Hi all!

I'm looking at November 2 as the official launch date for my business. I think I'm overthinking or completely confused - maybe a combination of the two.


I'm thinking the policies, contacts, website, initial niche(s) and payment structure is very important. I realize SEO is a must do but is it imperative to get that done ASAP? I'm thinking it is.

What, in your opinion, MUST be done by the launch date? I'm flipping out with the lonnnnng to do list and I really don't have a clue what should come first and what can wait a bit.

Thanks,
Joy

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Joy Wilder
Wilder Office Approach

I was wondering if I've crossed all the T's and dotted all the I's....anyone?

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Joy Wilder
Wilder Office Approach

Hi Joy...think about it this way: First, with marketing...what ways will you announce yourself? Depending on your answer you may want to have yourself be prepared for the incoming responses. Things such as your elevator speech, website, dedicated phone number, client intake forms, client consultation forms (just to name a few) are the first things that should be ready to go. The worst thing is to stumble when a potential client comes knocking. Your SEO, even if in place will not be effected overnight. Try all of the more simplier (if that's a word) things first. Just have all of your systems in place and your elevator speech (THE MOST IMPORTANT) and you will be fine.

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Michelle Hill-Smith
www.OnTaskAssistants.com

There is a basic "to do" list on this site under Features -->Document Library. if you can complete this, you are almost ready. You are always going to find something that your client will ask for and it would had been great if you had this ready. I love that other VA's have contributed to the document library, thanks ladies.

Cheers!!

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Bernice
Energy Virtual Assistant

Michelle,
Thanks for your input. I'm glad you reminded me about my elevator speech. I always stumble when someone asks me about my business.

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Joy Wilder
Wilder Office Approach

Bernice,

The document library is a fantastic resource - thanks to all who contributed to it!

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Joy Wilder
Wilder Office Approach

Joy,

You said in your original post that November 2 was your launch date. I hope you were able to get all your research done and "open" your virtual doors today. It is a very exciting time. Good Luck!

Don't know what you were able to accomplish, but in my opinion, one of the things that need to be done by launch date is to have a contract ready to go. If a prospective client approaches you, you do not want to delay getting started because you don't have a contract to sign. Hopefully you were able to find something in the document library that works for you. Of course a contract is only one piece of the pie, but it is something that needs to be done at the very beginning.

Keep us posted on your progress.

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

Congratulations on your "grand opening"! I am anxious to hear about your progress!

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Anjanette
Precise Assistance

Hey Pam!
Yes, I *guess* I'm officially launched. I'm holding a sparkler and letting virtual balloons float to the sky

My website isn't completely done, but most info is on there...I just have to pretty it up. I keep telling myself, "Progress, not perfection".

I have a few rough drafts of contracts, but nothing set in stone yet.

Thanks for the response,

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Joy Wilder
Wilder Office Approach

Originally Posted by joywilder

Yes, I *guess* I'm officially launched. I'm holding a sparkler and letting virtual balloons float to the sky My website isn't completely done, but most info is on there...I just have to pretty it up. I keep telling myself, "Progress, not perfection".

Congrats on your launch!

Goddess 'opened the doors' nearly 2.5 years ago and the website still isn't completely done - in fact, it never will be done! My website is constantly being updated, tweaked, etc. and was completely revamped (new colors) recently. I keep telling my husband "baby steps are better than no steps."

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"