office all around can allow people to work in the comfort of their own homes, working in an actual office can allow you to encounter this type of co-worker, that is if you’re looking for a treat for your ears while you work!

The musician is the kind of co-worker that is never seen without a guitar by his/her side. For sure, you’ll be hearing them blasting out their new songs when things go a bit slow in the office! In fact, you can also count on some impromptu jam sessions in the office! Now that’s a co-worker you really want to jam with!

 

 

The Cool GuyGal

The Cool Guy/Gal

When it comes to working in an office in general, popularity is something that has mixed opinions, as well as being unavoidable at times. In this case, the “cool guy/gal” is someone you might encounter in your office on a day-to-day basis!

This is the co-worker who is usually into the latest trends the year has to offer, as well as being seen as famous for the things they do. You can even find them with huge followings on Instagram and Twitter, making them even more influential than ever! Of course, their performance on the job should be looked at, and not just their immense popularity.

 

 

The Gossiper

This is the type of co-worker that just loves to get their noses into other people’s businesses. They know almost every secret that the others are oblivious to, all the latest news about their co-workers, and they may even know something about you. Sure, they can be fun to hang out with if you’re interested in hearing the latest gossip—but then again, things can be deceiving and the most important trait for any individual is office professionalism.

 

 

Key Takeaway

Working in virtual offices around Manila and any other offices can be routine as time passes by—and no matter how things can get in the office, these 5 types of co-workers can make your days at work very interesting!

New Things to Expect When Working in a Virtual Office in Manila

What are some of the best things to expect when working in a virtual office in Manila?

  1. A wider network of connections
  2. Improved lines of communications
  3. A longer list of potential employers
  4. A broader range of control for you

 

The digital age has been consistent with their contributions to the modern world, especially when it comes to the modern workforce! Employment has come a long way since the introduction of virtual offices in Manila. More productivity has been guaranteed, more opportunities have been granted to those deserving of them, and above all, a wide range of industries to work for!

Being virtual assistants can put a lot of things into consideration, especially when you’re talking about the fact that the most important things you’ll need are a computer, a headset, and great internet connection! Plus, your work ethic, being virtual assistants, can vary depending on certain situations—but the most important thing to remember is to be the best virtual assistant you can be!

Luckily for you, with technology nowadays at their best, there are some new things to expect when working in a virtual office in Manila, with one great perk is being able to work in the comfort and convenience of your own home! Here are other great things expect:

 

 

Wider Network of Connections

Working with, or as a virtual assistant can definitely broaden your connections! Various networks regarding virtual work can be accessed through the wonders of the internet, especially online forums that are built to help you in your virtual line of work. Plus, you also get to communicate with them and talk about things related to your job, which is great considering the fact that you are engaging with people related to your field!

 

 

Improved Lines of Communication

Improved Lines of Communication

Speaking of communication, there are more and more opportunities for you to communicate with other business professionals, especially when it comes to your job as a virtual assistant! You’ll be able to schedule appointments by talking directly to clients, set up meetings with them, and so forth! The possibilities this can provide are pretty endless!

 

 

Longer List of Potential Employers

Another thing to take into consideration with this topic is that virtual assistants can work for pretty much anyone, as long as they are treated with respect and paid fairly. In this case, virtual assistants, while seen as freelancers to most of the online community, can work for a multitude of companies and other employers!

They can assist numerous customers with anything they need in their businesses and, the more employers they work for, the more income they earn. Just be sure to manage your work efficiently.

 

 

Broader Range of Control for You

Broader Range of Control for You

Simply put, when you work as a virtual assistant, you get to see everything the job has to offer yourself! Not only that, you also get to determine the limits of your services, as well as everything else! You get to think of your own rates and work at your own time, making your workload as light as you want it to be! In short, the more control you have, the more you become your own boss!

 

 

Key Takeaway

There are many other things you can take into consideration when it comes to working in a virtual office! Nonetheless, the online world can open a lot of doors for you—and with these 4 things in store for you, being a virtual assistant will surely be worth it!

3 Ways to Better Manage Your Virtual Office Team

What are some ways to better manage your virtual office team?

  1. Create a standardized onboarding process
  2. Implement productivity systems
  3. Communicate

 

 

Working with virtual team members and managing remote employees from virtual offices in Manila and other cities can sometimes make you want to tear your hair out. Virtual teams can be tough to manage because you still need to create a corporate culture even if most of your staff is working remotely.

You might be surprised to know, however, that this is not a problem that is unique to you. A survey conducted by Workforce 2020 has claimed that 83 percent of executives from different companies plan to increase the use of consultants or virtual employees over the next three years.

