| Setting up a home-based virtual assisting business | | | | successful marketing is to tell clients what benefits |
| is relatively easy, but it's important to have a | | | | they will receive by answering their main question, |
| complete plan of action set out in advance. I'm a | | | | "What's in it for me?" Keep in mind, you're not |
| firm believer that the initial planning phase of a | | | | selling your services, you're selling the benefits of |
| business is crucial to its success. This ensures that | | | | your services. What can you offer them that |
| you don't leave any vital steps unaddressed and | | | | would make their business run more successfully. |
| also prevents any unexpected surprises down the | | | | An example of this would be accurate dependable |
| road. Therefore, I recommend first writing a | | | | service done on an "as needed" basis. |
| complete business plan for your business. Nothing | | | | It is also important to have an impressive |
| technical, just how you plan to operate your | | | | marketing piece. Your brochures, letterhead, |
| business including advertising methods, pricing, | | | | flyers, business cards, etc., should look sensational. |
| business hours, equipment and supplies needed, | | | | Think back on what has caught your eye in the |
| etc. | | | | past. Now design your material with that in mind. |
| The next step is to select the appropriate name. | | | | The most important requirement is that it must |
| Take your time here as you want your business | | | | be professional and convey that you are more |
| name to be an asset by appealing to your | | | | than someone typing documents. Businesses want |
| potential clients. Your name needs to clearly | | | | to deal with other professionals. They don't want |
| express what services you provide and not limit | | | | to risk their work, and possibly their clients, on |
| you if you choose to expand your business into | | | | someone who is not. Let them know this is |
| other areas. Decide on a name that people would | | | | exactly what they will receive when they seek |
| want to call if they have virtual assisting needs. | | | | your services. Places such as Vistaprints.offer |
| To operate a business you are required by law to | | | | affordable printing. |
| have the appropriate licenses. This is your permit | | | | Once established, word of mouth is your best |
| to do business locally. It's a simple procedure that | | | | advertisement. When people get professional, |
| doesn't require a considerable amount of time. | | | | accurate, and friendly service they tell others. If |
| Contact your city and county officials under | | | | you offer such exceptional service, you can be |
| occupational licenses for complete details or go | | | | assured that you will need to advertise only at |
| online. Most VAs start out initially as a sole | | | | the onset to get your business started. From |
| proprietorship and then might change later. | | | | then on, your repeat clients, and referrals from |
| Now it's time to set up your bookkeeping. I find | | | | them, will keep your business thriving. |
| that the most important ingredient to keeping | | | | Recognition is also a key to success, whether it's |
| good books is keeping it simple. If it's easy to do, | | | | through the Yellow Pages, message boards, |
| and doesn't require a lot of effort, I tend it do it | | | | newspapers, chats, or school bulletin boards. When |
| more regularly. You will want to keep track of all | | | | clients see your business repeatedly, they |
| your income and expenses. Save all receipts and | | | | become familiar with your company and when the |
| pay all your expenses out of your business | | | | need arises, they will call you. Therefore consider |
| checking account. A software program such as | | | | where you can advertise that can keep your |
| Quickbooks is ideal for our type of business. Not | | | | name out there. Take advantage of your |
| only does it allow you to keep accurate records, | | | | signature line and often add a P.S. to add |
| but it also enables you to track exactly where | | | | emphasis. |
| the most money is coming from. This enables | | | | Now that you've got the clients, you need to |
| you to target your marketing efforts more in | | | | keep them. The best way to do this is to always |
| that area. | | | | provide them with more than they ask for. Go |
| Now you must decide how much to charge. Don't | | | | the extra mile on all assignments. Let them know |
| undercharge your services. Many make this | | | | that you value their business and are eager to |
| mistake. They feel if they price their services | | | | help them succeed. |
| substantially below everyone else, they'll get more | | | | And finally, enjoy your business. Many start their |
| business. That's true--you might get more | | | | own business to spend more time with their |
| business, but you'll also be working outrageous | | | | family. It's the perfect way to stay at home and |
| hours and not making the kind of income you | | | | still make an excellent income. Firmly set your |
| should. Call others in your area and see what they | | | | hours and learn to say no. Remember it's your |
| are charging. The average prices being charge | | | | business and often your dream come true. By |
| today are between $25.00 and $70.00, depending | | | | learning your limitations, you can keep it a |
| on the specialty. I personally recommend starting | | | | wonderful experience that both you and your |
| no lower than $35.00/hr. | | | | family will enjoy. |
| Now you need to get those clients. The key to | | | | |