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Do you plan to operate your virtual business from government quarters? If so, you’ll need to contact your base housing office for authorization to operate a business from government quarters. Note: regulations on operating a business from government quarters varies base to base, be sure to verify with your local housing office first.
Working for yourself doesn’t mean you’re all alone, there are organizations that can provide assistance and support in
startup phases and during expansion: Small Business Administrationwww.sba.gov
Service Corps of Retired Executiveswww.score.org
Small Business Development Centerwww.sba.gov/sbdc/
SBA Women’s Business Ownershipwww.sba.gov/womeninbusiness
We’ve covered
preliminaries of setting up your business now let’s focus on
virtual aspect. Developing a presence on
Internet will be a key factor in
launch of your virtual business this can be done by conducting a domain name search and purchase.
Maintaining your site by keeping
content up-to-date will be just as important. An Internet presence allows clients and prospective clients access to information about your virtual business 24 hours a day.
Building sustainable relationships with your clients will be critical to
longevity and success of your virtual business. Regardless of where your military transfers take you, you’ll always be connected to your clients and industry colleagues through use of
Internet, email, instant messenger and telephone (cell phone).
For VBO program participation and eligibility visit: http://www.vsscyberoffice.com/vbo.

Victoria Parham is president and chief technology officer for VSSCyberOffice.com, a forerunner in the virtual support services industry, an advocate of portable careers for trailing spouses and family members. Its web-based Virtual Business Owners Training Program(tm), the first Virtual Careers program for Department of Defense ID Cardholders, is available and accessible at military bases around the world.