Following is an archived version of a live chatroom event hosted by Angie Green entitled Information Overload. "Angie Green is the author of "The Virtual Assistant Manual for Moms: A 4-week guide to build your VA business." This 90-page e-book will guide you step-by-step through everything you need to know both as a mom and an entrepreneur to set up your VA business. This simple, easy-to-use manual makes starting a business a breeze in your busy life. Short, practical exercises will guide you through the steps of getting your business off the ground. You can buy the book or subscribe to Angie's free weekly blog at http://www.vamanual.com."


AngieGreen : VAF has such a wealth of information that you could follow any one of the zillion paths that it can take you. So tonight we're going to talk about 4 places to focus your attention and research efforts.

AngieGreen : Would anyone like to share where they are at in their VA career? Exploring the option, contemplating, etc.?

Pattyben : I have been taking different classes. Speak about information overload. I am about ready to start

MrsAn : I'm just starting out on my own. I have worked as a telecommuter for 2 banks over the last 6 years.

PebblesSue : comtemplating.

Loreli : I've been pondering it for about a year, and finally decided to get started.

CherishR : I am in the Research phase. I just decided to go START. System Overload is an UNDERSTATEMENT!!

Lashonj : I am here in Jacksonville Florida and I have finally made the decision t go forward. This site has played a large part in my decision to jump into the VA pool!

jnix612 : I have started and still trying to secure my first client.

PamH53 : Newbie here. I'm working on getting my website up and running. I figured that should be my first step.

Japhylis : Been is VA for a few years, but am looking to get more into it while staying home with the kids.

KathyCrofoot.com : Greetings!

AngieGreen : Okay, let's talk about the first thing to focus on....

AngieGreen : Focus #1: Obtain necessary business licenses

Japhylis : what kind do you suggest?

Monique : Greetings Everyon!

AngieGreen : I recommend starting out that you operate as a "sole proprietor", simply claiming your income on your year-end taxes.

Japhylis : would that be a DBA?

Beth0813 : Hello everyone

AngieGreen : There are a few things to check on and acquire, and these apply to all states.

AngieGreen : Yes, Japhylis, exactly. "Doing business as"

Pattyben : What about if you live in a state that has state income taxes?

PebblesSue : business licenses? even while going virtual?

Beth0813 : I am new to the VA business. Web site is done, now I am waiting for it to be submitted to the search engines

Lashonj : What about going straight for the single member LLC?

Loreli : The legalese has been my main stumbling block

Japhylis : I looked into an LLC, but they are so expensive here in Massachusetts

CherishR : Legal and taxes!!!

Pattyben : Yes the legalese is scary

CherishR : Oh, and INSURANCE

Monique : An Accountant and Lawyer will be two of your best business investments

Japhylis : I think an LLC was $600 vs the $30 for a DBA - just haven't gotten it yet

AngieGreen : All good questions. Yes, LLC's are more expensive and not necessary until you've been at it a few years at least. Here's what you need to check on in your state...

AngieGreen : Good q, Cherish R, let's come back to insurance in a sec.

AngieGreen : • Check your local requirements by calling your city Clerk or city licensing department. The city may ask, for example, if you will have clients visit your home or if you will have an outdoor sign. (Typical cost = $25)

AngieGreen : Check your state's license requirements by calling your state's Small Business Assistance or Secretary of State office. Typically, there is nothing required because your services are not regulated by the state (as opposed to running an in-home daycare, for example). If you choose to operate your business as a “sole proprietor,” you will not need to collect sales tax on your services. Your profits will be taxed at your individual income tax rate. (Typical cost = $0)

AngieGreen : Obtain a tax identification number if you do not want to use your Social Security number on legal paperwork. Use Form SS-4, available through the IRS website at www.irs.gov (Typical cost = $0)

