Alliance Virtual Offices offers an unbeatable selection of some of the finest virtual office locations that the world has to offer. With more than 600 impressive choices, you can find the perfect spot to set up shop for any and all of your most crucial business needs. One thing about having the ultimate in flexible office location selection, is that you can actually tailor your business meetings, conferences, seminars, etc. around some of the world’s most exciting and fun events. This is a side of virtual officing – a huge perk – that many people don’t even think about until they’ve been doing it for a while.

For example, how exciting would it be for your clients and colleagues if you were to hold an important meeting in say, London, during the summer of 2012 – during the heart of the Olympic Games festivities? Alliance Virtual Offices gives you affordable, convenient access to some of the finest office spaces that the City of London has to offer. So, this one is a no-brainer. While the world’s athletes are going for the gold, you can do the same for your business. With a little strategic location planning, you can knock the socks off of your clients – both current and potential – and really help to seal the deal.

Other strategic location ideas, may include:

2012 UEFA European Football Championship: Warsaw

2012 French Open: Paris

Wimbledon 2012: London

Dubai Fashion Week: Dubai

Rome Wine Festival: Rome

The possibilities are endless, so get creative and plan your next big meeting around an unforgettable event! With all of our global locations at your disposal, the world is truly your oyster.

Sometimes, the best way to determine if you and your business are in the market for virtual office space is to determine the answer yourself – without having to be told. That being said, we are happy to provide you with contemplative fodder to get you thinking, to help you decide if virtual office space is the best option for you. So, how about it? What are your answers to the following questions?

Do you really need real estate in order for your business to succeed? Clearly, if you are dealing with a large manufacturing venture, you will require industrial or commercial space in which to work. But what about the smaller companies?

How many actual hours do/would you (and your employees) spend in a traditional office?

Do you really need face-to-face contact with your employees, or would phones and e-mail do just fine?

Video conferencing is widely available among virtual office packages. That being true, is a physical office really worth the expense and upkeep?

Many virtual office space packages (like those offered by Alliance Virtual Offices) include administrative and receptionist services. Do you really need or want to pay full-time employees to do this work when you can pay a virtual office company do handle it on an as-needed basis?

Maybe a high-quality, dependable and impressive virtual office space is really all that you need to make your business run. By taking advantage of technology and other new office services, you can easily offer clients most of the same benefits as your real estate-leasing counterparts. But don’t take it from us. Today, we’re just asking the questions …

While our stunning Dubai office spaces may not come with Tom Cruise dangling dangerously out the window (Mission Impossible 3, anyone?), they are truly masterpieces in their own right – no Hollywood magic required. Located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is an incredibly fast-growing center for business and finance – what better place in the world is there to experience an amazing and exotic culture while also impressing even your toughest clients?

“What is good for business, is good for Dubai,” this philosophy of Dubai’s Ruler, Sheik Mohammed, has pushed Dubai to become the modern, thriving business hub that it is today (www.dubaitourism.ae). The World City of Dubai has truly emerged as a leading financial and commercial hub for the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding region, with its state-of-the art infrastructure and world-class, one-of-a-kind business environment. According to the city’s department for Tourism and Commerce, “[Dubai] has now become the logical place to do business in the Middle East, providing investors with a unique and comprehensive value added platform. With its strategic location, tax-free living and consistently strong economic outlook, Dubai is the ideal base for multinationals and other companies targeting markets in Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Asian Subcontinent and the Eastern Mediterranean.”

What more do you need? When it comes to prime virtual office space locations – not just in the United Arab Emirates, but around the world, it is hard to beat the glamour, prestige and business reputation of Dubai. Alliance Virtual Offices offers flexible, convenient and cost-saving virtual office packages that will make doing business easier than you ever thought possible.

So what are you waiting for? Your Dubai virtual office space awaits …

As a direct result of our commitment to improving the virtual office experience for our many global customers, we at Alliance Virtual Offices are set to launch a new, unique “virtual” accounting service that will positively change the way many smaller companies run their businesses. Together with a major, nationally known service provider, Alliance Virtual Offices will continue to bring core services back to the Business Center revenue stream.

Research shows that businesses are traditionally very loyal to their accountants, and Alliance Virtual Offices views our new accounting service as a way to improve customer loyalty. “We are extremely excited about this accounting services product launch, as we see it as yet another way to add immense value to our growing industry,” stated ABCN Chairman, Frank Cottle. “It is our mission to show the world that the virtual office is, in fact, as valuable as the traditional, full-time office – if not more so.”

Similar to the way many of our existing services are conveniently structured, the Alliance Virtual Accounting  services will come at a monthly fee for our clients, for which we will provide certified, professional resources to “close the books” each month. Set to kick off this month, Alliance Virtual Accounting will offer a variety of plan options, with price points starting at $595.

Point, virtual officing.

