O'Connor offers virtual-office solution to small businesses

Avia Ustanny, Gleaner Writer

At first glance, Andre O'Connor's start-up, Interak Premium Content Providers, is just like any other outsourcing company.

Look again!

O'Connor is not searching for business of America's Fortune 500 types or, for that matter, even "big" Jamaican firms.

His potential clients, O'Connor says, are mostly small, including some that are themselves start-ups. Private individuals, too, are welcome.

"We target small to mid-size businesses that are experiencing difficulties with increasing monthly expenses due to the recession," O'Connor said.

He estimated this to be more than 20,000 firms.

But it is not only who it targets as customers that is different about O'Connor's venture. At its office at East Street, Kingston, it provides an address for business clients, virtual receptionists and telephone-sales agents to clients.

It also differs in that its customer-service agents are not located in one physical location. They work from their own homes.

"Reducing overheads is often the best solution for businesses looking to survive tough economic conditions," explained O'Connor about his business concept. "In Jamaica, there are many persons who operate their businesses from home but, in our current climate, it is not very prudent to allow the general public access to your home."

Interak wants to bridge the gap, relieving its clients of the headache "of having to rent an office and contend with the cost of all the furniture, utilities, stationery and more".

Start-up capital

Now employing seven full-time staff, O'Connor said he launched his business with "under US$50,000" last November.

He is optimistic about recouping his capital in six months because of the "extensive research" that was done ahead of opening the business.

Apart from an address and live receptionists answering calls from remote locations in the name of designated businesses between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (automated responses in off hours), O'Connor said Interak's package includes a "free" three-page website hosted by his firm, with integration with social media like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.

He said: "Our growth potential is seemingly endless, as these businesses face many challenges and continue to seek ways to cut expenses and operate more efficiently. We launched this service in January and, based on current demands, we project that we will be able to cover start-up costs and operational expenses within six months."

Avia Collinder. Austanny@yahoo.com