But, the ability to hire people from any part of the globe might also just be the greatest strength your company has because it makes it easier for you to find talented workers. As long as you take into consideration these three ways to better manage your virtual office team, you too can get even your most remote workers motivated, coherently active, and productive.

 

 

Create a Standardized Onboarding Process

Create a Standardized Onboarding Process

There is little chance for your virtual employees to get the same kind of “learn by watching over the shoulder” method that usually happens in an office. Once you hire a remote worker, make sure that you have a training program in place that educates them about your company as well as the way you do things.

Do everything you can to help them learn how to perform their role and get adjusted to your company (videos can work well or this). You can even have your new virtual employees interview your customers to better learn how your company helps them.

 

 

Implement Productivity Systems

Your company can fall apart if you haven’t implemented the right productivity systems yet. To some degree, a business run from a traditional office can compensate for not having the proper systems and processes simply by the fact that people can look over each other’s’ shoulders and talk in person.

In a virtual office, however, each person might as well be in their own world so it is best to have a standardized, documented way of working that is constantly being refined. For instance, make sure that there is a way to measure the productivity of your team. Establish the key indicators of success for each job and ensure its transparency. This way, you can quickly know whether each team member is being productive or not.

 

 

Communicate

Communicate

One of the key reasons why many virtual office teams fail is that they neglect the fact that the members of the team are not in constant contact with one another. They tend to forget about the other team members and live in their own world. They do not collaborate or communicate as much as they need to.

You need to create the opportunities for you and your team members to just “chat” whether it is related to work or not. This means that in a virtual environment, you actually need to “over-communicate” and provide more opportunities such as regular meetings for your team to talk to each other.

 

 

Key Takeaway

The workplace has evolved over the past few years. Young professionals are more attracted to remote or flexible work than ever before and find it no longer necessary to come into an office every day to conduct business. As the decision-maker in your company, you can leverage this technology to hire and manage a team of virtual employees.

Managing a team comprised entirely of employees working from virtual offices in Manila or other cities can be a challenge. But with the strategies outlined above, you can maximize the advantages and reap the benefits of this new model.

Why Some Freelancers in the Philippines Almost Always Prefer Virtual Offices

Why do some freelancers in the Philippines almost always prefer virtual offices?

  1. Helps the environment
  2. Improves productivity
  3. Low overhead
  4. Better amenities

 

Freelancers often call for flexible business hours. For individuals or groups that need to work wherever they like from wherever they are in the Philippines, virtual offices provide the opportunity to do so.

A collaborative environment differs from an office space for rent in Manila and other cities in which the office space is leased, equipped, and manned. Virtual office, telework, and telecommuting all essentially mean the same thing: employees work from a different location outside of the traditional office.

Telecommuting and virtual offices have become very popular for some employers. More people that work for themselves are starting to see the benefits that come with this arrangement. With that said, let us show you a few reasons why some freelancers almost always prefer virtual offices.

 

Helps the environment

 green office

Virtual offices help the environment because fewer people travel on trains, buses, and cars, which lowers fuel usage and reduces the number of vehicle emissions. In places like Texas, published articles have shown statistics that telecommuting can affect traffic and congestion to an extent.

In densely-packed cities like Manila, commuters face significant difficulties due to the increase in congestion. If we add up all the costs associated with traffic and congestion, it has been estimated that billions have been lost in terms of money, work-hours, and wasted fuel.

Virtual offices are an environmentally-conscious approach to business which can appeal to your customers and investors. Helping the earth and saving money at the same time is a very convincing argument for telecommuting.

 

Improves productivity

 productive

Because commuting time is eliminated, a greater part of the day can be devoted to projects, job duties, and other work-related responsibilities. Commuters usually spend upwards of 10 hours each week just going to and from work in densely populated areas like Manila.

Through virtual offices and telecommuting, you can put to use the time you saved by dedicating more time to office work or even improve work-life balance by spending time with your loved ones. Employees from younger generations – Generation X and Millennials, in particular, find virtual work a tremendous benefit because it offers flexibility and the comfort working from home.

Telecommuting appeals to workers and freelancers because it prevents the often unwelcome and unnecessary interruption by managers and co-workers which can hinder productivity and attentiveness. These same workers also seek to work independently without conforming to work rules such as traditional work hours and dress codes.

 

Low overhead

 

A physical office space for rent in Manila requires an enormous amount of overhead like rent, utilities, and more. Virtual offices do not require this overhead and can even be outsourced to geographic locations that are less expensive than a domestic office.

A lower overhead does not just mean more profit for you; it also means that you can offer a more competitive price and have the potential to attract a larger client base. In the business climate today, you need to lower your costs and streamline your business as much as possible just to remain competitive.