AngieGreen : Register your business name with the state. This lets the state know that you are “doing business as” your assumed name. Find out how by calling your state's Small Business Assistance office. In some states this is called a “Certificate of Assumed Name.” Be sure to check how long it is valid. (Typical cost = $25)

AngieGreen : You may also want to protect your name against use by others by reserving your corporate name. Just because you have filed your assumed name with the state, your name is not yet protected from use by others. Find out how to do this by calling your state's Small Business Assistance or Secretary of State office. (Typical cost = $35)

AngieGreen : A notice of your assumed business name may need to be published in a newspaper qualified to print legal notices. Check your state requirements for this. (Typical cost = $25)

AngieGreen : I'll give us a minute to read and chat. :-)

AngieGreen : Monique, you are right! None of us are experts in insurance or accounting. Ask around for a recommendation and find a good agent and accountant to at least ask questions of.

jnix612 : That really answers my question about the Tax ID number. Everywhere I read it says I don't need it, but the reason you stated tells me I should consider it.

Pattyben : I have read if you have employees you need a fed ID

PebblesSue : what about if it's a partnership?

AngieGreen : Pattyben, that is correct. I have used "subcontractors" to do extra work, not employees, so have avoided all that extra paperwork.

Pattyben : I have worked in commercial insurance a long time. Would be happy to answer questions if anyone wants to email me after the chat.

AngieGreen : PebblesSue, yes I think if you are entering into a partnership than you take that extra step and go beyond operating as a sole proprietor.

PebblesSue : thank you

AngieGreen : Thanks, Pattyben. Insurance can be quite confusing. I recommend that if you have homeowners insurance, you check with your agent to see what your homeowners insurance covers as far as operating a home business, and if you need to add additional coverage.

PamH53 : We are renting our house. We have renters insurance to cover our possessions. Do I need anything extra for my business?

AngieGreen : Does anyone else have questions about insurance or licenses or other boring legal requirements?

AngieGreen : Pam, I'd definitely ask your agent who does your renters insurance so you know exactly what your policy covers.

ilovecats54 : If clients will never come to your home, then there's nothing to worry about right? As far as insurance. Thank you

CherishR : GREAT question!!

MrsAn : I'd just add to maybe check with any Homeowners associations if they apply to you. Some can be quite unfriendly to this sort of thing especially if they have signage posted

Pattyben : That is correct. It is important that you check with your agent re coverage under your homeowners. However, your homeowners will not extend to errors and omissions you may make in your business. I think E & O is important for certain types of business someone would do?

AngieGreen : Ilovecats (great name!), even if you don't have clients coming to your home, you'll still just want to double check about all your equipment, etc.

AngieGreen : We're so glad Pattyben is with us tonight! :-) She can be our advisor.

AngieGreen : Okay, keep on throwing out the great questions, and we'll move on to Focus #2...

AngieGreen : Focus #2: Decide what tools to use for email, phone, calendar

AngieGreen : Sort of simple, I know, but there are so many options. Does anyone want to share what is working well for them?

Monique : My atty. had me get general liability and E&O

Japhylis : i love google calendar

Monique : iGoogle is my best organizing tool

AngieGreen : Yes, Japhylis, I'm all about Google and all about FREE.

PamH53 : I don't have any clients yet, so don't have real good advice, but I also am working with Google calendar.

ilovecats54 : I know nothing about what is out there or how to use software for calendars and scheduling.

PebblesSue : i'm sorry, what's E&O?

Monique : email, phone/chat, calendar, shared files, and more

Pattyben : One question I have is does one really need a fax? With email and scanning, I was wondering about that? I use My Fax but have not used it. Got it so I could have my business cards printed. May use it once I get started?

Monique : Errors and ommission (insurance)

Japhylis : i use efax and myfax..not often though

AngieGreen : PebblesSue, E&O is "Errors and Omissions"

Japhylis : my fax for incoming and efax for outgoing

Pattyben : Opps PebblesSue. Sorry to shorten the wording. Monique is correct.

