How To Lose The Office And Become A Mobile Virtual Assistant

by Michelle Dale on

I am often asked how mobile someone can really be when they provide services online to clients. When I see a lot of the “getting started guides” I notice that an office, office equipment, such as printers and filing cabinets are required and also a certain degree of technology and in general, bulkier items.

Whilst this is true to a certain extent, it is possible to run a virtual assistant business without an office, without loads of equipment and without the need for paper or a printer – I’m currently running my business from Italy, I don’t even have a landline telephone at the moment

Once you have been able to master the completely 100% mobile, paperless business model you enter into a whole new world, one without restrictions, other than of course, needing an internet connection and a smaller lightweight sort of computer

I demonstrated how to run a company from basically a bag in a keynote presentation on the subject of “Building a Successful Business Without Boundaries” in the 2011 IVAA Online Summit. I have also done a private recording of that keynote for members of my resource centre The VA Passport. I basically go through simple changes to techniques and systems you can make to give you that ability to be free from the confines of an office, or a static location if you’re like me and you like to travel, and freedom from billable time, allowing you to focus on business development.

The Top 5 Essentials:

Here are my top 5 essential items for being a mobile virtual assistant:

There’s more if you deal in paper, although I don’t own any kind of printer, and paper in my business is literally non-existent because of the way everything can be stored securely online or via a portable encrypted hard drive.

If more Virtual Assistants began embracing the minimalist lifestyle, it could potentially save them money and give them the ability to work from literally anywhere with an internet connection. I really like the ability to not have to be tied down to one spot all the time, especially with having small children at home with me.

YES! I’m totally embracing the mobile technological revolution! I just hope the internet doesn’t break

How to you feel about letting go of the traditional office? What would you be concerned about by letting go of your paper and equipment? Comments below.

Everyone who leaves a comment which is approved, will receive a FREE copy of my eBook "REALISTIC - Down To Earth Online Marketing", I will send you a copy via email, so if this is your first comment, be sure to use your email address, thanks!

Here's To Your Virtual Assistant Business Success!

Keiti

I *love* your posts! I can’t wait until my current craziness is over and I can get started on the next phase of my life. Thanks for keeping me motivated in the midst of my constant sleep-deprivation (a feat in and of itself, btw) with all these cool things to look forward to!

http://virtualassistant-live.com/ Michelle Dale

Hi Keiti! Lovely to see you have surfaced from all that shift work and long hours Hope you’re okay sugar, and you get some time off over Christmas.

Keiti

I’ve been keeping up with posts at work, but for some reason I can’t post comments from my iPad and I can’t pull the site up at work. Nearly 3 weeks down with 15 more to go. Probably no time off at Christmas, but so far my sanity is still intact. That’s a plus. Have a Happy Christmas, you!

http://virtualassistant-live.com/ Michelle Dale

Lol, and a very happy Christmas to you too Keiti, I hope you manage to enjoy the festivities despite having to work. Bless you.

Keiti

As fate would have it, I’ve been able to swap my normal Friday off for Christmas Day. Go me! Of course, I’ll be doing the usual laundry and stuff after gorging myself on all the holiday goodies, but still. I’ll be so glad when this is over… people at work are already asking for my business card (which I don’t have yet) and a Project Manager told me this morning to let her know when I was ready to get things started because she wanted to make sure I kept my computer access so I could do work for them! Ah… the joys of working nuclear…

And thank you for the Christmas wishes… it’s going to be a short celebration this year.
http://virtualassistant-live.com/ Michelle Dale

Go you indeed! I am really pleased you were able to get Christmas day off! Equally awesome you have such interest before you have even left the starting blocks in your VA biz! This is very encouraging Keiti, well done you

Sarah Begley

Your posts and ebook have completely inspired me to really embrace my decision to become a Virtual Assistant. It is a little scary particularly with trying to find those first few Clients, but I hope to fulfil my dream of providing a top class service whilst being based wherever I choose – thanks!

http://virtualassistant-live.com/ Michelle Dale

Hi Sarah! This is awesome news. Finding those first clients has become much easier in recent years with the way internet has evolved. It’s even actually become fun and very social Thanks so much for the comment and feedback Sarah, much appreciated, and good luck!

Ratna

Hi Sarah,
Your post is strengthened my decision to leave from 8-5 job I have now. I am truly agree with you that technology should ease our lives. Not tied ourselves only in 1 point.
Can not more agree with you.

http://virtualassistant-live.com/ Michelle Dale

I can’t tell you how brilliant it is and do it justice, you have to experience it Ratna it’s such an amazing feeling to know you can go anywhere you like and carry your source of income in a bag. Thanks so much for the comment!

Marie

excellent comment Michelle. Even though I not mobile (for now), I love the idea to be this way wireless. I registered as well on Log Me In (free version) to be able to work from any place.

http://virtualassistant-live.com/ Michelle Dale

That’s great Maria! Becoming wireless can open up a whole new world, very exciting! Thanks so much for the comment

http://twitter.com/MYVA_AUS Janet Kay

Michelle we’ve done it! We’re off to the snow for Australian Winter 2012 with our twin 2 1/2 yr olds, and are preparing our home for departure and will rent to someone with absolutely everything left behind! Right down to the cling wrap and spices. We’ve signed a 12 month lease in a fully furnished place with beautiful mountain views that will be covered in snow come June, and I will sit with my Mac Air, Skype, DVS (Dedicated Virtual Server, rather than Dropbox), and have Echosign as suggested by you! We can’t bear to part with our printer as yet but I’m sure the day will come. You’ve been absolutely inspirational for me, having been a nomad all my life but only recently a Virtual Assistant. I’m loving your photos from Italy with snow covered trees and hope you’re having a beautiful time. I certainly don’t miss the commute! Thank you Michelle. Even tho I can’t afford to get mentoring from you, you have helped me and my family immensely with your open armed sharing of knowledge and inspirational energy and drive. Thank you! Janet x

http://virtualassistant-live.com/ Michelle Dale

WOW!! Janet that is so amazing – Go You!! Where you are going sounds beautiful, and you sound so excited I am thrilled for you

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, I am so happy to have been able to inspire you to follow what you really want – do keep me posted on your progress and let me know when you are in Oz.

Massive respect goes out to you and your family Janet – take care, enjoy the wonderful experience!!