What exactly is in the kit?

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Need Help?Ask Viki!

Hi Viki,

The kit has many things included, too many to mention, so you can read more here!

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

I Have thought about purchasing starter kits but it seems like too much money to pay out at once. I will try looking at other ways to start up

I think it would be nice to have a starter kit as a reference if nothing else, but it's a cost that 1) isn't very budget conscious (at least for me) and 2) isn't absolutely necessary because, like many others have said, you can often find the same information from doing your own research. It just may take you a little longer than having it spoon fed to you.

Personally, I'd rather take the DIY approach because I fell it involves a stronger commitment on my part and I think I'll learn a whole lot more if I have to dig for every bit of information. It'll improve my research skills, that's for sure. Plus, as many others have said, the forums and other research arenas probably offer just about the same type of information for FREE. I'd be afraid that I'd spend all that money and already know half of it because of the research I've already done. Of course, I could just be saying this because I don't have the money to throw around, but it's my story, I can tell it anyway I want to...lol

The basic steps for starting a small business are probably about the same no matter what type of business you're starting and most areas have small business development centers that offer workshops on different topics for little or no cost. The only other things I could see a kit offering would be skill related stuff and maybe business forms. As far as honing your skills go, a couple of classes would take care of that (and probably in more depth) and with just a little bit of research, you can probably find form templates for free and then just fine tune them to fit your needs. (just my 2cents)

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase

hmm, just my opinion, but I'd say that these start-up kits probably contain information that you could find yourself if you're willing to put some time and effort into research on the internet.

Also, I'm not sure how much credibility I'd give to a kit costing $500 when there are basic spelling errors in the contents page (sorry, but I'm picky like that!!).

Just tried to edit, but have obviously timed-out on that feature....but something's just occurred to me: I'll bet $500 that somewhere in their literature they advise potential VA's to fully proofread their websites!

I haven't checked this kit out at all, but that is too funny that there are spelling errors.

In the end, it is totally up to you and your budget. I feel I've learned more by doing the research and hitting the forums like this one than what I might have learned from a kit. But that is the way I am. Things seem to stick with me better when I do it this way.

I agree, Leanna, when you've had to do all the groundwork yourself, it does tend to stick; you can't buy experience 'ready-made' in a box.

I would love to hear from people who've actually bought a starter kit what they learned from it that they couldn't have sourced themselves?

As an FYI - I found a document / template e-book on another website for $24.95. I haven't purchased it but it seems to have a lot of good information. I'm thinking about it.
Let me know if you would like the link
Laurie

I'd recommend doing the online research and printing the articles/ebooks that you find useful and creating your own binder of information - basically make your own kit. That will be invaluable. Also, VAs ont his board (and others) are always willing to share information - including contracts, etc.

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Julia

I totally agree with Julia on this. It is very easy to make your own kit.

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

Boy, you ladies are tough!

A startup kit is essentially useful for VAs who either don't have the time, knowledge or expertise in launching an online business. In this instance, a VA startup kit (and the one I believe is referenced in the majority of this discussion) cuts through a lot of the guess work and trial and error stumbles that a lot of new VAs experience. It can give some a head start in establishing a good business foundation and offers numerous resources. I happen to be one of the VAs that originally endorsed the kit and feel it is a very useful tool for VAs.

And, as I stated in a post on another topic, "everything ain't free". An individual should not expect to obtain all the knowledge they need from list servs and forums, even as VAs freely share info and resources. For instance, I'm working on the 2nd edition of my marketing books, which surely contains information the purchaser couldn't/wouldn't be able to access just by asking questions on a list serv/forum. It's up to the potential purchaser to assessnthe "value" of the offering and if it is a worthwhile investment, based on evaluating the writer's knowledge, experience, and resources provided. Would every VA obtain maximum benefit, depending on their own experiences and knowledge, probably not, but for many, yes.

In addition, many do not possess the "self-discipline" necessary to start a business from scratch, without structured guidance. Also, some learners aren't visual/auditory learners and need specific subject-matter assistance that can be provided by topic specialists. Usually start-up kits delve deeply into a particular subject matter and provide insight into the topic.

In my opinion, it doesn't make sense to use your funds to, for example, to market your business if you have no clue about the fundamentals of marketing, identifying your target audience, defining your niche, and developing a marketing strategy specific to the audience you want to reach, etc. I presume the kit would provide insight into these and other business development and growth processes required to create and sustain a profitable business.

So to answer the original question, "should I purchase a VA business starter kit?", it's based on your learning style, if the kit covers elements you specifically need assistance with, the amount of time you have to devote to studying, and of course, your pocketbook (it is a legitimate business expense and tax deduction).

Again, my $.02 worth.

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Sharon Williams
The 24 Hour Secretary
The "I Needed It Yesterday" Company

Well, I personally find it's way too much of an infomercial-like hard sell with all the odd bolding, repeated "download the sampler" links, guaranteeing a successful business, and "wait there's more". And I hate that's it's all one long page you have to scroll through to get to the "meat".

Although many people might benefit from the product, I can't get past the ham-fisted marketing.

I agree with Sharon on this one.

I would consider the start-up kit a business expense. I didn't have the need to purchase the kit (if it's the one we're all thinking about ) but I know VAs who have and they don't regret the purchase. In fact, some of them have said they wouldn't be where they are without it.

Also, the lady who wrote and sells the kit is a highly respected VA and if she gives a guarantee then I would take her at her word.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Quote:

if she gives a guarantee then I would take her at her word

It's not possible to guarantee that someone else will have a successful business. You can guarantee they will have a business up and running if they follow all the steps, you can guarantee they will have a high possibility of success, but not that they will be successful. There are too many factors in success that a kit cannot control for.