PebblesSue : THANK U.

PamH53 : Is MyFax a free service?

leedrozak : I use efax but only for client who I have to request quotes for her business (renovations)

PebblesSue : i'm sorry, was not shouting

Monique : I use fax.com

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance : I use email, eFax, phone & now Skype and I use google docs/apps with some clients

AngieGreen : I rarely have the need to fax, but just in case use FaxDigits.

Your Virtual Wizard : I use Google calender, Outlook's Calendar, and an old fashioned 'Day Planner' to travel with me and keep nearby my desk with notes

Japhylis : yes it is. I set it up a while ago, but I believe it's maybe 2 free faxes a day.

jnix612 : The question is is faxing really necessary with all the other resources?

leedrozak : Email and calendar - I use Outlook and phone I use verizon landline and wireless as well as skype

bonusproficio : I agree Google has several features that are free and efficient. I use Efax and Faxzero.com. The theme is FREE. I use Skype as well for phone calls and incoming calls.

Monique : The best purchase I ever made was my iPhone - my business on the go

Japhylis : i havent' used skype for business reasons yet, but i think its wonderful

MichelleJ : You also have to remember that just because YOU may be "up to par" on the different available technologies, your client may not be.

CherishR : I was wondering what jnix612 said. That is a question for those who have been doing this. Do we really NEED a fax??

Virtually Assisting You : jnix612 - it depends on your clients! one of mine hates using internet calendars, and faxes me a copy of her paper cal for invoicing

Pattyben : Until I get started, I am really having to watch my expenses. (Especially with an attorney?)

jnix612 : Bonuspro..you use a land line, verizon cell and skype? Does Skype and the lan line cover the same thing? I'm confused

leedrozak : Skype and landline do cover the same, I use landline for most calls but skype for client requests

bonusproficio : Oh,no I have DSL and I use Skype's online number feature. Skype assigns you a number in the areacode you select for a minimal fee

Japhylis : Pattyben, trust me, I haven't spent much money at all. Everything I use so far is free or I already had it for my house.

Beth0813 : I don't have a land line. When the time comes I was thinking about getting a fax to e-mail number.

Pattyben : Good point Michelle.

MrsAn : I am thinking about cancelling my land line....use my blackberry for everything. Can these fax services handle outgoing faxes as well as incoming through email??

Lashonj : Does anyone just use a cell - Blackberry or iPhone?

MichelleJ : I hear that the iPhone is great, but some people have issues with its keyboard. Not you, Monique?

Monique : I use my lan/cell line for most all calls and Skype of Long Distance and International

Japhylis : yes they can MrsAn

Monique : I am iPhone only aside from Skype

MichelleJ : Thank you, Pattyben. - just from experience.

KathyCrofoot.com : I use Vonage for phone and fax. Both together are less than a dedicated phone line through my phone company.

AngieGreen : If all you are using a fax for is getting a signed document, consider www.echosign.com. It is FREE to collect up to 5 signatures per month. You upload your document, enter your client's email address and a note, and once the client receives the document by email she can decide if she would like to e-sign or print/sign/fax back. In the end everyone receives by email a signed PDF copy of the document.

bonusproficio : I then have the ability to forward calls to my cell when I'm not working. Skype phones are also available for purchase, they look like regular landline phones but I use a headset hooked up to my laptop

Monique : MichelleJ - No it just takes some getting use to like anything else

Japhylis : I use my land line for business cause if I am out with kids I don't want to answer a business call.

KathyCrofoot.com : Vonage will ring to my cell if I'm not at my desk if I want.

MichelleJ : I have not used Skype that much yet, but I do have it. I would love to take advantage of all of the bells and whistles. Sounds like I can learn a lot from some of you Skype professionals.

leedrozak : AngieGreen - I use Echo sign for my contracts - LOVE IT!

Monique : AngieGreen - I love Echo Sign I have been using from the start. Awesome tool

MichelleJ : I understand, Monique. Good point! Other than that, I have heard really good things. I'm glad you like it, Monique!

