Hi, you haven't signed off your name.

If you don't have the funds to support yourself as you build your business then you do need to start it off part-time. Most do but not all. I was in the fortunate position to launch into mine fulltime in 1994. I took leave without pay from a govt job to give things a go and see how it worked out. 12 months later I'd matched the gross income of the previous year of my job so gave in my notice and have never looked back.

It takes time, and money, to build a business. Don't let anyone think you can do it with nothing because you do need to invest in marketing and promoting your business and not everything comes free, nor should it.

Take the time to read the various threads here on how to develop your business, make sure you plan what you want to do and be methodical about it and mix and mingle with everyone here. Things will rub off and it will happen for you - but not overnight. It takes time. Welcome by the way!

Thanks for the info - for us "newbies" it is priceless!

I have to agree that all the advice you wonderful women are sharing is extremely helpful for those of us just starting out. I thought I'd have to go back into an office and was wondering how on earth I would do it with my various back issues ( concrete kills my lower back!), but by doing this I provide a valuable service without hurting myself! VAF is a real life saver for me! Thank you to all of you!

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Serita Diana, the List 2 Close Assistant
REVA Academy

I was just looking at your success from your testimonials. What form of marketing do you attribute the success?

I assume you're asking me mjescobar?

Many things, consistency and persistency being the keys.

Networking is paramount - not just online but offline too. Very important to meet local business owner/operators and let them know you exist. Not everyone searches online for help.

I advertise in the Yellow Pages too and that has worked for us since the mid 90s but won't forever. However I keep the adverts for now as they're still working.

Carrying business cards wherever I go and hand them out to everyone I meet.

Give referrals to other business people: travel agents, mortgage brokers, printers, etc. People I've done business with and have been happy with - they'll remember it and reciprocate.

Giving good service to clients over and above their expectations - they tell others about you.

Yes, networking is one of the most important things that you can do for your business. Always carry business cards with you because you never know when you might need to pass out one, two, or maybe three of them. Word of mouth, especially our own mouth is what will keep our business up and running. Good luck!

-Theresa

Yes, this has been a terrific thread! It's funny, living in a large and diverse city such as Miami -- as I do -- you would think that most people would know about virtual assistants. Very, very odd that it is not so.

I also agree with everyone that it's a very good idea to keep your part-time/temp position as you are starting out. I am signed up with a great temp agency (have been for years) and contract with a transcription company (also for years). Jobs are going to be few to begin with, but once you get going (and this is what I'm hoping), you can fully concentrate on your business.

I do also agree that it is a very good idea to join your local Chamber of Commerce and local business associations. I have attended three association meetings so far, and I cannot believe that no one -- wait, there was one very young, dashing man who had heard of us -- knew what a virtual assistant was! But, as I was saying, it is a great idea to join your local associations. I had so many people interested in what we as VAs can offer.

I am also trying to get myself out there, and I have just signed up to be on the Virtual Assistant Directory displayed here on this forum. I understand how hard it is to get going, and there are so many offers out there, certifications that claim to be so important (not they're not) -- but it's all so expensive. And when you're starting out as we are, all those costs add up. But if you check out your local associations (which too have their fees) and joining in on the directory here (which is very reasonable), those are great starts.

Well, I think I wrote a chapter here. I just wanted to tell you from one new and aspiring VA to another, get out there. Carry your business cards everywhere. Join local associations. And sign up with at least one directory. When you put in the effort, you will see results. It's just a matter of time!

Good luck to you!!

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Patty

Another source to check out businesses in your area and network is one called Merchantcircle.com. Many of these resources can get value from working with a VA to build and support their business.

Great question! I was wondering the same thing. There are no VA's in my area and just a handful in the larger cities a couple hours south. But I'm not sure how many of them may be marketing to this area.

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April
ARC Virtual Office Services

Is there any subject you feel confident in speaking on? There are rotary clubs, etc. that love to have someone come and speak. Show the benefits to their business by using you - case study would be helpful here. Good luck. Networking is my first thought but everyone already said that.

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Kim Adamof
Inbound Marketing Virtual Assistant dot com