Episode 79 – How to Get Set Up Legally as a VA in Australia Feat. Ruth Gibbons

• [02:45] A little bit about Ruth, where she’s from, and her professional background
• [04:50] The 3 biggest reasons why Ruth chose to leave her full-time, corporate job and transitioned to working online
• [06:35] What inspired Ruth to join Esther’s course
• [7:27] How Ruth was able to transition her CEO job into remote consulting
• [09:13 ] How Ruth worked past the negativity she received as a 51-year-old woman working remotely
• [10:10] The #1 tip for any remote worker starting their online journey
• [12:00] The absolute 1st step to starting a small business as an Australian citizen working remotely
• [12:31] The 2nd most important step to setting up your business
• [13:20] How to prepare for your scheduled meeting with an accountant
• [14:46] The best advice for remote workers setting up their business for the first time
• [16:20] What to do when you’re not feeling 100% prepared for something new
• [17:23] 2 types of business insurance needed in Australia and where to get them
• [18:46] What is public liability insurance?
• [19:24] What is professional indemnity?
• [19:54] When to claim GST as an Australian citizen
• [20:52] The percentage of money to set aside in order to cover your income tax
• [21:42] How Ruth works her business expenses (like superannuation and taxes) into her rates
• [24:40] Why you should keep other VAs in your inner circle as a remote worker
• [25:55] Where to find small business grants
• [29:30] Why any remote worker should further their education even if they’re already experienced

In this episode, I chat with Ruth Gibbons, who started a remote online business based in Australia. She shares all of her wisdom on how to get your business set up, where to find insurance and grants, and some of the most important lessons she’s learned on her journey working online.