Japhylis : in regards to echosign, is it legally binding?

Your Virtual Wizard : I use Echosign too... Wonderful service!

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jnix612 : This is the first I've heard of Echo Sign. Glad I'm here today.

Pattyben : I have a question? What happens when there is a power outage? What is your computer goes down?

MrsAn : Pattyben- I also am worried about this as I live in Nevada and sometimes they like to do brown outs

PebblesSue : yes, what is echosign?

AngieGreen : Japhylis, hmmm, good question. I never really questioned if EchoSign was legally binding. Anyone know?

Monique : Japhylis - yes it is (per my attorney)

Japhylis : thank you

leedrozak : Since I travel I use a wireless card (Verizon wireless) to access and have it as a backup to power outage but they are few and far between and my battery is usually good for about one hour.

AngieGreen : As far as computer outages and backing up your data, I recommend an online service called Carbonite.

CherishR : echosign- good to know!

Monique : AngieGreen - yes it is legally binding.

Your Virtual Wizard : I have the computer on a back up battery - I think iti is called APC. It give me time to finish, save and back-up.

MrsAn : thanks! Gosh am I glad I came tonight!

Pattyben : Good information about Echo Sign Haven't heard of it either. Guess all this information will be available after the chat.

AngieGreen : PebblesSue, EchoSign is an online service to sign and send a document back and forth, eliminating the need for a fax.

CherishR : We don't have a lot of power outages in N. Texas. I am SO SORRY if you have to deal with a lot of them!! (

PamH53 : You can buy APC battery back ups at Best Buy for about $100.00 They are great.

Pattyben : That is another thing that I have on my list. Back up battery.

Monique : I use an APC battery back up as well

Japhylis : I had heard of EchoSign and wanted to use it, but a client/friend of mine made me question the legal aspect of it.

Lashonj : The backup battery is called a UPS but the company that sells them is APC.

Pattyben : I don't have a lot of power outages. Just wondering?

Your Virtual Wizard : They've really come down in price.

CherishR : You can get the UPS at Staples, Office Depot, Office Max, ....... I think they are about $100 for a "cheap" one

AngieGreen : http://www.carbonite.com/ is the link to Carbonite, the online backup system. It's $50/year, and automatically checks your computer like daily.

MandyJ : .

PebblesSue : thank you, can u tell i'm really green?

AngieGreen : Oops, 2 more topics to cover....but keep any questions going! On to focus #3....

AngieGreen : Focus #3: Create promotional materials, including a website and business cards

AngieGreen : Having a professional-looking website IS important, but to keep things in perspective…95% of VAs find clients through word of mouth referrals, while only 50% find them directly from their website. Important to have a professional site, but even more important to spend time on face-to-face networking.

AngieGreen : Step 1. Choose and buy a domain name: GoDaddy, under $10/year

AngieGreen : Step 2. Select a host for your site

AngieGreen : Good FREE hosts are Google Sites and Microsoft Office Live Small Business

AngieGreen : Does anyone want to share thoughts or questions related to websites

PamH53 : I am going through Homestead and so far it has been a good experience.

Japhylis : I did all mine through Yahoo Small Business. I think it went well

Monique : MS live site is a great place to start for $0

Monique : I meant office live small business

Pattyben : I used Homestead to set up my site. I think it is $85.00 a year with one email account.

jnix612 : No, only that it was a huge learning curve trying to figure out the Go Daddy site. It was not at all user friendly and took me forever to understand how to navigate through it. The other problem were all the passwords I had to create. I tell you I get lost on that site.

PamH53 : Don't a lot of the free sites have advertising on them that you can't control?

Your Virtual Wizard : MS Live is really great and there are stats to view, reports, image library, document library and other tools at no charge. The templates are limiting but good to get started.

Your Virtual Wizard : MS Live does not have advertising.

