I'm trying to assess the competition and come up with a niche. There are two VAs in my area--a small capital city--with state government, a growing hi-tech sector, and several non-profit associations in addition to a few larger companies.

I would like to offer VA marketing services--press releases, e-newsletters, event announcements and planning--as well as grant research and writing to hi-tech startups and non-profit organizations. The other two VAs in my area do offer some overlapping services but not grant writing and research. I also do HTML coding, which can come in handy for the electronic communications pieces. I'm also trained in journalism and can write articles.

How can I figure out if my local market can handle another VA? How do I go about assessing market share? I'm also looking for stats about hi-tech startups in New York State but haven't found a good source for numbers.
A leader of the NYS Incubator Association suggested I look at the S&P databases, but I don't see a category for technology start-ups.

Does anyone have any ideas about how I can assess the market?

Hi everywhereva,

One good place to start is your local library. Use their computer to log onto the Reference USA system. This will give you a list of new and mature companies.

As far as competition is concerned you have to take into account what you do verses what other VAs are doing. This could mean there is no competition as they could be offering services you don't and visa-versa

On another note, don't just rely on local work, remember working virtually allows you to contract with any business in any state or country.

Good luck!

Andrea~

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Thank you, Action Jackson. I will visit my local library.

As Andrea said, you're virtual! You can work for anyone, anywhere!! Don't limit yourself to just local work.

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Mary Henaghan
Harmony Business Services

Hi - I know this thread has been around for awhile now but just in case you are still seeking some information. If I were targeting technology businesses in NY, I would start by reaching out to the New York Technology Council: http://www.nytech.org/

In most cases technology councils or associations assist both starting up and expanding businesses with finding funds or partners to take their business to the next level and/or remain competitive. In addition, they usually hold events that will allow you to meet potential clients. Good luck!

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Maryann Cruz, Founder & Virtual Assistant
THINK Virtual Solutions, LLC :daisy:

Reference USA is a great resource, I am using it now to find some businesses I can contact to introduce myself to.

That is what I am trying to get myself to understand...lol. Seems that I keep limiting myself to local and I have to remind myself.."no....virtual...anywh ere." Love VAF and the posts, good reading.

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Cassandra Hamilton
Zjudra Advanced Virtual Assistance

thanks for sharing the info for Reference USA, I didn't know that existed!!

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Yolanda Allen

Originally Posted by VAtoday

thanks for sharing the info for Reference USA, I didn't know that existed!!

I am with you on this one did not know of this resource either! I am so excited to try it out and find out more about it.

I too forgot about Reference USA, but I could access it from my Library's website! (Now, if only I can remember where to find it! LOL)

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Lisa Duffy
www.24HourVP.com