Several Do's and Don'ts for Starting a Virtual Assisting
Business
Virtual Assistants (VAs) are highly skilled professionals who
provide administrative support and specialized services to
businesses, entrepreneurs, executives, and others who have more
work to do than time to do it. Examples of services a VA can do
include web design and maintenance, word processing, meeting and
event planning, desktop publishing, internet research, e-mail
coordination, business start-up consultations and so much more.
This can be the perfect work-at-home opportunity for many with
good computer and Internet skills. Following are several Do's
and Dont's to keep in mind for starting and operating your
Virtual Assisting business.
DO -- Decide on a targeted market and initially focus your
marketing efforts in that area. By developing a "niche" in your
field, your reputation spreads quickly and soon you become a
recognized expert. Several specialties include: medical, legal
or business transcription, resume consulting, transaction
coordination -- real estate industry, desktop publishing,
manuscript preparing, academic typing, e-mail support, internet
research, etc.
DO -- Be creative about where you can find business. The
Internet offers a large variety of potential for clients just
waiting for you to contact them. Actively network and don't
limit your marketing to simply placing a few ads in newspapers
or the Yellow Pages. You want to find where there might be a
need--and go fill it!
DO -- Write a complete business plan and marketing plan. Too
many leave out this vital step and waste valuable time
unorganized and without a clear-cut goal and direction for their
business. When starting a business you will have tons of ideas
floating around. You need to materialize all these and put them
into a workable plan of action.
DO -- Develop a website that looks sensational! Your website is
often the first connection a potential client has with your
services. It must immediately let them know that they are
dealing with a professional. Your site must then have the POWER
to draw them to you and contact you. Let them see that you value
quality by the look and feel of it. Additional tips include
letting them know what services you offer and why you are
qualified to offer those services by mentioning your experience
and education. Be sure to include points on why you stand out
among the rest and are the BEST! For example, if you have been
featured in articles, radio shows, etc., have them listed with
the dates.
DO -- Learn everything you can about starting a business.
Knowledge is power and the more you know, the greater your
chances for success. Look to online services and message boards
and chats to talk with other Virtual Assistants operating a
business. Remember these are often run by pros who have been in
business for years and are willing to share their experience.
For example, I mentor and manage virtual assisting boards on
several entreprenuer forums. With 20 year's experience, I often
know what works and what doesn't in starting a business and
staying successful, so my experience can prove beneficial.
DO -- Join associations that are targeted for our Industry. A
few of the more popular ones are IAVOA.com and IVAA.com, but
there are many others. By connecting with these associations and
being active, you learn from them what works and what doesn't
and you are able to post your questions to associate members via
list serves often getting answers to your questions within
minutes.
DO -- Read, read, read. By frequently continuing to increase
your skills and your knowledge of your profession, the end
result is a more confident satisfied you. Every tip you get from
a book can be a new tool in your business. I recommend
highlighting areas from several books and adding them to your
library. Keep in mind that you might not use that idea today,
but it might apply to specialties you might add down the road.
DO -- Enjoy!! There's no greater feeling than landing that first
client or finishing your first big project. Plus, wait until you
get the opportunity to tell someone you own and operate your own
virtual assisting business. It sure beats I'm a secretary at
.... Plus, when you enjoy your business it shows. Your clients
will sense your positive attitude and want to be a part of your
team.
DON'T -- Underprice your services. The average virtual assistant
today makes $25 to $70 an hour, depending on their skills,
services offered, location, and years of experience. Don't make
the mistake of assuming if you charge the lowest prices, you'll
get the most work. You won't. Instead, you'll end up working
outrageous hours for peanuts! Clients will pay more for
professional services. When a potential client discovers you're
charging a lower rate than standard, they often feel they will
receive a quality of services that is also lower.
DON'T -- Overextend yourself. One of the common mistakes many
virtual assistants make is to accept too much work and then not
be able to accurately complete it. Learn to say no or have a
back-up helper who can assist you with any overflow work.
Remember one of the most important ingredients for success is
keeping your clients satisfied. If you overextend yourself and
make a lot of errors, it will jeopardize your business.
DON'T -- Get discouraged. It takes time to get a business going.
Plan ahead and have money saved in reserve. Don't buy items
until you have found the best possible price and there is an
absolute need. This advance planning takes the pressure off of
having to make money NOW. If things are slow and the phone just
isn't ringing ... MAKE IT RING!! There's plenty of work out
there, you just need to aggressively pursue it.
Finally, the most important ingredient for success is your
belief in yourself. If you believe that with your skills and
experience, you can own your own business, then there's nothing
stopping you. DREAMS DO COME TRUE. SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO
MAKE THEM HAPPEN.