Your Virtual Wizard : I meant MS Live Small Business.

AngieGreen : Jnix612, you are right about the complexity of GoDaddy, and the fact that they try to add on like 500 things during the checkout process. BUT having access to all the info related to your domain name, instead of a host having that, is valuable.

bonusproficio : Google sites do not come with ads and it's good for first time website creators. For experienced website creators it may seem limiting.

Lashonj : I don't have anything set up yet, but this is excellent, valuable information. Keep it coming...and thanks.

Your Virtual Wizard : I left GoDaddy for hosting my blog. Too complicated. I'm on Host Gator for $7 or $8 per month.

CherishR : GoDaddy's customer service people have been very helpful to me in the past. I use Dreamweaver to create my sites and just load it up straight to them.

jnix612 : I agree Angie. That was important to me. I wanted everything to match.

Monique : I have my name as a domain and host that site at site ground

CherishR : It is SO much easier when you do everything in one place.

AngieGreen : On a separate but related issue, what have you used to create your logo or print your business cards? I recommend VistaPrint for printing and LogoEase for creating FREE, quality logos.

Monique : CherishR - I agree especially with domains so I'm using GoDaddy for domain management

Pattyben : I used VistaPrint for both.

AngieGreen : Here are the links: VistaPrint www.vistaprint.com and LogoEase is www.logoease.com

Beth0813 : I'll try LogoEase, thanks Angie. I heard allot of good things about VistaPrint.

Your Virtual Wizard : I use Vista Print for cards and LogoMaker ($20 at Staples) for logo creation.

CherishR : I have domains at 1and1 & networksolution and hosting thru godaddy. Sometimes getting them to "Talk" to eachother is MindBlowingly hard. So much easier to have it all at one place!!

Monique : I used VistaPring for my first set of Biz Cards but I'm graduating to more custom style as I'm working on re-branding

Beth0813 : VistaPrint has a lot of great sales.

bonusproficio : I have a business card software, but I also played around with different free templates online then I took it to nearby bookstore to print. I use LogoMaker Online for logo creation

AngieGreen : I learned about LogoEase here at VAF! I paid $50 for my logo through LogoMaker BEFORE learning that. :-)

MrsAn : I have only looked through logoease, but I think I am missing a huge section of logos there.

CherishR : Is LogoEase easy to use?? Do they offer a limited amount of logos??

jnix612 : I did not like LogoEase because it was not flexible enough, but it was FREE. I decided to purchase Logo Creater for under $10. It allows you to move art around, change the colors, play with fonts and even load any art you want. It will download it to the business card format and the letterhead.

AngieGreen : Bonusproficio, yes you can also just print cards at home. I like the Avery stationary, and they have good online business card templates.

Beth0813 : You can also create your own business cards in Word.

AngieGreen : I also found early on that as my business started, I had a new idea for logos, etc. like every other day so it's not worthwhile to have a big batch of cards printed up if you think you might change something.

jnix612 : Angie I think you got much more from LogoMaker than LogoEase. LogoEase just don't have a large file of art. It was a bit boring to me. But again, it is FREE. LOL

AngieGreen : Beth, you and I were on the same wavelength!

Your Virtual Wizard : Publisher has a business card template as well.

AngieGreen : Jnix, you are definitely right about quality vs. FREE. I just think that when you are first starting out, keeping expenditures to a minimum is critical. You want to MAKE money, not spend, right??? :-)

Beth0813 : Word 2007 has many great new features for any kind of desktop publishing you want to do.

CherishR : Word is easy and makes it Super Cheap. but does that transfer over to the clients that business cards are done on my home computer in Word??

Japhylis : I started of doing mine in Word and then a friend of mine (printer) printed them for me so they actually looked good.

Beth0813 : I love anything that is Free!

AngieGreen : Shoot, it's been one hour and still one last topic to cover. Everyone stick around as long as you like but I'll keep things moving....