One of the largest costs for a traditional office is the telecommunication system. With a virtual office, however, the need to pay for a costly telecommunications system or monthly utility bills is eliminated. Instead, this cost is usually included in the price of the service.

 

Better amenities

 

You can ensure that someone is always there to take care of customer service even when you are not available yourself with the help of a virtual office. Customer service is an important part of any company. Virtual offices allow you to provide the best possible customer service at the lowest prices.

You can even offer unique services such as kitchen services, mail forwarding, mail handling, call forwarding, and a bilingual reception desk, all through the use of virtual offices. All the amenities of a luxury office is available for you in a cost-effective manner, including secure parking, video teleconferencing, and corporate event support.

When you have a virtual office at an office business center, you can even access meeting rooms and boardrooms in the same place you receive your mail. It can have a great impact on customers when they see that you have an organized office with business cards, brochures, and letterheads.

 

Key Takeaway

 

Individual entrepreneurs, startups, and especially freelancers need a professional image or “presence” in order to succeed. A virtual office in the Philippines might be your best solution if you are a professional engaged in sales representation, accounting, law, or in any other business in which a professional image is mandatory.

All in all, there is almost nothing that can be done in a traditional office that cannot be done through telecommunication or in a virtual office. There is a reason why so many freelancers, startups, small businesses, and even established corporations are embracing virtual offices. Take advantage of working with a global community and settle into the digital era with virtual offices.

Pros and Cons of a Virtual Office in the Philippines

What are the most inherently rooted pros and cons of a virtual office?

PROS:

  1. Saving Money
  2. Convenience
  3. Environmentally Friendly

CONS:

  1. No Physical Space
  2. Short-Term Relationships
  3. Less Control

 

With the rise of the freelance industry, virtual offices in the Philippines are becoming more and more of a popular working space alternative as opposed to the structures of a traditional office. Virtual offices can vary in range from large-scale operations to single office setups.

The waves of the modern the world and the rise of digital platforms provide for countless new opportunities but most of the time, they come with some compromised aspects as well. Being truly open-minded means being half accepting and equally half critical.

Below is a brief overview of the different pros and cons of having a virtual office:

 

Virtual Office PROS

 Pros

Cost-Saving

Objectively speaking, virtual offices save tremendous amounts of money because they are lower-priced in comparison to renting an actual office space. Virtual offices also save you the cost of security deposits and utility bills.

 

Hassle free

Virtual offices can provide comfort for employees due to the fact that they literally take seconds to book online. You can set up your workspace anywhere in the world with just a simple click. The increased productivity levels stem from ridding yourself of the hassles of the daily commute, which can be very motivational for employees.

 

Environmentally Friendly

Virtual offices can really make positive impacts on our immediate surroundings. When it comes to documents, everything is primarily exchanged through email. Reports, statements, quotations, etc. no longer need to be on physical paper.

 

Virtual Office CONS

 Cons1

No Physical Space

Because everything is conducted digitally, there is no real space to get together and optimize meeting potentials. There is no substitute for the merits of actual face-to-face communication with the people you work and coordinate with on a regular basis.

If a business deals with handling products, sticking to a virtual office can also cause problems when it comes to space for inventory. The lack of physical space can also prevent a business from expanding because of strictly operating on a virtual platform.

 

Short-Term Relationships

The simple truth is that working on virtual spheres is very competitive. Getting a job is just as easy as losing one. And when it comes right down to it, your overall career growth can be refrained from reaching its maximum potentials due to not being able to nurture working relations.

 

Technological Restraints

Technology can provide great convenience, but dependence can be very problematic, especially when devices such as laptops begin to break down or the internet connection fails to function.

Although there are many programs that monitor employee productivity, without actual physical presence, there is no sure way of checking if an employee really is working. Team projects are also extremely difficult to conduct without actual physical presence.

 

Key Takeaway

 

Virtual Offices in the Philippines are setting the direction for the future of which business models operate. And although these offices are ultimately beneficial at the end of the day, these types of digital work areas are not suitable for every type of business operation. Technology comes with its innovations and ingenuity, but there are many ways in which they can also restrict.

Virtual Offices in Manila

Nowadays, you don’t just have to work in the classic work environment known as your office. With the advancement of technology and other corporate opportunities, work can be as remote to a coffee shop or even in the comforts of your own home. Just keep yourself equipped with your computer, internet connectivity, and your ideas – and you are good to go.

