[Libby Huffman]

If you've considered going into the virtual assisting field, be aware that there are plenty of rules to starting your own business. Whether you're looking for more flexibility or the freedom of working from home, you need to know where to start. Explore these tips for becoming your own boss.

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[Linda Clark]

Libby,

I love reading as many articles as I can on being a VA and appreciate your spin on this career. One distinction I would like to add is that as corporate admins, we do work for various managers, however as a VA, I am the manager/business owner and do my best to build my business and my client's business. I strive to be a "partner" and build a strong, collaborative business relationship with my clients. Most VAs work with other small business owners (contractors/real estate brokers/writers/speakers, etc.) to remove their administrative burdens so they can have more time to do what they do best; build their business. I always taught my children to find their passion and then find a way to make money doing it. Being an administrative professional is my profession, I'm good at it, and doing my best to make money with my passion. The best resource for more information I know is the International Virtual Assistant Association (IVAA). A site anyone interested in becoming a VA should check out.

[Libby Huffman]

Awesome input, Linda! Virtual Assisting has become an empowering option for office professionals. I really appreciate the entrepenurialship behind it. It really just goes to show that there is nothing we can't do with a little hard work and persistence. I can’t wait to see how this field evolves over time.

[ARinaldi]

Linda, I have been very interested in this for years. I have visited all the sites and wondered how you got started. Did you get the VA certification? How did you market? Do you have employees or just yourself? Do you have a website? So many questions so little time! I thought for myself if I could join an existing VA business as a part-timer I could learn the ropes, but I don't know if people do this. I've been an EA for over 12 years and prior to that I was a Documentation Specialist and a Training Instructor. Thanks for your input!

[Chrissy Scivicque]

Linda and ARinaldi - you two should join the VA Group that Jackie started. It's a way for Virtual Assistants (and people who just want to learn more about the profession) to connect. Check it out here and join the group.

[AnthonyRusso]

This is a quickly expanding field. Our industry has seen an influx of Virtual Assistants looking to offer Conferencing service to their prospective clients.

It used to be a rare once-in-a-while to have a VA contact us, but has become much more frequent in the past 6 months or so.

[SydniCH]

Thanks for starting this thread Libby!

I was a corporate Executive Assistant for 8+ years, before I started my Virtual Assistant business over 2 1/2 years ago. It has been one of the most empowering and fulfilling things I've ever done! I really can't see myself doing anything else.

When I started out, I offered the same type of administrative support that I had done in my corporate jobs ... travel planning, project management, event planning, concierge-type services, etc. I've continued to educate myself and now primarily focus on offering Internet marketing services and serving as the "Virtual Office Manager" for many of my clients. While I have not, many VAs decide to specialize in working with a certain group of entrepreneurs, such as Real Estate Agents, Financial Planners or Coaches. That's the great thing about being a Virtual Assistant, you only have to offer the services you're best at and love doing! Another growing trend is that many entrepreneurs are choosing to work with more than one VA, so that they have different people focused on different things. So those starting a business now may find themselves part of a VA team, which is a great way to build relationships and learn the ropes.

I continue to be amazed at how the industry is growing and the wealth of opportunity that is available to new VAs. It is truly overwhelming. New businesses are being started EVERY day and each of them needs some type of administrative support. There is a tremendous need for high-quality VAs to join the ranks, so if you are thinking about taking the leap, start educating yourself! Do your research and see what Virtual Assistance is all about. When I was considering making the move, I researched EVERY training program, talked to LOTS of successful VAs, read websites, articles, etc., everything I could get my hands on so that I really understood the opportunity and how best to get started.

I'd be happy to share what I've learned, my mistakes, challenges and triumphs with anyone who is interested in pursuing this opportunity. There's plenty of room for seasoned administrative professionals to build a successful business, so come on over and join us!

Best regards,

Sydni



*************************************************
Sydni Craig-Hart
Co-Founder, Craig Hart Consulting, LLC
Founder, Executive Assistant -> Virtual Assistant!

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