Pattyben : Free is great.

jnix612 : Angie you are right. I was a beauty consultant once and I spent way too much money on the "fun" stuff.

webmss : Cindy Freland, Maryland Secretarial Services, thanks for inviting me

AngieGreen : Focus #4: Develop a simple bookkeeping system

Beth0813 : I'll stick around. My husband is watching the Florida/Oklahoma game

Your Virtual Wizard : CherishR Good quality business card stock makes a difference for home printing cards.

AngieGreen : Most important: Keep it SIMPLE for now

webmss : wow, there are 30 of us in the chatbox

AngieGreen : SEt up a bank account

AngieGreen : Consider tracking income and expenses on an Excel sheet, using Word to send invoices

CherishR : Has anyone used the MS Accounting that comes with 2007 package??

AngieGreen : If you want to be more high-tech...

Beth0813 : I downloaded a free version of Quickbooks, just haven't had the time to play around with it.

bonusproficio : If you're printing your own cards just be sure to purchase the best quality business card paper when you go to the office supply store, I don't think the client will know.:-)

AngieGreen : o QuickBooks: Simple Start version for free, or online version $10/month

Beth0813 : I like your idea Angie.

webmss : I use quickbooks for accounting.

jnix612 : Thanks to this site I was able to purchase Quickbooks 09 for FREE!!! It was awesome and I can't wait to have some clients so I can start inputting numbers and invoices. I'm sorry if many of you missed that opportunity.

AngieGreen : FreshBooks: online tool for tracking time, sending invoices, accept payments via PayPal. Free up to 3 clients, then $14/month

AngieGreen : MyHours: free option to track time

Pattyben : This is a great site. I'll second that.

webmss : How did you get it free?

jnix612 : The instant rebate and then the $159 mail in rebate...whoohooo

bonusproficio : I use the Simple Start from Quickbooks and it's great. I know there are limitations once your business grows to a certain size but it's perferct for small businesses

Your Virtual Wizard : It was an instant rebate at the register and the rest in a mail-in rebate.

Beth0813 : It is awesome here. I like that the live chat is at a time when I can participate.

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webmss : Okay. I've used QB Pro since I started my business in 1997. I love it.

Monique : I started with excel now I have QB plus online

MrsAn : Gosh..quickbooks is facinating and scary at the same time!

Pattyben : There is so much to think about.

Monique : Not sure I really like but then again I don't like the accounting so I had to hire one who handles all that.

webmss : My computer crashed about 6 months ago and I lost all my information for the first six months of 2008.

Japhylis : I use excel right now

Lashonj : I agree Pattyben. It's wonderful!

jnix612 : Yea QB has a lot of features, but I'm taking the training that comes with the software. Plus they have loads of resources if you have questions.

Melissa~HVAS : Sorry I'm so late getting here - got held up at the B&M.

AngieGreen : Everyone...THANK YOU again for joining. It's been an hour and I'm going to stick around to chat, but that's the end of my 4 recommended places to focus your start-up efforts.

Loreli : I'm still wondering what "errors & omissions" are

Your Virtual Wizard : There is a great Getting Started Check List on VAF that helps with organization.

bonusproficio : Backup daily

webmss : In QB all you do is enter the information as you get it. It is very simple. You can even print checks.

AngieGreen : Melissa, that's okay, just read read read. Plenty of good thoughts shared!

Your Virtual Wizard : Thank you, Angie Green.

Pattyben : Thank you for sharing. Good infor.

Beth0813 : Thanks Angie!

jnix612 : Did you know QB offers a service like Paypal? It's not free and I did not do a lot of reading on it because I'm no where near that point in my business, but the option is there.

CherishR : THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

MrsAn : Angie-Thank you so much! You are wonderful to share with us!

Japhylis : Thank you Angie! THis was wonderful

jnix612 : Thanks all this was very helpful.

Kari! : Thank you Angie for your insight.

