Hi

I'm new and hoping to set up soon, and I'm curious as to what the first step is. - Would it be having a website then your marketing/network etc etc

Thanks in advance

Wow, I could write a whole book on that, actually...but mine wouldn't be the first

I guess if I had to make a checklist of what to be focused on initially, just in terms of setup, I'd put it something like this (not necessarily in order of importance)

-Decide on your services: what will you offer, what are you good at, what do you *enjoy* doing.
-Decide on how much your time in worth relative to: services offered (assumed level of excellence in delivered product), cost of running your business (legal aspects, taxes, health insurance, cost of workspace, supplies, technology, etc.) Set your rates accordingly.
-Settle your business paperwork and all legal entities related to startup including your own contracts.
-Create a business bank account
(There is more on those two particular items here.)
-Create a professional website that illustrates your company philosophy and gives potential clients a good synopsis of what you offer and why you're their best possible choice (when it comes to design less is more and when it comes to content personality is key). Perhaps add and start a blog about your company, specialty/niche industry, etc.

You can also work on marketing materials, work on branding, create and order business cards, investigate various on and offline options for getting your name out there. Prepare a workspace that will be productive and make you *happy*! Become familiar with as many resources as possible. There's more...to be sure...and each of these aspects is all about the details - paying attention to each item on your to-do list with the mindframe that you're a business owner and that the effort you put in will equal the end result - both literally and figuratively.

If you're not sure what to do next, just look at the list and start with the thing that most intrigues you - when in doubt always better to start with the fun parts

Also, all of this assumes that the VA is up to date on current technology, programs, online services and resources, and relatively important things that are necessary to provide a suitable condition for the client. If not, research and learning in these areas is crucial.

I do hope that helps! And if there's anything in particular you're wondering about just ask...also I'm sure other members will have their own suggestions as well - it's possible I've forgotten something here but I think that about covers it.

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Hi,

Several things come to mind!

*Having your business plan in place including one for marketing.
*Knowing your target market(s) and how to reach them.
*Having a good and fully functional web site.
*Business cards!
*Appropriate hardware, software, telephony etc.
*Determing your rate.
*Any business licenses or insurance that you may need to acquire. In my state, IL, I have to have a business license stating I am a "doing business as".

Good luck!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

I would add "make sure your accounting records are set up from the get-go." This doesn't necessarily mean having a software program, but at least tracking expenses/income, etc. I have a LLC basics brochure I would be glad to send you. Once you have 25 posts on the forum, send me a pm w/your email address

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

Thanks very much Tess, Doreen & Lily for sharing your knowledge.
I'm going to find it very useful I cant wait to get started.

My advice is to jump in and do it. Start with your website and really highlight and showcase what YOU are good at. Think about how you might be able to position yourself differently than other VAs (to set yourself apart) and think about who you want to serve. Then, position everything you do around that idea of what you want to do.

My quick list would be:

(1) Website
(2) Marketing - articles, blogging, etc.
(3) Find a VA firm to partner with for the beginning
(4) Further your skills to become more marketable