Ok - so what are the steps in creating your own business - such as a VA business or a general typing/admin or even recruiting business? Any advice will do - thank you! Should I create a website first or just network first? How about business cards?
Check out the other forums for marketing advice in the FAF site. There are some great people out there with lots of advice.
But for the quicker answer - I would make a business plan - there are free templates on the web for that.
If you still want to be a VA after that, then I would begin creating a website - there are website builders on the net - just google "free website builder" - I used webstarts for mine. And I say begin creating, cuz you are going to build it, then edit and edit and edit for a while. You will see other websites and say "I want to incorporate that"
While you are building your website, go to meetup.com and look for a networking meeting in your area - and while you are at it, check out the chamber of commerce in your area for networking meetings.
Get business cards made - Vista Print is easy and inexpensive - give them out to everyone and practice your elevator speech
excellent - thank you! i feel overwhelmed right now with all this because the only real time i can devote to doing all this is like 3am! my 3 kids and the house and other things keep me busy but i do need to do something from home soon!
If you want your business to succeed, you need to treat it like a business..... Can your husband/parent/neighbor/friends take your little darlings for an hour each day so you can devote some time to it?? Think of this as an investment in your future and your family's future. The sooner you can work from home, the sooner you can BE HOME!!
Check out the WAHMs group in the VAF forums. They will have some great ideas for you to find time and to juggle.
The best place to start is the Master List right here on the forum! This will help you get your 'ducks in a row' and waddling in the right direction (click on the words master list for the link)
It all seems overwhelming at first but it DOES getter easier when you have a 'game plan' in place; this is where the master list comes in to play.
I agree with Lily to start with the master list. Don't try to do everything at once of you will burn out before you begin. Try taking one or two tasks a day and in the meantime start to think about your marketing plan so that when you have gotten set-up you are ready to find that idea first client.
I also agree with making your business a priority by devoting time to it each day. If 3 am works for you that is great but don't just do it them because that is where you eked out the time. And remember, you will need to plan on time for your business as well as your clients once you are off and running. Many times we forget that there are still our own business needs to keep it running smooth and growing.
I am in the beginning stages as well and I have found this forum to be very insightful. I have a running list of ideas I have jotted down on paper and my first step is going to be generating my business plan with short term realistic goals and long term goals. I feel the business plan is an important key to starting out.
I agree with the others not to take on too much at one time. Take one or two tasks a day so it isn't overwhelming or you get burnt out. The last thing you want to do is frustrate yourself before you have even begun.
You will do great and the forums will be a great source as you continue to build and create your business.
I created a workbook that you can purchase off my website, called "Jump-Start Your Virtual Assistant (VA) Business Today." It's a great tool to not only document what you need to do, but it also has a draft contract that you can use for your new business clients.
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Elva Miranda, Virtual Assistant Visit my Website
How to create your own business
Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
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