Lashonj : Thanks everyone. This was outstanding! I can't wait for the next live chat.

bonusproficio : Thanks Angie, we definitely needed more than an hour :-)

webmss : I backed it up to a flash drive but the flash drive crashed too.

ilovecats54 : Thank you!!

PamH53 : Thanks Angie. Appreciate your hard work keeping us on track.

AngieGreen : Loreli, I can't give the exact legal definition, but it pertains, I think, to your liability as a business owner for the quality of your work, and "errors and omissions" made in your work.

Lashonj : Thanks Angie.

Monique : Thanks Angie, I really enjoyed it.

AngieGreen : CherishR, good q, I'll try that right now and try to post it somewhere in the forums?

Japhylis : search the forum for "ommissions" all the info will come up

webmss : Yes, and there is insurance to cover your mistakes.

PebblesSue : thank u Angie

ilovecats54 : I would like to cover the best ways and tools to acquire clients maybe next time?

Pattyben : That reminds me of an insurance claim. The person did not back up and lost a lot of information that had to be recreated again. She was a bookkeeper.

MrsAn : That is pretty much it. I have this insurance for my husband-real estate appraiser-

AngieGreen : Bonusproficio, keep chatting, I'm sure some of us are still here! :-)

CherishR : Angie- Thank you!! It is SO much info to digest right now

webmss : I just got here so I am still here.

Loreli : Holy cow - there's legalese for everything!

webmss : I have to input all my information the first six months of last year for my accountant.

webmss : I am in Maryland. Where is everyone else?

Beth0813 : I am in north Texas

MrsAn : I'm in Las vegas

Pattyben : Georgia

Japhylis : Massachusetts

Monique : Oklahoma

AngieGreen : ilovecats54, yes that could be a whole other topic! My best and simplest recommendation is to make connections in REAL LIFE and in networking. Those are your best bets. There are other avenues, like sites that post jobs. Does anyone want to share where/how they acquired their first client?

PebblesSue : ny

ilovecats54 : Southern CA

webmss : What do you specialize in Beth?

CherishR : AngieGreen - where can we get the book that was advertised. The Virtual Assistant Manual for Moms: A 4-week plan to build your VA business

CherishR : north texas also

PebblesSue : no clients yet.

bonusproficio : Webmss, sorry about your comp crash. There are a couple of online backup facilities as well, you may want to look into that.

Lashonj : Florida

AngieGreen : My first client was my old boss. I left the company to have kid #1, then formed my VA company, then hit them up for work. :-)

webmss : I do, I do.

Beth0813 : No clients yet. I am looking in to BNI for more localized networking.

AngieGreen : Cherish, my website is [url]www.vamanual.com[/url]

CherishR : THANKS!!

webmss : My first client was a restaurant owner. I was eating there and they had just gone under new management. I was telling the new owners that I just started a business too. They asked me to design their menus.

Beth0813 : I also joined LinkedIn, created a page on Facebook and joined Twitter.

MrsAn : Angie- I am thinking about going back to my old boss for work. He wanted to keep me when we moved (I telecommuted for the bank) but the big wigs said no

Japhylis : I posted on a Yahoo Group in my town looking for legit work for a stay at home mom. A photographer from town contacted me. We've been working together for about 1 1/2 years now. He recommended me to my 2nd client.

webmss : I got a new flash drive and back up on the hard drive and flash drive often.

AngieGreen : Webmss, that's speaks to the power of just telling people what you do! You never know where a client could be hiding! :-)

PamH53 : I always have a business card in my wallet. You never know who you are going to meet.

AngieGreen : Beth, yes, those are all awesome social networking resources and the new way people are networking.

Beth0813 : Even though my site is on the search engines yet I have been sending the link to friends and family

webmss : We are all over the country. MD, CA, TX, NY

Pattyben : I still work three days a week. Finishing up one course on social marketing. Then I'm going to get busy. Thinking of offering insurance services and some internet marketing services.

