What kind of services is everyone offering? I offer a wide variety, but would like to know if I should expand more or limit what I do.

Hi Erica,
I think you'd end up with an awfully long thread if everyone replied with ALL of their services. When I was first starting out I'd click around to other established VA websites to read up on what they were offering. This helped me immensely and ultimately helped shape my own services menu.

Here's a thread that you might find useful - it's the Running Niche List in which members post in with their particular industry/niche and list their core services.

Which services do you offer?

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Erica, I have been wondering the same thing myself. How many services are considered to much and what is considered not enough. Or is there such a thing as too much or too little in the VA world?

Erica and Tammy - the string Tess posted will really get your mind running. I couldn't believe the different things that were offered up!

I think it is important to offer what you love to do...the rest, which I would consider supporting tasks, will fall into place. I'm constantly reminding potentials that if they don't see it on my "list" it doesn't mean I don't do it.

I believe in the string that Tess posted you'll see my list the way I used to display it. Then my coach suggested I group things and now it looks like this:

• Workshop/Event Planning: workshop material proofing; layout & design; material production, compilation & shipping.
• Administrative Services: organization assistance; process structuring; appointment & travel scheduling; document proofing & formatting.
• Relationship/Account Management: client interactions; proposal & contract creation; seasonal mailings; newsletter design, updates & distribution; research, nurture & develop vendor relations; “Closed Office” coverage.

I like it this way much better because it emphasizes the areas I like AND lists the details I specialize in!

Make it a great day!

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Sundi D. Hayes
Chief Virtual Officer - My Office Zilla
www.myofficezilla.com

Sundi, Thanks, I am running through that string now. And your coach must be great! I like this one better as well!

The Running Niche List was really eye opening! That really helps.

Here is my list of services:

Personal Assistant Services
* Act as an intermediary between you and your clients and/or business associates
* Schedule calls, meetings, and appointments
* Update your calendar
* Help you organize your day
* Help you stay organized
* Personal tasks that you can’t find time for
* Check your voicemail for you
* Keep your clients happy
* Basic administrative tasks
* Be available when you’re not
* Immediately alert you to high priority items of business
* Event planning

Website
* Web content development
* Site administration
* Site maintenance

Writing
* Articles
* E-books
* Editing/Proofreading
* Blogs

Research
* Internet research
* Academic research
* Market research
* On Site Research

OK, I'm about a half year into the business, and my perspective on a publicized list of services is this: when you start out, you want to offer a range of skills, so as to be useful to the most people. But as you continue, you find that specializing doesn't reduce your potential market, it just focuses your communications more directly to them. I continue to offer a variety of skills, but I'm ending up with mostly writing jobs (which is my specialty) probably because I can do best in that area. All the other general VA skills (office, organization, internet, etc.) are still necessary, but I'm finding that having a specific focus helps, rather than hinders.

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

Originally Posted by TammyT

Erica, I have been wondering the same thing myself. How many services are considered to much and what is considered not enough. Or is there such a thing as too much or too little in the VA world?

I would offer that there is no such thing as too much or too little. Base your list on what you enjoy doing and are qualified to offer. Just remember that you don't need to be all things to all people - have a great list of resources (such as members of this community) who can help you out with areas you don't offer (bookkeeping, website updates, shopping cart maintenance, etc.). Your clients and prospects will appreciate your focus and your ability to get things done, without necessarily having to do it all yourself.

Warmly,

Lorri

I started with a full list of services on my website but have changed to just listing bookkeeping with other office services available. If they are interested, they ask!

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