Virtual Resources
In the last post, I discussed how the decreasing price and increasing availability of a wide variety of services have enabled entrepreneurs to run a “virtual company” by outsourcing many of the functions that comprise departments at larger companies. This time, I’m providing a list of various services that can help you create your virtual business. This is by no means an exhaustive list and while I may use some providers, I’m not endorsing any company – I’m just providing some examples to give you a start. Feel free to add more suggestions in the comments.
People Resources:
- PartnerUp – search listings of opportunities or people looking for new opportunities
- Fairsoftware – Propose a software project, outline terms (revenue share), and find developers
- Werkadoo – Remote work environment pulling together people and companies
- Virtual Assistant – Company (one of many) that provides executive assistants to handle administrative tasks
- Finance & IT - Shameless plug for our firm!
But that’s the last one. At least in this post…
Website & Email:
- Squarespace – Inexpensive website & blog hosting with simple to use tools
- Wordpress – Blog hosting & software to power your own blog or a simple CMS for an entire website
- Google Apps – cloud based email, calendar, intranet, or website with mobile sync
Production Hosting:
- Amazon Web Services – Scalable, pay as you go, remote computing infrastructure including virtual servers and storage.
- Rimu Hosting – Virtual servers running a variety of software platforms
Productivity Applications:
- Open Office -Full Office suite comparable to Microsoft Office with Linux, Mac OS, and Windows versions
- Google Docs – Online spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation programs
- Zoho – Suite of web applications geared towards collaboration
Payment Services:
- Google Checkout – Shopping cart application and credit card processing
- PayPal – Credit card processing and online “bank” accounts with website integration tools
Office Space:
- Regus – Executive suites and virtual offices (mailing address)
- Sandbox Suites – Shared office space
- Plug and Play Tech Center – Shared office spaces & startup resources
Logistics & Fulfillment:
- Fulfillment by Amazon – Complete inventory & shipping solution
- Rush Order – Order processing, payment, customer service, warehousing, and shipping
Hope this gives you a head start in creating your new virtual business or for taking your existing business virtual.
