I've come across sole/freelance VA's who take on the work on a solo basis, and I've also chatted to others who bring on some extra inhouse VA's (some employ the VA's, some sub-contract). I like having someone else on a long term basis as you can chat to them about business ideas and share the work especially when you need to go out to client meetings, have a long lunch, or even go for a long weekend away, knowing the work is in good hands.

What's your working practice?

I'm new here by the way (couldn't find an Introduce Yourself area) :cool:

Hi there and welcome.

I'm also based in West Yorkshire. I'm in the process of getting all my documents together but have been lucky enough to find an intern position working with a fantastic experienced VA. I've already worked on things that I would not have offered myself and am gaining brilliant experience. Hopefully we will continue our business (and friend!) relationship even when I am no longer interning.

I also like the idea of having someone to bounce ideas off and spread the load when things are really busy... it's all about building up the trust. But you can also definitely bounce ideas around in here and get the support and advice of the experienced VAs.

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Tracy
Eternal VA

Hi Tracy nice to meet you. I agree, it's good to have some office banter too.

When are you setting up on your own as a VA? I'm based in Leeds by the way.

Perhaps we should meet up - I'm in Leeds too.

I have been in office work, as a administrator, PA, team manager etc for many years. When I was made redundant I started working in a primary school as a teaching assistant, but I have wanted to work for myself for a long time. Now my children are older I have the time to devote to getting my business off the ground... it's a slow process and I'm just trying to find a suitable client contract that I can use....

How about you? What are your reasons? Whereabouts in your start up are you?

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Tracy
Eternal VA

I stopped wishing I could be a VA and well, I made damn well sure I was a VA! Now set up with a few small clients, mostly freelancers and have a possible mobile hair dresser in Leeds interested in my call handling and bookings service. I used to be a PA / Assistant Office Manager which I dearly loved, and transferring my experience in my VA/VOS business. Yep, we should meet up sometime for a coffee, it would be nice to chat with someone else about the business - my husband gets that lost and bored look in his eyes when I start chuntering on about my work!

My husband also gets that bored look, so I know just how you feel :-)

Can I ask that you update your profile/signature on here with your name so that we know who you are :-)

I don't want to offer call handling - I really don't want to be tied to my desk, so it's good to know someone locally who does, cos when I start getting my own clients at least I know someone that I can refer them to if they do require that service .

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Tracy
Eternal VA

Hi Tracy, edited my signature to display my name

When I need to pop out of the office or go to client meetings, my sister is on hand to answer calls. Some think me crazy, but I love the call handling side of being a VA, I love being on the phone to customers and clients.

I'd happily accept any referrals for telephone support as I have set up a PBX switchboard which can handle a large volume of calls, ie. call queing, transfer, etc. Plus I know who's phone is being called so I can answer in the client's business name.

I'm not sure if I'm required to have a minimum post count before my signature shows up, as it's not visible right now.

edit: It's displayed now

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Dawn • Project Friday • Leeds and Yorkshire VA

As you're in the UK check out businesslink.gov.uk it's a government website providing tons of resources to help you get going. It helps with legal questions, etc as well and has links to various documents.

Originally Posted by readyornot

As you're in the UK check out businesslink.gov.uk it's a government website providing tons of resources to help you get going. It helps with legal questions, etc as well and has links to various documents.

That's a great resource, thanks for posting!

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