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My Mission Statement:
"To be a happy,
successful person whom others can admire and want to learn from."
So, you want to start your
own Virtual Assistance business? Where do you begin?
First and foremost, please be
sure that you are really serious about starting this kind of business.
Note: Just because you have a computer, it does not mean that you are a Virtual Assistant.
We hate to be blunt but it is sometimes a misconception that just because you have a computer and know how to send an email that you are a perfect candidate to be a VA. This is not the case. Virtual Assistants are experienced administrative professionals who have worked with the software necessary to provide top-notch services to clients for many years.
It
takes a lot of time and effort to get a business like this off the ground.
You will find times when you are feeling discouraged and wondering what
the heck you have gotten yourself into, but these fears are quickly
alleviated when you get a request for a quotation or, better yet, you get
a new client.
The following are helpful hints that we would
like to pass on to you. Here we go:
- Do a search of virtual assistants and word processors in the major search
engines. Each one is original in it's own right and can provide you with a
different view of how to make this kind of business successful. (Note: DO NOT copy the content off of any VA or other websites!!!!)
- Be sure you have decided on an appropriate company name. Then put together
a business card and brochure. I recently wrote an article on marketing
strategies ...."You
Are What You Communicate" which outlines the steps you
should follow when trying to convey your message on paper or on the web.
Actually, why not read all of our articles while you are there. They are based on "been there, done that"
experience of a small business owner...namely me :-)
- Network, network, network! Every opportunity you get, give your literature
to someone. Even if they may never need your services, they may know
someone who does, or someone who knows someone who does. Attend your local
networking meetings.
- Join business associations in your area. We are members of the Brampton
Board of Trade and the other members are in the same mind set as
we are. They work together to improve the business and residential sectors
of our community.
- Sign up for online newsletters, they can be a wealth of information. Start
with ours :-). There are so many out there these days that are
loaded with great ideas and tips.
- Pick up business magazines whenever you get a chance. These, too, are
loaded with helpful information.
- Take a small business course, continually upgrade your skills, etc., etc.,
Virtual Assistant Links & Resources
When I first started this business, I spent a lot of
time researching both the demographics in my area as well as the viability
of running this type of business. There are many sites on the web that can
help you out, so I am going to try to help you by listing some of the
best.
CVAC - The Canadian
Virtual Assistant Connection - A great place for Canadian VAs to meet and share ideas. "Connecting
Canadian VAs and the world...virtually".
VA Forum - A great place to ask questions and get answers from other Virtual Assistants
International Association of Virtual Office
Assistants (IAVOA) - The purpose of IAVOA is to promote the use of
Virtual Assistants worldwide. This site is a must for any VA, whether new
to the industry or a veteran.
Australian Virtual Business Network - Australia's only source of pre-qualified, skills tested and reference checked VAs and virtual business operators.
Virtual Assistant Network - a wonderful forum for VAs around the world to learn and share.
VACertification.com - An independent evaluation authority for the Virtual Assistant industry.
Alliance for Virtual Business - dedicated to the growth of the Virtual Assistance industry through networking, information sharing and proactive interaction between the global business community and the industry.
Virtual
Assistance U - A Virtual learning campus dedicated to
establishing "leading edge" virtual assistant practices through
dynamic curriculum, small classes and diversified participant experience
levels. Virtual classroom settings, linking real people around the world.
Elite
Office Support - A worldwide listing of Virtual Office Assistants.
Virtual-Professionals.com - the industry leaders in the support and promotion of all Professionals
working 'Virtually' Worldwide.
Virtual
Assistant Business Resource - Whether you are interested in becoming a
Virtual Assistant (VA), a beginner, or established VA, Virtual Assistant
Business is your top online resource for starting and running a successful VA
Business.
Virtual Word Publishing - Home of the best books to buy if you are
wanting to start or build your word processing business. Words
From Home - How to Start and Operate a Home-Based Word Processing
Business was the first book I bought when I started and it is
still my VA Bible and she has many more.
A
Clayton's Secretary - Established in 1996 and based in Australia, this
organization is a great resource for clients seeking VA support and also
provides ongoing peer support for its members, worldwide.
The
Virtual Business Group - A group of Virtual Businesses, who
have combined all their talents to bring you the best in Virtual Business
Help and Support.
AdminAssist.ca - Helping Virtual Assistants do their job!
International
Virtual Assistants Association
Virtual
Offices UK - Virtual Offices UK and Related Links
AssistU
Virtual
Assistants
Virtual
Assistants - a very extensive article by Stacy Brice
Free E-books - This page lists
several ebooks that are free to download and, it also lists numerous other
sites that offer ebooks as well.
The above links should definitely help you get
started in the VA business. Each of these sites is loaded with links,
tips and resources that you will find highly beneficial. Don't forget to
bookmark them (and this page :-) for future reference.
I hope this helps you get started and guides you to
success. Remember that this is a long and rewarding road that you are
taking. Live, learn and enjoy!
Sincerely,
Janice D. Byer, CCVA, MVA
Owner
Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services
*** Docu-Type highly
recommends the following: ***
 Up
Close and Virtual - Second Edition is a comprehensive reference guide to
starting a successful and PROFITABLE virtual assistant business.
We cover all the business basics including selecting a name,
bookkeeping, domain registration, marketing and promotional
activities, and most importantly, how and where to find clients.
Still working full time? We'll show you how to ease into your
practice while working full-time AND continue to care for your
family.
Along
with our personal experiences, we've also included recommendations
from many virtual assistants nationwide. you can find their
suggestions in the "In Their Own Words" section at the
end of each chapter. We hope this enables you to see how others
are making their businesses successful and provide you with a
blueprint on how to do the same with yours. Click
here more information
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A Free Directory of UK Virtual
Assistants. Clients can either search for a
VA with a specific skill or by County if a local VA is preferred. If
you
are a VA with a website and would like to be included in our Directory,
please visit http://www.allianceofukvirtualassistants.org.uk
for details.
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