The executive virtual office solution integrates so seamlessly with a business owner's home base, that the small business owner can easily project an image of national and global significance from the comfort of the corner store. Customers will perceive their interactions with a virtual receptionist as direct contact with the company. This is a good thing - provided the business owner has entered in to a contract with a reputable service provider.

Just as a skilled virtual receptionist can enhance a company's reputation and bolster productivity, a dishonest or unqualified provider can destroy all the headway a business owner has made into the marketplace. There are a few cautionary notes about the industry and red flags to watch out for that may help an owner negotiate his or her choices of vendors.

When interviewing vendors, ask how many companies are using that provider's address and where most of those businesses are based. Too many companies sharing the same address will become problematic for obvious reasons. Ask a vendor to provide you with a company history, complete with recent and longtime clients who can give feedback about their services. This weeds out the hucksters and fly-by-night operations and give you some assurance that the provider has experience and training in your industry. Finally, take some time to investigate other businesses that use the virtual office telephone answering services. A preponderance of fraudulent operations should serve as a head's up.

Even from a remote location, a virtual receptionist can route callers directly to the owner or CEO, take and deliver messages and handle mail as part of the day-to-day business operation. This amazing employee keeps the executive virtual office running in tip-top condition.