HI! I have just started getting my business ready for launching. My niche is the construction industry - especially small subcontractors. I am coming up with a list of services to offer and I see MOST VA's offer bookkeeping/accounting services. I know how to use QuickBooks, pay bills, etc, but I have never had a position as an accounting clerk or have had to deal with an accounting department from end to finish. In my years as Admin Assistant, I have performed accounting tasks, but in a limited basis. My point is that I don't find it fair to advertise that as a service. Will that hinder my prospects since the contractor would have either hire a bookkeeper or outsource those services to someone else? I could take a QuickBooks class, or get training from people that do this, but I have enough services I prefer to provide.

Here is a list of what I have so far so you guys get an idea:
Exclusive Flat Rate Services:
Notice to Owners
Claims of Lien
Notary Public Services

Desktop Publishing
Brochures & Flyers
Business forms &Templates
Invitations, Postcards & Greeting Cards
Newsletters – Electronic or print
Office Manuals & Handbooks - Policies, Training, Procedures, and more
PowerPoint Presentations

General Administrative Services:
Bids and Proposals
Business Writing / Document Creation– Professional letters, Reports, Contracts, Change Orders, Proposals, Notes, Safety Forms, Logs, Request Forms, Expense Reports, and much more
Contact management: Input and maintain a client’s contact database
Convert documents to PDF format
Create Employee Time Card/Sheet
Data Entry
Database Management
Editing / Proofreading
English/ Spanish Translations
Excel Spreadsheets, Charts & Graphs
Internet Research – properties, companies, projects, etc
Locate Clients
Locate Potential Contracts/Job Projects
Meeting Minutes from Voice recording / written notes
Photograph Properties
Prepare and submit permit applications
Press Releases in local publications
Scan, Fax, & Photocopy Services – Color and B&W

Small Business Office Set-Up / Organization Assistance:
Filing Systems
General office organization
Job Announcements postings
Onsite Filing (SWFL area only)
Order office supplies
Research Equipment/Services


Help Please

I don't think *most* VAs offer bookkeeping (I don't! )- actually I think those who are qualified to do so are few and far between - we do have a number of them here in our community, but don't let your lack of this one service slow you down!
You can always refer a VA colleague who does do books just for that one service.

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Your service offerings should only include items that you are fully qualified to do and that you enjoy doing. If accounting isn't your thing don't sweat it. Remember, a VA does not have to be everything to all people. Make some connections with people who offer services you don't. A client (at least one worth having) will be understanding and appreciative when you tell them "bookkeeping isn't something I offer, but I would be happy to provide you with the names of a couple of people who can help you with that". You will have a happy client and a happy colleague who will likely remember you when they need to make a referral.

Warmly,

Lorri

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Lorri Morin, CPVA
www.virtualsynergy.net

I just want to follow up with a clarification that I agree with Lori and didn't mean that you should offer the service among your others - but don't want you to feel like not offering it will get in the way of your success

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Thanks for the answers. Tess, I understood what you meant. I wouldn't add bookkeeping to my services unless I took a course. I guess my main worry was more it omission hurting my prospects, than adding the service itself. I won't offer marketing or design so I don't know if my services seem like a complete package. I want to offer real solutions, not seem like a luxury.

I DO provide bookkeeping services and wouldn't do so if I didn't have an accounting background. That being said, I have NO experience w/some of the services you provide and would therefore not offer them.

I have a list of other VAs that I am comfortable suggesting to my clients if those services are needed. My clients appreciate the fact that I am honest about what I can and cannot do for them and that I have already done the legwork for reputable providers for those other services.

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