Virtual offices have taken over the business world by storm. Thanks to the assistance of various serviced offices in Manila, this isn’t just a fad that will phase out quickly, but this is slowly becoming a custom in the country. There is nothing like the capability of working from any location, connecting to other professionals, working with the support of technology, and other aspects of a professional office. The advantages and opportunities your business can gain from this are almost endless.

In fact, numerous start-up companies around Metro Manila have started from this step and have continued to thrive from the support of their online audience and numerous investors and partners. In case you are a freelancer or a professional who wants to know where these virtual offices are in the Metro, here is the complete list of all the serviced offices here in Manila.

 

 

Makati City

Makati City

This city is one of the country’s biggest business capital. With its aesthetics and industries revolving around the corporate aspect of a business, the virtual capabilities and opportunities are guaranteed to be widely available to the populace. Here are the virtual offices based in Makati City:

 

 

MakatiCorp

  • Makati Corporate Office Services Inc. (MakatiCorp)

The first out of many entries hailing from one of the Metro’s premier cities and Metro Manila’s central business district, MakatiCorp is one of Makati’s corporate virtual offices. With an instant access to virtual assistants and packages ranging from Php550 to Php2,000.00, your new business is guaranteed to thrive under any circumstances.

 

Servcorp

  • Servcorp

For only Php8,900.00, you can get the full virtual office package in either two of Makati’s premier locations: 6750 or Tower One Ayala Triangle.

 

Compass Office

  • Compass Offices

This office offers a virtual business experience like no other. One of the biggest names in the start-up industry, Compass Offices will definitely support your business all the way. To make things more convenient, they also have a branch in one of Metro Manila’s premier corporate cities, Bonifacio Global City.

 

Arch Offices

  • Arch Offices

Located in Paseo De Roxas, Arch Offices houses a multitude of companies – both start-up businesses and well-known companies. Its virtual offices offer the same services to help start your company from the ground up and are guaranteed to keep it rising to the top of success.

 

 

Quezon City

Quezon City

Further north lies a city that gleams with opportunity. Quezon City houses more than just two of the most famous universities in the Philippines and it also houses offices that offer companies assistance whenever it is needed. Here are some of the virtual offices available to the city’s populace:

 

 

Alchemy Business Center

  • Alchemy Business Center

This office caters to all kinds of businesses. While it helps professional businesses ensure that they keep running, they are able to help start-up companies by providing assistance when needed and to establish a solid connection with their target markets.

 

Towers Virtual Office

  • Towers Virtual Office and Business Center

Located at Eastwood, Towers Virtual Office and Business Center is the place where business and technology meet. Its virtual offices enable one to control their business from anywhere and ensure it is good running with customers everywhere.

 

Regus

  • Regus

A big name in the Industry, Regus ensures that your company will stand among the rest. Their 24/7 virtual office assistance will ultimately ensure you that your company is in good hands, wherever you are.

 

47 East

  • 47 East

While a co-working space in business, their virtual assistance can help you just as much. With 47 East, you are able to connect with other partners in just a click and run your company with your fingertips.

 

 

Bonifacio Global City

Bonifacio Global City (Taguig City)

This is the city that never sleeps in the Philippines, both in business and luxury. If you ever find yourself looking for enormous opportunities for your company, here are some of the offices that can help you find so in any virtual aspect:

 

VOffice

  • VOffice

This office comes in almost any virtual form. If you don’t feel the need to go to an actual office, you can do the work in the comfort of your own home with their services and assistance offered.

 

MyOffice

  • MyOffice, Bonifacio Global City

Established in 2004, MyOffice offers leisurely convenience coupled with a professional success that will ensure the growth of your company. With multiple branches around BGC and Makati, you will be able to monitor your business from anywhere and anytime that is convenient for you.

 

KMC Solutions

  • KMC Solutions

This office, in both physical and virtual, offers any solution to any conflict your business may encounter, hence part of its name. Establishing operations in the country since 2009, KMC Solutions offers a variety of scopes and approaches your business may take in the virtual world.

 

Project T Solutions

  • Project T Solutions

While a co-working space in nature, Project T Solutions and its virtual office promote qualities such as diversity, equality, and a wide range of other aspects in establishing your company name.

 

Marimo Real Estate Inc.

  • Marimo Real Estate Inc.

When looking for a property to own or to occupy, Marimo Real Estate Inc. offers an abundance of locations for you to survey. With online means of looking being available, looking for a property is just a click away.

 

Key Takeaway

The corporate world of business has truly evolved into something more accessible, convenient, and diverse for every professional, freelancer, and aspiring business owner in the country. If you wish to take a chance with any of these offices – or any other virtual office you may know of – go ahead, dive right in, and let your ideas rise from the ground.