For Immediate Release

The Total Office Takes Executive Suite Concept Virtual;

Provides Home and Traveling Workers with Prestige Address,

Reception, Phone, Mail, Full Range of Services as Needed

Emerging Trend in Remote Offices and Teleworking is Driving

Demand for Offices Without Space, Centralized Services

SAN DIEGO - Until three years ago, Jennifer Hankins, president and founder of The Total Office, built her executive suite company in traditional fashion, providing individuals and companies with quality space and a full range of services at affordable prices. Then, with widespread downsizing after the Internet bubble burst and a rise in home-based consulting and sales operations, she moved to take advantage of an emerging demand for virtual offices.

“People with home offices felt they could enhance their credibility and professional image with a prestige address and a real person answering their phones,” said Hankins. “This ranged from solo practitioners, to regional sales managers from Fortune 1000 companies, to technical support people, to virtual companies with a totally remote staff. As a result, we created the spaceless business services program aimed at helping this growing population of remote and traveling workers.”

Hankins was correct in her analysis. The number of people working from home is definitely on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported earlier this year that more than 30 million Americans performed their jobs from home in 2003. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, in its May 2001 Current Population Survey, noted that 63.9 percent of those working at home were managerial and professional and 23.6 percent technical, sales or administrative support, which fits closely with those using The Total Office for a virtual office.

Sophisticated Systems, Professional Services

“This goes beyond just having a mail box and answering service,” said Hankins. “The service includes use of conference rooms and presentation equipment. Some virtual companies have weekly staff meetings here, then head back to their home offices or clients' offices for work. We have a sophisticated call forwarding system, so they can be connected to an incoming call anywhere they want.”

“As companies have grown, some have moved up to having a real office and using the various services,” she said. “They can have secretarial, notary, copying, mailing or other support on an ad hoc basis, including concierge service to order sandwiches from a nearby deli for meetings.”

“The appeal is flexibility,” according to Hankins. “Even large corporations are using virtual office space to establish an instant sales office in a new town and test the territory. They can add or subtract as needed.”

Beyond being fueled by quantum leaps in communication technology, Hankins anticipates the trend for home offices and virtual and full-service space to continue growing in San Diego because of the nature of the market.

Helping Businesses in All Industries

“San Diego is a haven for entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized companies in every industry imaginable,” she said. “We see the range in our client list, including attorneys, accountants, financial and management consultants, therapists, executive recruiters and placement services, software developers, real estate brokerages, mortgage companies, public relations firms and a variety of sales organizations.”

Hankins founded The Total Office in 1982. It now operates two executive suite complexes in downtown San Diego.

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