One of the fastest and easiest ways to stay plugged into what’s happening not only around ABCN, but in the virtual officing world as a whole, is to utilize popular social media sites and their unbeatable networking capabilities. Follow us on LinkedIn yet? How about Twitter? If not, you’re truly missing out on some helpful, insightful and thought-provoking business center commentary. Take the following suggestion from ABCN’s LinkedIn discussion group contributor, Norman Roth for example:

“Have you spoken with city mayors or economic development departments to determine what companies have an interest in moving to your area? Do this and work with the city to cut deals on conference room space, interviewing space, video conferencing, virtual offices, full time office space, part time (office) space etc.”

Generating positive replies, Norman’s suggestion warranted an additionally insightful comment from ABCN follower, Annete Reizburg:

“Operating in Florida and especially the Miami market will quickly show you how important it is to “plugged into” the economic development organizations, the city and much more (consulates, immigration attorneys and organizations, chamber outreach programs to promote new business and so on). There’s so many avenues of involvement within your government and community that will generate new business and awareness. I recommend it highly and it works!”

To think that’s just ONE thread on ONE site! Whether it is to build relationships with people in your own industry, to learn more about virtual officing, or to gain brand recognition for your own business, connecting via social media outlets is an easy and effective way to accomplish your goal – at zero cost to you, no less. Join in the discussion! Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to keep informed. Happy networking!

Social media sure has come along way in recent years. With the advent of useful Internet networking sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, our ability as business people to communicate with one another and gain interest for our companies has grown exponentially. Who is social media’s newest kid on the (virtual) block? Pinterest. Here at Alliance Virtual Offices, we believe that using Pinterest is a simple, free, and effective way to further your efforts to generate buzz about your business. Given that we, as virtual office space providers, are in the business of helping you do yours better, we feel it our responsibility to share the latest and greatest rends and tips from around the web and blog-o-sphere. In fact, the topic of Pinterest is a hot one on the ABCN’s LinkedIN discussion board these days. Here are some of the biggest take-aways when it comes to leveraging the business power of Pinterest:

• Pinterest is a social media site that enables users to organize, label and save intriguing things from their fellow users in addition to things of interest from around the Internet. This typically consists of an image that a user “pins” into Pinterest and places on a board. Pinterest will automatically link that image back to its original source/web site, so upon reposting, its source is reposted as well.
• Upon joining Pinterest, users have the choice of downloading the “pin it” extension for their browsers. This creates a “button” on their website’s toolbar enabling them to “pin” images from other websites, add captions, and place it on a board.
• How does Pinterest actually allow you to build links? According to Pinterest, “When you re-pin an image, the user who first pinned the image will also get credit. Re-pins maintain the source-link of the image no matter how many times it’s re-pinned.” So basically, if a post from your site gets re-pinned several times, other users then have links to your website posted on their own boards. If you want people to re-pin, think about pinning things like your products, images of your service in use, visually appealing or interesting things related to your industry
• Keeping tabs on what kind of photos are trending in your Pinterest networks is a great, low-cost way of keeping up with current tastes and trends.
• Another great thing about Pinterest is that it can allow potential clients to get a feel for the character and personality of your business (based on your pins) – even helping you to achieve brand loyalty. Whenever you gain this type of attention/recognition on the Web, it is your business that reaps the benefits.

Sodexo, Inc. is a world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, serving 10 million consumers in 6,000 locations every day … Dedication to excellent service, corporate citizenship, and fighting hunger all come from one goal – to make every day a better day. (www.sodexousa.com)

Sodexo’s 2012 Workplace Trends Report shows that business employees in large numbers are seeking organizations that will serve to help simplify business processes and that will provide a resource to help in such initiatives as maintaining healthy and balanced work/lifestyles as well as bringing their “whole self” to work – as these factors prove to be major drivers of employee engagement.

Employee engagement, brand image, loyalty and overall productivity continue to be significant measures of company success. How, you may ask, does this apply to virtual officing? Well, the reports also indicate evidence of a continued focus on the overall well being of human capital/resources and, you guessed it, the ever expanding virtual workforce is among them.

Okay, so what exactly are these trends? There are ten listed in Sodexo’s 2012 report, including workplaces promoting sustainability, flexible workplaces, evidence-based space design, rewards and recognition, and virtual workforces.

“We studied research over the last year to understand what issues are top of mind for our clients and what are the benchmarks in the overall market,” explained Rachel Permuth-Levine, Senior Director of Outcomes-Based Research and Solutions for Sodexo’s toLive workplace strategies. “Our team predicts these trends are the direct link to designing environments that enhance individual performance, foster collaboration, and contribute to the well-being of employees – it’s the workplace of the future,” (sodexousa.com).

The workplace of the future is decidedly more flexible, more virtual, and reports such as this showcase the growing popularity of virtual office space and the overwhelmingly positive affect it is having on the way we work and how we feel when we do it. The biggest takeaway here, if you ask us, is the increasing agreement amongst business people that virtual officing can and does improve the quality of life both in the office and out for those who choose it as their primary “workstyle.” Now THAT is something to smile about.

