I'm tryin to start my own home based Virtual Assistants business, but i begining to feel overwhelmed with the books I read and the research . Everyones saying I need some elaborate business plan and I should become certified I really just want to starte something small for the first two years, while keeping my full time job. Then maybe expand it into a full time businesss can anyone please help in the step in just starting a small part time homebased business.
2006-06-08 09:30:02 · 6 answers · asked by Queen P 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
No, you do not need to be certified. From my experience in starting my consulting firm, everyone claims to be an expert, but they don't know what they are talking about. In about 6 months, you will know more than all of the books put together. So don't sweat it. It just is not that important.
No, you do not need a business plan. Whoever told you that you needed one is wrong. Business plans are primarily used to get financing from a bank, which you are not going to get for a service business. Since this is only going to be a micro busniess venture, you will spend more time updating your spreadsheets than using the plan. Since you plan on transitioning from a full-time job to this, you are set financially. Don't let this bogus requirement get you down.
You do need a marketing plan. For your business, I would strongly recommend Guerilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson. Pick a few marketing techniques that you are comfortable with and go at it. Just off the top of my head, I would have business cards, web site, stationery, flyers, and attend networking events. Your potential clients should include salesman (notoriously disorganized), real estate agents, insurance agents, independent consultants, and executives who want an assistant but their company won't let them hire one directly. You want to be marketing regularly. Again, GM by Levinson is perfect for you.
If I was looking for a virtual assistant, I would only be interested in references and a client list. Having stated that, your first priority should be to define what exactly you are willing to do? Payroll, travel arrangements, online research, telemarketing, etc. Once you have an idea of what you will do, I would make up a cost sheet and a list of references. Since you do not have any clients, use personal references. The only other question I have that your clients would share is how well are you going to help me when you have a full-time job.
Although I do not use VA's, I know small business owners that swear by them. I also know that there were times when I was stuck in an airport that I would have loved having someone to call who could get me the hell out of there or arrange a hotel or something.
Best of luck to you.
2006-06-08 10:32:23 · answer #1 · answered by Jeff S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello Queen P,
I am not sure what a virtual assistant is but I would suggest you go to godaddy.com. They can assist you in putting up a low cost e-commerce website. Before you do anything on-line call them first and explain exactly what you wish to do. I am a customer of theirs and I find them to be very helpful. You can call them anytime with questions and they will help you for FREE. Can't beat that.
Good luck in your business and kudos to you for striking out on your own. That's the ONLY way to become truly successful.
Inodat
btw: as for all the books your reading, may i humbly suggest: you can read every book written on swimming, but it ain't gonna mean a thing until you JUMP in the water. JUMP GIRL.
btw2: i just found out what a VA is, see link below.
2006-06-08 09:54:41 · answer #2 · answered by inodat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are looking for financing for this business you must have a business plan. Stop reading all the books and contact SCORE in your area. You can also contact the SBIDC, Micro Business Development Corporation and they will guide you in the right direction. Don't get me wrong you will need a business plan any way this is used for a road map for your business, and you can read, but don't let all the information you get boggled down. I ran into the same problem and decided to go to the main library in my state.
MML
2006-06-08 09:38:31 · answer #3 · answered by mmasonlott 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2006-06-08 12:50:33 · answer #4 · answered by heaven 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a job for you to do while working full time. If you are interested let me know. It is a home based business.
2006-06-08 11:19:05 · answer #5 · answered by gatorgirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming you already know what you are doing, and don't need education for it, I would just start on a small level. Word of mouth and community, family and friends.
2006-06-08 09:35:12 · answer #6 · answered by stillonlysith 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