CherishR : I have done networking in the past at Chamber women's luncheons!!

Beth0813 : It dawned on me today that my brother in-law owns his own business. I am going to be sending him an e-mail.

AngieGreen : MrsAn, my old boss was more than happy to give me "overload" tasks. I was familiar with everything already, and they didn't bat an eye to the fee I was going to charge them.

webmss : Yes, I love telling people what I do. I have been in business since 1997. I love to help people starting out too.

AngieGreen : Japhylis, that definitely speaks to the power of "word of mouth," another great tool!

webmss : I got my biggest client from a chamber mixer. His project allowed me to quit my full-time job.

Monique : My first client was from an RFP post on the IVAA website

MrsAn : I think I might have to look him up with my new website

webmss : I have been concentrating on attorneys. They pay well and love the help.

Monique : Now they are coming from everywhere - Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc.

Japhylis : Thanks Angie! I also found a couple of potential clients on Craig's List. We've been emailing so hopefully everything will fall into place soon.

Beth0813 : I am going to join IVAA.

AngieGreen : CherishR, your local Chamber of Commerce is my #1 recommendation for finding clients! Also, just talking with people who know and love you.

CherishR : Cool!!

webmss : There is another group at www.homesecretaries.com. I contacted several members and most say they get work from the group.

Monique : I am very involved in the organzations that my clients are members of such as NSA & ICF

CherishR : Ladies, I have to go. THANK EVERONE for all their wisdom and questions! I am pumped and can't wait to talk more later (the kid is screaming BITES!)

AngieGreen : Pattyben, those are 2 areas people need a lot of help with! It sounds like you have found specialties that complement your experience and interests.

webmss : Sorry, that should be www.homesecretary.com.

Pattyben : Thanks Angie. I just need to get started. Need to spread my wings.

Monique : National Speakers Assoc. & International Coach Federation both a major associations for speakers and coaches

AngieGreen : Webmss, I love your comment that attorneys pay well and love the help. 2 big criteria, especially these days! Pay to have a niche sometimes.

webmss : I have been mailing flyers out to local attorneys. The attorneys who work from their homes or don't have help are the ones who need help.

PebblesSue : i too am a legal sec. in my day job and looking to go virtual, any help is appreciated. thanks guys.

Pattyben : Thanks everyone. I enjoyed the chat. Need to sign off. Bye

webmss : I heard concordance is needed by some large law firms.

PebblesSue : good nite

webmss : If you know it, you are well on your way to becoming a legal virtual assistant.

PebblesSue : thanks

Monique : Good Nite everyone I enjoyed it.

webmss : Angie, since I was tardy and missed most of what you were discussing, do you have a website or can you please email me the points you discussed?

PebblesSue : good nite Monique. be blessed.

Japhylis : Good night everyone! This was wonderful. I look forward to the next time.

PebblesSue : webmss, i would be willing to discuss with you your expertise in your field. unfortunately i have to go get baby. would you be so kind as to send me a message and i will respond back to you?

webmss : sure

webmss : I just emailed you.

Beth0813 : Good night everyone! See you around the forum.

AngieGreen : Webmss, yes my website is www.vamanual.com and I'm going to see if we can post a recap of the discussion on VAF.

webmss : thanks Angie

webmss : It looks great. Looks like a lot of good information.

webmss : Who else still wants to chat?

ilovecats54 : Good night all!, and thanks again, AngieGreen.

MrsAn : Thanks again for the chat. Hope there are more of these to come

AngieGreen : Thank you all for your wonderful questions!

MrsAn : Last Question Angie.....where can I get this new book of yours??

PebblesSue : thank u

MrsAn : I'm off to change diapers and get kids to bed! Thanks again for everything tonight!

PebblesSue : good nite everyone. thanks for everything. have to put kids to bed.

VAF Admin : You can find Angie's book here: http://www.vamanual.com/

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