The Gritty Virtual Assistant

Dear Gritty VA:

I am currently planning and readying my new Virtual Assistant business for its grand opening in about a month and a half, but my husband is in the military and we will be moving all over (this is why I am starting this business). So my question is two-fold: Do you have any tips for a vagrant VA? And will there be different laws to follow depending on where you are located? –CD

As you recognize, that’s the beauty of a business such as ours. It does not require any kind of physical brick and mortar presence, there are no geographic constraints and we can do the work that we do anywhere. You don’t elaborate much so I’m not sure what kind of tips you’re thinking of, but here are a few thoughts off the top of my head:

1. Set up a virtual collaboration office with a service like HyperOffice (they charge a monthly fee) or software like Groove (one time software purchase; requires hosting). These are not merely project management programs–these are full package organizational tools that you can set up by client so that each “collaborative office suite” has it’s own shared calendar, contacts/address book, project/task management section, full real-time document filing and sharing, forums and wikis you can set up, and all kinds of other things–all in one.

2. Perhaps set up your email accounts in an online tool like Gmail. That way, you can have online access to all your communications wherever you have an Internet connection. It’s funny I should recommend this, since I’m not personally a fan, but I can see the potential advantages for someone in your position who moves around a lot.

3. Get an aircard (also called “mobile broadband”). This is a little “stick” you plug into your laptop that gives you Internet. Wherever you can get a cell phone signal, your aircard will work there as well. Which means you could be anywhere, in your car, at a park, whereever, and still have Internet access. I use Verizon and have been very pleased.

4. Get a remote access service like LogMeIn. This will allow you to log into your homebase when you need to whenever you are away. There is a free version, but there are all kinds of wonderful extra tools you get with the pro version, which is what I use.

As far as different laws to follow depending on where you live, yes, that might be the case. Different cities, counties and states have their own licensing and tax obligations. Some cities (like mine) requires a separate business license in addition to the state business license you may have to take out (also required in my state). Others don’t require any separate or special registration at all. Some areas might have special zoning or laws pertaining to home businesses. Some cities or counties might require you to file their own business tax reports in addition to what you might be required to file federally or with the state. It will be your job as a responsible business owner to research those each time you move.

I want to also stress that it’s important to go straight to the source–contact the pertinent state and local agencies and ask them those questions. Their directions and information will be the only ones that matter. You don’t want to rely on the guesses or opinions of others as they are not going to be paying your penalties or fines or dealing with problems if you end up not doing something right based on their “helpful” advice.