As a beginner, I am once again finding myself all over the place. I've read that this *condition* is pretty normal for those of us just taking the steps from POSSBILITY to POSSIBLE!

As my mind wanders (as do the growing number of open tabs on my pc) .... I'm hoping that someone can offer a suggestion as to how to get myself a bit more organized.

Here's a bit of where my trail has been leading....

1)Got the Starter package link here...and business plan info.
2) Have identified Business name, domain, and off to the ever cofusing world of understanding Wordpress.org....ugh!
3) Have numerous scribbled sheets of links to *what I need to know* as in.... Learn Microsoft Office, Exel...."when I get the previous done"
4) Social networking...that's not a biggie for me...CHECK!

This seems overwhelming... its become what came first the chicken or the egg syndrome.
Get Wordpress site figured out and on the backburner? The one trustworthy site I know for website creation workshop is filled and cannot join till January? ... decide later what to do ... research for more training?.. which delays and now adding stress to what I've been so excited to begin.
Need/want to begin using that site link in social networking...

Help?
Gayle

Hi Gayle,

Am I understanding you correctly? You've put "Learn Microsoft Office, Exel [sic]....' after doing your business plan and setting up a website? Does this mean you don't already know how to use the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc)?

I'm guessing I've misunderstood, but if that's not the case then may I suggest that you make number two in your list a priority. Unless you're not offering secretarial services (wordprocessing, transcription, data entry, etc.).You could use Open Office as an alternative to MS Word, etc., but I've always used MS Office while employed and in my own business — even though I'm an avid Mac user I have to give MS Office it's due.

If I have misunderstood then please accept my apologies .

If you've identified the skills / services you can offer potential clients and written a business plan, the next step would be to write the content ready to publish on your website and to use on other marketing material as you get to it.

If you already have a domain name registered and a hosting account, then contact your host provider they will probably install Wordpress for you if you ask nicely. Visit http://codex.wordpress.org/Getting_S..._for_Beginners and go from there .

Good luck.

Tracy

__________________
Partner, Freelancealot.co.uk
Think Smart, Think Virtual Assistant.

Welcome! just a note... you used the word "scribble" - does that mean you are writing by hand with pen/paper? -- if so - suggest you jot everything onto WORD document. Later you can organize if you like - save onto other sheets etc. (without having to rewrite) - especially can "find" something in your notes by hitting that wonderful Edit/Find button. Also if you aren't familiar with WORD it will give you practice.

Make "to do" list - and don't try to do too much or won't get anything done.

Gayle,

I think we are confused by what exactly you are looking for.

Quote:

Have numerous scribbled sheets of links to *what I need to know* as in

If this is internet based pages that you would like to work through then you may be better off to get a "Read Later" bookmarking tool so that you can keep all your pages handy and organized.

Have you started with the Getting Started packet that is available here on the forums?
There is some great information there that may help you to get organized and back on track.

__________________
Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Gayle,
Would like to help, but not sure what it is you are struggling with (like the others). I understand you have the starter pack, have identified the business name, etc. All important things.
But have you decided what it is you are going to do? Or have you decided how to finance it all.

These are important questions. Others have mentioned it too, a business plan is a good idea. It will bring clarity about where to start.

If you have more specific things you struggle with, we are here to help.

__________________
Hilde
www.vbbassociates.com

Many, many thanks for the responses to my post for help here. If I was not exactly clear, it was probably out of a frusturated state of mind! LOL

This is a new adventure for me, as I had dabbled with the idea last year but life got in my way.

By faith and opportunity, I was contacted by a friend with a referral...one who needed help with Social Networking...which is an area that I am most familiar with. Everything else that falls into the catergory of VA is a direction that I'd love to follow/learn. General skills which will certainly be an asset should I ever have to step back out into the *brick and motar* business world. Microsoft Office being one tool to my advantage.

I am a newly single mid-life woman who is building a new life and while my skills for being a VA are few...this is my time to create a new beginning. I've read here on the forum that the *classes* for VA certification are helpful but not always necessary. Expense is certainly a consideration, therefore my process is starting here and gathering *notes* to put together a business plan, plan of action and my own learning by doing plan. When I decide something, I jump into it with full force.

One poster here on the forum mentioned Microsoft One Note for keeping track of information. By checking that out, I fount One Note is included in the Office package...so off I go to get that installed and out of the way. Done.

Thinking about the learning process.....part of my *plan of action/business plan is exploring how to build a site. Not necessarily one for business right now..but to have it ready...get back into social networking (which I have been absent from this year) and rebuild my contacts. So that when I'm ready to go *public* with a VA business... my eggs are all in the same basket. So to speak.

This gift of a referral is exactly that... a step into a new beginning. The contact undertands that I am not exactly a VA...yet. But this will give me some experience, anything to take that first step.

Thanks again for the connection here. I'm sure each of you remember what it was like starting new, maybe most already having the tools to jump right in... these are my baby steps.

Gayle