It’s a dream that business people have had for decades. And now it is a reality. You can run your business from home no problem. And anywhere could be home! These days many a start up is incubating in bedrooms, home offices and even garden sheds. Telecommuters straddle the globe and bloggers are doing their stuff from the Andes to the Himalayas. But could you really run your business from another country? Here are a few considerations about straddling the globe with your startup. Why could such a move make sense for you, and how might you help it?
Curiosity
Maybe you are that type. You were born curious and you wanted to see how the other half lived. Curiosity is a great attribute. It is behind your business drive. But before you set off with your laptop and your good ideas in tow, have a think about where your curiosity may lead you. Before you run your business from a hotel room in the Antipodes, it will pay to lay some foundations. For example, it takes a while to get used to living in a new culture, and that is not something that can be rushed.
Familiarity.
It’s a good idea to know where you are going! Travel can be fun and exciting, but if you are planning on running a business abroad, you’ll need a little more stability. You will need somewhere to work from, and while a hotel room might work in the short run, you will soon want a more permanent space. Explore how you could rent an apartment or villa on a longer term contract.
Bizarrely enough a foreign language may not be a problem when it comes to running your business. Nevertheless, some familiarity with language will help you negotiate basic enquiries. It will help you understand laws from any permits you may need, to setting up your internet connection
As the world gets smaller, it becomes easier to understand and relate to each other. This might not be true in every part of the world. But broadly speaking doing business these days is undertaken in a universal language. This means that it is easier than ever before to work and sell in another country
Your website is global. Therefore, your market is worldwide. But how realistically can you cope with supply and demand? The answer is to use the best tech available. This is especially true when it comes to communicating with your customers. Using a system such as SMS Central’s SMS Gateway, means that you can stay in touch with your customers, wherever they are at the touch of a button.
Use online banking.
Online banking services such as paypal means that it is easy to send and receive international payments. It is a straightforward process to transfer those funds into your business account. You’ll be able to pay your supplier just as easily.
Funding and finance
Your business may already be providing you with an income. But you need to consider the cost of living where you are going. Will you have enough funds to get setup? You’ll need to consider travel expenses and living expenses for a few months at least.
Understand Local and National rules and regulations
You’ll need to be aware of any restrictions on foreign nationals running and operating a business. You should look into your tax obligations as well. This might not be a problem if you are a citizen of that country.
Travel considerations.
Make sure before you commit yourself that you are prepared for the distance involved. Getting somewhere is one thing. Being able to travel backwards and forwards on a regular basis is another.
If you have the will and can find your way, it could be that you are the perfect choice for running your business from anywhere in the world you fancy!
