Be creative, find something you love to do, and do it well!

Be creative, find something you love to do, and do it well!

TEN TIPS BEFORE STARTING YOUR VIRTUAL ASSISTANT BUSINESS.

There are resources available on the world wide web that contain information on "Virtual Assistants." You can search just about any engine search out there, and find the information you are looking for.

The key question is, "Do you have the drive and know how, to do what it takes?

This question is not to imply that you aren't capable of putting together your own business as a Virtual Assistant, rather a challenge of whether or not you are: focused, goal-oriented, creative, bold, and talented in many areas!

Many of you will have strengths in areas where other Virtual Assistants you are competing against, will have weaknesses and vice-versa. Putting together a 'plan of action' will take time, a small or large amount of money, and a lot of effort. Anyone who really wants to work from home or telecommute has to be organized, and available to many industries.

ARE YOU SPECIALIZED?

You may want to work in the same industry you currently work in, or change to a new industry altogether. There are a variety of opportunities for people with various skills, so your 'golden ticket' is to find a niche that is SPECIALIZED and in demand.

RESOURCES

I am listing a few resources below as a starting point for you, to start gathering information for those of you who are interested in this kind of work. Remember, I will post more information here periodically as time allows, and as I make my secondary source of income a reality while currently working from home. I plan to be diversified so that my skills will be in high demand!

TIPS 1-10

TIP#1 - THIS IS NOT A WORK AT HOME OPPORTUNITY - DO NOT SPEND MONEY YET. (SEE NEXT BLOG)

TIP#2 - A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT IS DIFFERENT THAN A WORK AT HOME FALSE OPPORTUNITY. IT IS YOUR BUSINESS, YOU CAN CREATE IT AT YOUR PACE, WITH YOUR OWN CREATIVITY, AND WITH YOUR PASSIONS OR DREAMS IN MIND.

TIP#3 - A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT IS SIMPLY AN EXTENSION OF WORKING IN AN OFFICE AS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR OR POSSIBLY AN EMPLOYEE, BUT DONE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME.

TIP#4 - IF YOU ARE AN I.C. YOU WILL NEED TO FIND RESOURCES FOR YOUR OWN INSURANCE, BENEFITS, AND MAINTENANCE OF ANY COMPUTERS OR EQUIPMENT.

TIP#5 - WORKING AT HOME ISN'T A PLACE TO JUST RELAX! IT IS STILL WORK, JUST FROM THE FAMILIAR DAILY SURROUNDS YOU CALL HOME. YOU MUST MAINTAIN A SCHEDULE, GET UP EVERYDAY AND GET READY LIKE YOU ARE GOING TO WORK, IF YOU WANT TO REMAIN FOCUSED IN DAILY TASKS.

TIP#6 - GET INVOLVED IN VA SUPPORT GROUPS OR GET INVOLVED IN REGULAR OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES, OTHERWISE YOU WILL TEND TO FEEL ISOLATED.

TIP#7 - YOU MUST HAVE A CLEAN, QUIET AND STRESS FREE ZONE TO PRODUCE QUALITY WORK FOR YOUR 'AWAITING' CLIENTS.

TIP#8 - CHOOSE AN AREA THAT YOU ARE GOOD AT FIRST, CHOOSE A SPECIALITY OR TWO.

TIP#9 - ALWAYS MARKET YOUR BUSINESS CONTINUOUSLY TO PICK UP EXTRA WORK, OR IF A CLIENT NO LONGER REQUIRES YOUR SERVICE.

TIP#10 - RESEARCH WHAT VA'S MAKE. THE PAY CAN BE WORTHWHILE.

RESOURCES
I am listing a few resources below as a starting point for you, to start gathering information for those of you who are interested in this kind of work. Remember, I will post more information here periodically as time allows, and as I make my secondary source of income a reality while currently working from home in Business Development. I plan to be diversified so that my skills will be in high demand!
(ALL RESOURCES ARE NOT PERSONALLY VERIFIED)

http://victoriabusinesssolutions.com/

http://www.growyourvabiz.com/blog/

http://www.teamdoubleclick.com/

http://www.wahm.com/forum/virtual-assistants-66/41514-team-double-click-do-not.html

http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/article71516.html

http://www.virtualassistant.org/

NEXT BLOG...EQUIPMENT, AND NECESSARY ITEMS TO START YOUR BUSINESS.

Virtually yours,

Cheri

E- Virtual Assistant

Good Afternoon!

I'm here to connect with fellow Virtual Assistants, in an effort to network and keep the prosperity of all working Virtual Assistants moving forward!

I welcome any comments, questions, or job postings so that we may all work together to keep America working and surviving in this trying economy.

Those of you who are just starting out or have been in the business for awhile and would like to share your experience, frustrations, and advice...I welcome your input to help others succeed in this niche.

Truly Yours,

Cheri G.