CVAC

by Janice Byer and Elayne Whitfield-Parr, Founders, CVAC

Although the term “Virtual Assistant” is still very new to the business community, there are thousands of home-based administrative workers around the world who now refer to themselves as VAs.  The opportunities for the professional services offered by these VAs are endless.

So, how exactly do you start and build a Virtual Assistant practice, let alone expand it to a level where other VAs are working with you? The first thing you need to do is determine if you have those necessary skills. Having a computer does not make you a VA. You really need to have some real-life experience doing the tasks that are generally expected of VAs. If you have a background in the administrative field or a history of providing other VA-related services, you are well on your way to having what it takes to build a successful Virtual Assistant practice.

You also need to ensure that you have the passion and commitment to make your business successful. “If you build it, they will come,” does not work in the real world of building a small business. You also need to learn how to actually run a small business so the following are just some ideas for starting your Virtual Assistant business.

One of the first steps you will take will be deciding on a name for your business. Many VAs have ‘Virtual Assistant or Assistance’ in their business names. This definitely helps others to determine what you do (well… if they know what a VA is and does) much more than if you pull some name out of a hat and use it just because you like it. Make your business name meaningful, easy to pronounce and understand, and easily adaptable should you decide to change the focus of your business.

Once you have decided on your business name, it is time to register it. Every province and state in every country has different procedures that they require you to follow so your best bet is to contact your local small business enterprise centre or local government office and they will help you with everything that needs to be done.

Next step… your business plan. You don’t necessarily need to write out a formal business plan, although you do need to plan your business.  Planning your business is 100% thinking, analyzing, investigating, choosing and decision-making.

Some benefits of producing a business plan include:

• the process of preparing a business plan will force you to think about your business, research some options, recognize opportunities and risks, and test some of your assumptions;
• a business plan will help you identify the cash needs of your business;
• a business plan can be used to raise funds from banks and investors;
• a business plan provides a benchmark against which to compare the progress and performance of your business.

It is a good idea for all businesses to prepare and regularly update their business plans.   Once you have made the decision to start your Virtual Assistant business and have made a plan of action, it is time to set up your office. Your office equipment is extremely important to the success of your business. You need to have the most current software to provide the best services as well as an up-to-date and reliable computer system. Other peripherals that you will need could include a multi-line phone system with an answering machine and a printer that allows you to scan and perhaps even fax. You may also need to get other dedicated equipment depending on the services that you will offer.

Once your office is set up and you have determined what services you will be offering, it is time to think about how you will market your business and who you will target your marketing to. Your first step will be to develop your business cards and other marketing pieces. You may want to have a brochure ready to hand out at networking events and possibly provide in a direct email campaign. Other means of getting the word out about your business should include a website and you can also write articles for distribution both online and in print publications as well as offer an online newsletter which can help you have a form of keeping in touch with your clients and contacts.

Owning and operating your own Virtual Assistant business can be very rewarding but does require a lot of work. However, if you are passionate about making your business a success, the entire journey will be a labour of love.

This article is just a taste of How to Build a Successful Virtual Assistant Business. You may also need help with determining your rates; getting clients; training and certifications; moving your business; and even expanding your business. The new book of the same name as this article, written by Janice Byer & Elayne Whitfield-Parr, has over 200 pages of information to help you with these and other challenges that you may face during all aspects of running your business. Visit http://www.howtobuildavirtualassistantbusiness.com for more information and to order your copy.

Popularity: unranked [?]

So, you want to start your own home-based word processing business? Where do you begin? What do you need to do to get a word processing business started? Well, I could go on and on! There are so many things that need to be covered to assist you in getting started. So, let’s get to it!

First and foremost, please be sure that you are really serious about starting this kind of business. It takes a lot of time and effort to get a business like this off the ground. You will end up working a lot of hours to market your business, but, if you are anything like myself, it is completely uplifting and rewarding to know that you are accomplishing such a tremendous task. Each time a new client comes on board, you get a feeling of exhilaration and satisfaction.

You will find times when you are feeling discouraged and wondering what the heck you have gotten yourself into, but these fears are quickly alleviated when you get a request for a quotation or, better yet, you get a new client.

When I first started this business, I spent a lot of time researching both the demographics in my area as well as the viability of running a business that can help people worldwide. There are many sites on the web that can help you out, but to list them here would be too much.

I will however recommend one site that was a godsend to me. The site is called The Word Processors Web Site (how appropriate . This site is the brainchild of Diana Ennen, owner of Ennen Computer Service. She has put together a site devoted to helping home-based Word Processors compete and succeed in today’s business market.

One feature of this site is Diana’s book…” Words From Home”. This book includes everything you ever wanted to know about starting this kind of business (see our Book Review). Now, if you are based in Canada (as I am) some aspects of the book will not apply to you. Such areas as Taxes are American based and will have no affect on your endeavor to be an entrepreneur. To find this kind of information for Canadians, simply do an inquiry in any search engine.

You may be a bit skeptical about buying something off the web, I know I was. But, this book is well worth the $29.95 (plus whatever taxes & shipping). It has been my bible for running this business. I have used and continue to use it so much that I may have to order a new copy to replace my tattered, well-worn copy that is on my desk now.

As you can tell, I highly recommend this book. It is far better than any other book I have read on this subject. Oh, and when you order, let Diana know I sent you. She is trying to keep track of where her referrals are coming from.

Now, on to other areas that may help you. I did a search of virtual assistance and word processors in the major search engines when I was getting started. From each one I got an idea or two and have combined all the various aspects of each competitor to produce the business that we have now. You should do the same. Take a look at your competitors and get ideas that can help you. Each one is original in it’s own right and can provide you with a different view of how to make this kind of business successful.

Before you start trying to acquire a clientele, be sure you have decided on an appropriate name. Docu-Type stands for Document Typing…now if that doesn’t say it all I don’t know what will. Believe me, I went through dozens of potential names before deciding on Docu-Type.

Then put together a business card and brochure. I have recently written an article on marketing strategies….”You Are What You Communicate” which outlines the steps you should follow when trying to convey your message on paper or on the web.

Let’s see, what else….well, as most of my associates will attest to, I am a big supporter of Networking. Every opportunity you get, give your literature to someone. Even if they may never need your services, they may know someone who does, or someone who knows someone who does. The chain could go on forever.

Attend your local networking meetings. I belong to several networking groups and have found them to be a wealth of information and contacts. Again, look up ‘networking’ in any search engine to find more information.

Also, join business associations in your area. We are members of the Brampton Board of Trade (http://www.bramptonbot.com) and the other members are in the same mind set as we are. They are part of this group to find new clients and work with new strategic alliances (which is another topic altogether). They work together to improve the business and residential sectors of our community.

Sign up for online newsletters, they can be a wealth of information. Start with ours (sorry, shameless plug . There are so many out there these days that are loaded with great ideas and tips. We, personally, receive over 30 a month. Now, some of them may not cover topics that you are interested in, so you simply have to unsubscribe. But most will give you a guiding hand for running your business.

Pick up business magazines whenever you get a chance. These, too, are loaded with helpful information. As I said above, we could go on and on about starting and growing this kind of business. Take a small business course, continually upgrade your skills, and buy Diana’s book…it will guide you through other steps that you can take.

I hope this helps you get started and guides you to success. Remember that this is a long and rewarding road that you are taking. Live, learn and enjoy!

Popularity: 6% [?]