Last week, I asked this question: If your regular job should disappear for some reason or no reason, would you be okay financially (keep the roof over your head, feed your family, do what people do, etc) or would you be in a big mess?
Let’s get this right: I asked that question to challenge you to take a bold step. I often hear people say: “I would really like to start my own business [consulting, law practice..] but my full time job is too demanding. I don’t have that time.” I have discovered that people make that statement when things are going well for them and when there’s a sudden change, they scramble for answers, ideas or suggestions.
Well, do you want to know how to run your business from anywhere? Do you know that it is possible? What about that telecommute gig that you have been dreaming of? Hate that commuter traffic? Not a train or bus person?
Do you know that you can operate your business successfully without pounding the pavement? Many professionals are doing it successfully including lawyers, public figures, keynote speakers, accountants and techies.
Making it work requires a comprehensive set of useful tools. – Chris Brogan
Here are ten effective steps to successfully run your business from anywhere
- Register your business. It can be done online. Google “incorporate my business online” and see what comes up. There are many companies who can set it up for you for a fee. You can also hire an attorney to do it for you.
- Secure your domain name and host it. Go to Bluehost* and choose a name that applies to your business. If you need help with this, contact me.
- Get a PO box to use for your business mail. You could also get a virtual office too like Regus or Davinci Virtual. They provide meeting rooms, live receptionists, you can use their street mailing address, meet clients, have board meetings, etc. They have offices in many states and across Europe.
- Get a laptop, desktop, all-in-one, Mac or whichever your preference and a fast wireless Internet connection (Broadband, Cable Internet, etc) at home.
- Get a dedicated phone line for your business. And it’s not expensive either. Check out PhonePower, Vonage, RingCentral. Oh, Skype! How I love you Skype! This makes talking to clients worldwide so good. What about Google Voice? It’s free! Rebtel? Check them out too.
- Because you may have a full time job already and you want your calls to be answered when you are at your regular job, hire a virtual assistant. With good planning, you can afford it from about $200/mo. They are professionals who answer your calls, make appointments, explain what you do to your potential clients. For more details, check out: Ruby, EA Help, Davinci Virtual, AlliedOffices.
- Find business liability insurance. Shop around for the best deal. See Hiscox.
- Hope you have a smartphone. You’d want access to those business-related emails wherever you are.
- Set up Google Calendar. It’s a great tool for scheduling appointments and you can give access to your virtual assistant too! Don’t you just love technology?
- Develop and publish your website. Check out The Website Branch and contact me.
Want to know more? Here’s an article by Chris Brogan on running a virtual business.
*Please note that the business names and links mentioned here are just suggestions. Read the small print and understand their terms and conditions. Also, some are affiliate links.
Image courtesy of sxc
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Belinda is a Global Privacy and Cybersecurity Consultant, Corporate Trainer, Writer, and International Speaker with a unique blend of law and technology expertise. In addition, she is a digital entrepreneur, ordained pastor, mentor to women ready to impact their generation. She is the host of Destiny Chats podcast and lives in New York with her family. For consultation , click here
Hi Belinda,
I like how you pointed out the items in your list, your article would be very helpful to business owners.
I ran my business virtually until I decided to establish a physical office. It was not easy at first as I have to weigh which tasks should be outsourced and which shouldn’t, I got my virtual assistants from Remote Staff (you can check their list here: http://www.remotestaff.com.au/rs/candidates/virtual_assistance/ ) and they still work for me even if I have my office now and have local employees.
I would like to add that setting up your gmail would make you more productive and monitor the progress of your virtual staff. I have used gmail add-ons listed here: http://techcrunch.com/2012/04/21/seven-gmail-add-ons/
And you can set-up gmail as your professional email address by following this tutorial: http://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/how-to-setup-a-professional-email-address-with-gmail-and-google-apps/
Hope these helps?
Hi Christie. Thanks for the useful info. Oh, and thanks for stopping by!
I will get the book from the library…thanks
Thanks for the information… so tired of sending out resume and not getting a response. I am now ready to try my hands at a new business venture. I read in my daily devotion today that there are two kinds of people…those who leap before they look;they are driven by impulse. Then there are those who look,and look, and look but never leap; they are controlled by fear. I do not want to be the individual that is controlled by fear, but the one that take the plunge in working for myself.Fear not, for I am with you(Isa 43:4-5)
You are so right. For some people, fear is a major reason for not moving forward. One question I always ask myself is this: “If not now, then when?” One book to read is “Take the Risk: Learning to Identify, Choose, and Live with Acceptable Risk” by Dr. Ben Carson. God bless you!