Hi Everyone!

I have a couple of questions for all of you.

1. How much was your start-up cost?
2. How long before you started with your 1st client?

I want to be realistic with my goals and expenditure. All your inputs will be appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Pixie

How long is a piece of string?

Kind of depends on a number of things for both questions. Re start up costs, if you already have the computer, printer you need and the software you want to use for providing services, then additional things would be stationery, a website, web hosting (don't use any of those free websites that have banners, etc on them), and so on. If you don't have a computer, phone, desk, printer, etc then obviously the costs are going to be much higher.

How long it took to get started with my first client? I had him lined up before I even opened my doors for business - I put out feelers before I got started and kept networking and talking to people. I still do today, over 14 years later.

Hope this helps.

__________________
Kathie M. Thomas, VA Coach
A Clayton's Secretary, VA Blog

Thanks Kathie!

I already have the computer, printer, phone, internet connection.As for software, I have MS Office, Adobe, Outlook. I'm still assessing what services I'd offer and then I'll add the additional software that's needed. As for webhosting, I'm planning on going with Yahoo Small Business.

Where did you send your feelers? Locally or virtually or both? I want to do just the same but I don't know where to start.

Pixie

Originally Posted by PixieinNy

Thanks Kathie! I already have the computer, printer, phone, internet connection.As for software, I have MS Office, Adobe, Outlook. I'm still assessing what services I'd offer and then I'll add the additional software that's needed. As for webhosting, I'm planning on going with Yahoo Small Business. Where did you send your feelers? Locally or virtually or both? I want to do just the same but I don't know where to start. Pixie

Feelers? You mean for clients? I started before the internet so definitely locally but I still recommend that even today. Until you've gained confidence in what you're doing and how to sell your services, then often it's easier picking up new clients on a face-to-face basis. And if others know how good you are at what you do, they could also be recommending you. People such as family, friends, former work colleagues, etc.

__________________
Kathie M. Thomas, VA Coach
A Clayton's Secretary, VA Blog

Hi Pixie,

I just started by VA practice on April 23, 2008 and just as Kathie stated it just depends. There are alot of variables that just depend on your specific business needs.

My start up costs were roughly $500 within the month I started. But I already had the computer and software. So I had to purchase everything else.

So between April and May I roughly had costs around $900. Again, this will be different for each VA based on certain business decisions each of us make about our businesses.

As for my 1st client, I just got one the another both in this month. And Again, I agree with Kathie I do a tone of networking locally and just under a ton online.

I'm still feeling my around the online marketing thing. There is alot to it. Hope this helps. Good Luck.

__________________
Monique Terrell, CEO
Sparkle Professional Office Services, LLC
www.sparkleofficeservices.com

I spent a lot when I started up. I bought a new computer because my laptop was 4 years old and slow and I also bought a colour laser printer. I thought that would be useful for marketing and doing brochures, etc. I probably spent $2K starting up (including $300 to join the Chamber of Commerce). I got my first client within a month.

__________________
Julia

My biggest expense was a brand new laptop I bought myself. I filed my DBA in March and am still working on my first client. My expenses right now are minimal monthly expenses for directories, web hosting and things like that. Hope that helps!

__________________
Janice Correa-Elite Business Services
"My Business is Your Business!"
www.elitebusinessonline.com

I started mine up for next to nothing. I paid $7 to register my domain, $10 a month for webhosting (I have 3 websites...otherwise even that would have been cheaper). My phone and fax will be $10 a month but I got the first month free. I spent about $18 on business cards, postcards and other print items. Found a nice desk at a thrift store for $20, bought some office supplies for $40.

I spent a few months researching the VA business, finally decided to go for it on June 1st, gave myself 30 days to get set up and on July 1st I officially opened for business. Two weeks later I already have one retainer client.

__________________
April @ Advantage
Advantage Virtual Assistant

Thank you for all the replies! You were all helpful.

Pixie

Within those cost you should indeed consider marketing. Are you producing and printing brochures. How much will it cost to register your company with the state/city? Are you anticipating joining any organizations. Those are all things that should also be considered.

__________________
Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Also need to figure in reference materials. Depending on your skill set, you may want to purchase books in your field.

Personally, I am marketing my proofreading/editing/ghostwriting services, so I purchased books such as:

2009 Writer's Market
The Law (In Plain English) for Writers
How to Write Fast (While Writing Well)
Humorous Quotations
Rotten Reviews and Rejections

I have others that are geared toward the VA industry specifically, but if you plan on highlighting one or two services you offer, you will want to stay abreast of the current information available.

__________________
Shauna Reed
Keystone Promise Virtual Assistance
Blog: Creative Writing Resource

I initially was thinking that I would need between $3,000 and $4,000 to start up because I need...

A new laptop
Software for new laptop (MSOffice 2007, QB, Adobe, etc.)
Office supplies
Initial marketing expenses
Website/Domain
Legal startup costs (DBA, business licenses, etc.)
Some initial online tools such as Basecamp and such.

Now, I'm hoping that I can start with the basics and then spend the additional money when I really need to. I have a desktop PC that went kaput on me. I have the knowhow and could probably get it up and running for much less than what I would spend on a new laptop (especially since I know me and I couldn't bear to just get a basic one). Also, I decided the only software that I absolutely, positively need at start-up is MS Office Professional 2007. I don't want to wait too long before I get QB because I would like to offer bookkeeping as one of my services, but I can start without it.

So, I'm hoping by making some choices as far as what I absolutely need at start up (as opposed to everything on my start-up "wish list"), I can get what I need and even start my business sooner than I was planning.

__________________
Stephanie
New VA in the research phase

Good questions, and good answers here. Stephanie, you should definitely get started. You've thoroughly researched, and I believe you're ready. Take a deep breath and do it!

__________________
Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

I just started with what I had.

Fortunately, my husband had his own business 3 years ago. So I inherited all the equipment to get me going.

I only had to pay to register the business with the local authorities and print my business cards. And I still need to register my domain and pay for the hosting.

So, in my situation, the start up cost is minimal. I worked for a large corporate company and sent my details to all my friends there, and also know a couple of business owners.

I started in June 2008 and I already have 3 retainer customers and 1 PAYG.

Originally Posted by JuliaW

I spent a lot when I started up. I bought a new computer because my laptop was 4 years old and slow and I also bought a colour laser printer. I thought that would be useful for marketing and doing brochures, etc. I probably spent $2K starting up (including $300 to join the Chamber of Commerce). I got my first client within a month.

Hi Julia,
When using the laser printer for your marketing and brochures, did you find it to be cheaper or more expensive than going to a outside vendor?