Hi -- I am very new to virtual business, new to this forum. Here I am learning I must become an independent contractor vs signing with an "agency" to get work. What's the first step? Apparently I need to create a company name, build a website, etc. and spend hours figuring out how to navigate this site (in order to do anything, including search or post for jobs, I'm learning I need a website), . and even posting my services here on this forum requires a website. Is there an easier, quicker way to go about marketing myself, getting my name out there? I am trying to get going, to do something part time as I have another business (in the entertainment business). For virtual services, I am a writer, editor, proof-reader, organizational/ scheduling/ administrative pro, with 20 years in business, and I want to get started offering my services immediately. Is it not possible just to post my services somewhere, look for jobs etc.. without having to spend so much time setting everything up?

I'm not sure how to approach answering your question other than to say that setting up and running a business in any industry = WORK. There is no easy/quick way to make that happen. Your returns will equal your input.

Also, any client who's going to trust you as a service provider to help them run their business and find success is going to want to see that you at least knew enough/applied yourself to creating your own business first.

If you don't want to be a business owner there are agencies who may take you on as an employee. They'll also take a good percentage of the hourly wage their customers pay for your services.

Wishing you success, whichever direction you choose

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I agree with everything Tess said. In addition, I looked at starting up my VA business as an exciting, invigorating challenge! My first day/night here I was up until the wee hours reading and researching what I needed to do. And then many, many hours each day following. I designed my website and the rest has been working itself out.

Hey, you might check out the marketing forum here to get ideas on how to market your business. If you are challenged with creating a website, then check out that forum as well (you can also do a 'services required' post in the appropriate forum for a designer to get you going).

All I can say is to grab this opportunity by the horns [or fill in the blank ], and all the great knowledge here, and run with it. Put in the hard work; you will be so glad you did!

HTH a bit and wishing you much success!

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Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

I also agree with Tess.

There are no short cuts to starting a business. If you do take short cuts at the start of the business it will come back to bite you in one form or the other down the road.

Take time to do your due diligence, research your market, and it will pay off in the long run.

Spend a little more time at the front end of your business and it will save you tons of time at the back end.

Best wishes in your business.

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Jayme Hanson
Your Virtual Assistant Solution

Hi, and welcome to the forum Being a newbie to the VA industry and this forum, myself, I understand how eager you are to get started. With your experience it seems as if you are ready to put your skills to use today however, I completely agree with Tess and Jules; being an entrepreneur is hard work!

The first question you need to answer for yourself is... what is your goal in becoming a virtual assistant? Are you looking to be an entrepreneur and eventually grow your business or are you looking for work that you can do remotely to generate additional income at this time. Depending upon what your goal is will determine what the best course of action will be for you.

The great thing is that you have come to the right source. In just a few days I have been able to learn more regarding the VA industry, recommended books, certifications, and other networks; all it takes is some time, determination and patience.

You may be a little overwhelmed when reading through the posts since there is an abundance of information but that's only natural.

Good luck.

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Maryann Cruz, Founder & Virtual Assistant
THINK Virtual Solutions, LLC :daisy:

You are right about the work it will take to become a successful Independent Contractor. Failure to account for all of the steps and "pre-production" work could lead to false hopes and thinking it would be easy to "just do this stuff from home". Without a forum like this to sort it all out, many of us would fall flat in our dreams of owning our own business.

It may be helpful to ask yourself if you want to "do some work for someone" or if you want to become a Business Owner.... If you want your own business, having contracts and policies in place are a protection and would be a good place to start.

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Melissa Rahko
www.offsitesecretary.com

Hmmm, are you sure you want to be a business owner or would you prefer just to be a subcontractor? Regardless of either, you must do some legwork to get yourself started.

First, and I stress this to all newcomers, you need a web presence! How do you expect to be taken seriously as a virtual professional if you have no virtual presence? The first thing most potential clients do is check out your site and find out more about you. This is your calling card and most clients want to see how you are organized, how you present yourself and most importantly that you are up to the challenge of working in a virtual environment.

Second, there is much competition out there in our field. How are you to stay at the very least with the crowd if you do not have what they have? Many of us (as clearly stated by the great answers so far) have spent loads of time and energy to get where we are today. So I guess if you do not want to put in the time and effort that is okay with me. Actually, you are doing me a favor by narrowing the field of competitors.

In order to nurture and grow your business, you need to apply a simple formula of time and hard work. If you are not in the position to do that, there are alternative freelance sites, however, most do not pay what you are worth. You also need to expel some energy there as well.

Best of luck to you as you figure out if being a virtual assistant is really the road for you.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I wanted to add that I felt the way you did many times. Not about this business path but with the hundreds of others I thought about. Believe me I have thought of a million other things I could do from home. Copy and Editing, web design, Realtor, jewelry, MLM's, just to name a few.

I would get excited and then when I read a book and really spent time looking into actually starting up I thought.....wow does it have to be this hard.

What I learned about myself in that process is that now that I found something that I can't get enough info on and that I can't stop talking about It doesn't feel hard or like work.

Maybe something else will get you thinking about what next rather than what now

Just my 2 cents

Best of luck in whatever you decide.

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Kari

Thank you all for your thoughtful, honest comments. I am very green in this arena and I appreciate the feedback. Starting a virtual business would be a 2nd entrepreneural effort for me, on top of the other business I am running, so I do need to figure out if I can handle both. Initially I was simply looking for additional income to supplement my other new business.. I will dig in further to see if I can make this happen. I may want to subcontract out as 'leedrozak' suggested so I will continue my research here and elsewhere and check out the marketing forums.... thanks again for the input, and any other advice is welcome.. Best, Myra

I love it, but i agree, there is a lot to do. Whenever I get one thing done, there are 10 more things to do on my list. I am lucky that I can take my time for it. But one of these days I have to say to myself: I am client ready and go for it. And go for it. Can't wait!

Regards,
Melissa