| Have you been thinking about starting a virtual | | | | will be performing. |
| assistant services business? Take a look at some | | | | - Learn the basics of HTML, SEO, blogging and |
| of the things to ponder before you jump in. When | | | | article marketing if you don't already have this skill |
| starting my virtual assistant business, these are | | | | set. If this is something you do not want to do, |
| some of the things I needed to know and | | | | outsource it! |
| hopefully it will assist you in getting started. | | | | 5. Marketing |
| 1. Establish your niche | | | | - How do I market my virtual assistant business? |
| - What do I have to offer? | | | | - How in the world do I get the word out to the |
| - What have I done in the past or currently doing | | | | millions of people on the internet highway? |
| that I absolutely love doing? | | | | - What makes me different than other VAs? |
| - Who are my target audiences? | | | | - How are my skills better or different than |
| - What do I NOT want to do? Finding your niche | | | | others? |
| is imperative in the virtual assistant industry. | | | | - Why would someone choose my services over |
| 2. Research, research, research! | | | | others? These are just a few things to seriously |
| - Research and carefully consider on what to | | | | think about when it comes to marketing. Don't |
| name your company or business. Put a lot of | | | | have that skill set or simply don't want to do it, |
| thought into this as this will stay with you forever. | | | | hire someone to do for you! |
| - Research domain names and don't be too quick | | | | 6. What are your county or state requirements? |
| to purchase the first thing you like, make sure it | | | | - What sort of licenses is required in your state or |
| has appeal and easy to remember, same thing to | | | | county? |
| consider for a business name. | | | | - Do you need Liability Insurance? |
| - Research what sort of website you want, blog, | | | | - Do you need to have an LLC or Sole |
| Wordpress, etc... | | | | Proprietorship? |
| - Research other VA rates and see how you fit | | | | 7. Miscellaneous |
| into that category with your particular skill set. | | | | - Make sure your typing, spelling and grammar |
| Are you qualified to charge that particular | | | | skills are all up to speed. |
| amount? | | | | - Learn how to prioritize and organize. |
| 3. Purchase Domain name | | | | - Consider obtaining a coach, mentor or buddy to |
| - When purchasing a domain name, consider | | | | show you the ropes. |
| purchasing for more than one year. This shows | | | | - Become a part of an active networking |
| longevity, stability and credibility. It will give your | | | | community. |
| clients the satisfaction and comfort of knowing | | | | - And last but not least; you must have a positive |
| that your plans are to be around for awhile and | | | | attitude, be able to work independently and have |
| you take this very seriously. | | | | flexibility. |
| 4. Education and training | | | | Be courteous, appreciative and incorporate |
| - Consider taking classes to heighten and sharpen | | | | awesome customer service in everything you do |
| skills or to learn something new. | | | | within your business and you will become |
| - Obtain certifications if necessary for tasks you | | | | successful! |