“I thought San Diego must be heaven on earth…It seemed to me the best spot for building a city I ever saw.” – Alonzo Horton, builder of New Town, site of current downtown San Diego, 1877

When it comes to ideal locations for both work and play, you’d be hard pressed to name a better spot than sun-drenched San Diego, CA. We challenge you to name one person who wouldn’t want to do business in this easy going, fun-filled So-Cal city. From its heavenly year-round weather and fantastic Baja inspired culinary options to the nearly limitless variety of activities and sight seeing options – when it comes to appealing meeting and/or business destinations, San Diego is truly where it’s at. As such, Alliance Virtual not only has one impressive and convenient virtual office at your disposal – we’ve got seven.

When it comes to San Diego virtual office spaces, options and flexible choices abound among Alliance Virtual’s premier selection of virtual offices. Whether you prefer to be perched atop a swanky downtown high rise or situated in a modern business plaza near the interstate and airport, we’ve got you covered. But, while location counts for a lot, we know that it isn’t actually everything and we’ve got amenities and services to back up our impressive on-demand virtual office addresses. From Broadband Internet, video conferencing and professional receptionists to a variety of meeting and conference room options, you will want for nothing when you set up shop with us in your San Diego virtual office space.

Now that you’ve got the skinny on our unbeatable San Diego virtual office options, the toughest part is actually choosing which space is perfect for you. The good news? With everything you get starting at only $225/month, we feel confident that you won’t go wrong with any of them. Decisions, decisions …

As Germany’s vibrant capital city, Berlin has much to offer the savvy mobile entrepreneur who is seeking the perfect European virtual work environment. Having trouble knowing where to start? Where to look? Your German speaking abilities not so hot? Have no fear; we’ve got this one. With two equally stunning virtual office space locations, Alliance Virtual has got your Berlin officing needs covered.

Take your pick from our premier virtual offices at either Wittestrasse or Potsdamer Platz – we assure you, neither one will disappoint. After you’ve made your Berlin office location selection, simply leave the rest of the logistics to us. From live receptionist services to the flexibility and no-hassle customization of our on-demand virtual office spaces, we’ve got your every virtual officing need taken care of in high style.

According to www.visitberlin.de, “The city is giving the dark season the cold shoulder and is instead shining forth in full colour and splendour … The whole city is reverberating and shaking to the sounds of the traditional Jazzfest; top-class orchestras are showing off their skills at the Berlin Tattoo; theatre stages are opening their doors for new festivals. So off we go into an exciting winter in Berlin. This is no time to start thinking about hibernating!”

This city’s charms know no bounds – a perfect winter wonderland in which to both work and play. So bust out the glockenspiel, find your best pair of lederhosen, pack your sturdiest stein and get in the German spirit. This charming and bustling city will satisfy your every cultural, entertainment and virtual office space need – so much that you may just have a hard time leaving.

At Alliance Virtual Offices, we take customer service very seriously. This responsibility comes in a variety of different forms, one of them being our efforts to be the best virtual office informational resource that we can be. Many of our clients (both old and new) have questions regarding virtual officing, and want answers on everything from what our industry is all about, to the best approach for selecting a virtual office space location. We are always here to help, and in this post, we’ve got the answer to one of our most frequently asked questions: What is a CMRA form and why do I need to complete it for my virtual office?

CMRA stands for Commercial Mail Receiving Agency. When you become a client, Alliance Virtual Offices becomes your receiving agency, and we adhere closely to the US Postal regulation that all of our clients who use one of our US addresses complete, sign and notarize the CMRA form. This is a consumer protection to safeguard against fraudulent businesses, among other things. Here is a step-by-step list on how to fill out the CMRA form boxes.

1.  Print Date

2.  Print your company name

3.  (a, b, c, d) Leave this section blank- we will fill this section out

4.  (a, b, c, d, e) Leave this section blank -we will fill this section out

5.  Print your name if you would like the center to accept certified mail

6.  Your Name

7.  (a, b, c, d, e) Your home address (same address on your driver’s license)

8.  (a, b) 2 ID – One picture ID (example driver’s license or passport) and One of the following are acceptable identifications: include valid driver’s license or state non-driver’s identification card: armed forces, government, university, or recognized corporate identification card; passport, alien registration card or certificate of naturalization; current lease, mortgage or Deed of Trust, voter or vehicle registration card, or home or vehicle insurance policy. IDs must match your home address.

9.  Your Company Name

10. (a, b, c, d, e) Your current business address (if you do not have one, list your home address again)

11. Type of Business

12. Fill in if applicable otherwise leave blank (for each name given we need 2 forms of ID)

13. Fill in if applicable otherwise leave blank (for each name given we need 2 forms of ID)

14. Fill in if applicable otherwise leave blank

15. Notary’s signature and seal (must be on this form)

16. Your signature