‘Tingi’ culture supports Filipino mobile work style

In this age of smart phones and mobile data, work for entrepreneurs is no longer a place to go but a thing to do. Although work can be done anywhere, businesses still need a base.

MyOffice, the country’s 100-percent Filipino no-frills boutique virtual office, has created a system based on the “tingi culture” to address this need of start-up and small entrepreneurs.

“Many entrepreneurs want to register their businesses and set-up shops in prime locations but in order to do so, they will need to find offices located in Makati or Bonifacio Global City which cost a lot,” says MyOffice managing director Milette Carlos. “However, after getting the space, they never use the office since they work on the go. They end up paying thousands of pesos just for the address.”

Understanding Filipino mobile workers, MyOffice has incorporated the “tingi culture” into its system, which allows its members to pay for services based on their current needs.

Whether it is the use of a meeting room, private room, mailing address or an inquiry handling virtual office support, MyOffice offers on-demand services that can be purchased through this tingi system. Other services that customers can avail themselves of on a per-need basis include scan to e-mail, calendar management, fax to e-mail, personal mailbox, payment handling, and automated, customized phone operator.

“Many start-up companies and mobile workers really don’t need an office. In fact, the majority of our existing members work at home or are always on the road. They visit the office only about once a month to hold a meeting with clients. MyOffice understands that entrepreneurs just need the basics: location, space and office support,” says Carlos.

For those who need a complete set of facilities and services, MyOffice also offers “pick and mix” packages which members can avail themselves of and add on other services as needed. Currently, MyOffice has a start-up promo rate starting at P500/month. With this, members of MyOffice get a prestigious CBD address for business registration, number of hours use of either workstation or a meeting room, Internet, and basic virtual receptionist services such as mail handling, phone answering, and notification.

“Filipinos want to be practical and purchase only what they will use. In MyOffice, we give Filipinos this option, which in turn supports their mobile work style. They can continue working anywhere they want without worrying about costs or unused office space,” shared Carlos.