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Several Do's and Don'ts for Starting a Virtual Assisting Business
by Diana Ennen
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 entrepreneur
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.
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