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

Microsoft Office Live provides free website hosting without having to have their banners, they are easy to set up. They also offer free domain registration for the first year.

As for Feelers, I am a member of two free local networking groups, the three project clients that I have and the two potential clients that I am working on right now are from these networking groups. I have been in business since May, 2009.

I just started getting into the whole social networking thing in the past couple of weeks. I have not received any hits for business yet, but I am sure it will happen soon.

Make sure to check out all the different areas that this forum provides. There is a lot of great information and free or low cost downloads, programs, and sites to help you get started.

Good luck and welcome to VAF

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Erika Glem
www.advadminsol.com Let my administrative solutions be to your advantage.

Originally Posted by Norma

I spent some time with SCORE today and got some good marketing advice and I have spent time on getting an intro letter and am working on post cards. Next week is all my face to face time - I am beating the pavement in my county starting on Tuesday since I am thinking that Mondays will be too hectic to most business owners.

Speaking from experience of "beating the pavement" and being the receptionist in different industries, Tuesday and Wednesdays are usually the better days to do it, it does tend to be less hectic. I found the best times to hit were between 8:30am - 2pm.

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Erika Glem
www.advadminsol.com Let my administrative solutions be to your advantage.

I'm an accountant.
I started on my own in 1988. My biggest purchase was a simple fax machine with NO phone for $1300! I can remember when laser printers were $2500 and computers $5k.
Now look at us!

Make a list of all the "tools" that you need to do your job.
From hardware to software.
Buy the best you can afford.

Is your home computer Ok for business?
Is your printer professional enough?
Do you have a way to backup and secure your data/work?

Then factor in set up costs such as getting a domain name, meeting with an accountant, legal issues. Set up fees for a business line. Every business is different and every area of the county can have different costs.

Next think about month to month costs. Phone bill, website hosting etc.

Ask local self employed people to help.
Do you have a SCORE program at your local SBA office?

Once you have been in business awhile, like I have. I started treating myself to tools that are not necessary but help me work faster and easier.
A network
Electric Stapler
Dual monitors (Should have done that YEARS ago)
Upright scanner (Small foot print)
Label maker printer
Phone system with voice mail

Extra software like document management software.
Sales tax and property tax return software.
I pay for enhanced versions of payroll so I can print returns instead of doing them by hand.

Don't spend your money or go into debt buying toys that you can live without until you have banked some money.

Don't waste your time on marketing costs that don't give you enough bang for your buck.
I used to use Yellow Pages, (very pricey) until I moved the offices home. Now it is mainly word of mouth and referrals.

Thanks for the advice.
Vicky

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Vicky A Stein

This was great, I was wanting to know the same thing. Seems that for me the main cost would be the marketing.

Good topic for those of us starting out. I have read, researched, called and so forth getting prices on local licenses, zoning permits this week. Jumping in tomorrow and actually registering the name of the business and getting the zoning permit.

Small steady steps.
Amy ~

So far, my business cards, less than $10.00 at VistaPrint
Folders for welcome packets- $11.00
Answering machine- $15.00
New printer/fax/copier/photoprinter (getting next weekend) $60.00
Less than $10.00 for office supplies (I cheated by asking for some for Christmas)
I will be making my own marketing materials as I have Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Works and can do a great job with the new printer I am getting.
My website is $75 after I pay for the upgrade
To register my business with the state was $25 as a sole proprietorship.
When I get done with the marketing materials it will be around $225 to $250. Not too bad for business start up costs. Also, I am going to check into the cost of chamber of commerce cost and I want to get a second laptop this year after taxes My husband and I currently share the same laptop and it will restrict his use too much if I don't, and being really optimistic, I hope to get enough clients to have him help me out with some of the projects

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Serita Diana, the List 2 Close Assistant
REVA Academy

I'm just starting up and my cost are very low so far. I bought a couple software programs (Photoshop Elements and Logo Design), I have a fax through MyFax and a PO Box. I have one client waiting for my grand opening so far.

I've actually written on this topic recently at my blog:
http://vadirectory.net/blog/start-up-costs-for-a-va/

Originally Posted by Prime Admin Solutions

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.

I wondered about joining Chambers - would you recommend doing that? Have you received leads or clients from joining the Chamber?