Originally Posted by t.brooke

This is a great list. I'm trying to get started and am currently in the research (and hope my brain doesn't explode) phase. I understand the importance of niches, however I'm not sure which niche I want to be in. I know Kylie said that she is a long way from where she started 2 years ago so it is okay to change along the way, but how do I know where to start? I would like to offer general administrative support (i.e. word processing, excel spreadsheets, data entry, databases, invoicing, etc.), but I don't have a specific industry in mind. I'm just not sure how to choose an area in which to offer my services.

I feel the same about exploding brains!

I haven't even managed to read most of the threads on the forum yet... It's just sooo much to take in.

I used to work as a real estate salesperson for two years, so maybe I should include that in my repertoire. Unfortunately, the real estate market in New Zealand is down at the moment, so there won't be much work coming from that.

I'm brand new to the forum, and haven't started up officially (probably in another month or two) but I have experience in the following and it could be a 'niche'?

> Quality Assurance Certification (eg ISO)
> Public Procurement and Tendering Procedures

Also, one I thought might work ...

> I am considering taking on bulk typing to start me off.
Because of the time difference, it might be feasible to take on urgent
projects from, eg, the US - in effect this would gain the client nearly
an extra day to complete their project

Any thoughts?

Louise

I do all aspects of bookkeeping but stay away from business taxes. I will generate the forms but require my clients to look them over and file them.

I also do almost all aspects of administrative support. The only things I won't (or can't) do is cold calling, marketing and web design.

I also have stuck with certain industries when looking for clients. I started with real estate investors and have just recently added photography clients to my business. This gives me variety while getting a chance to learn a new industry.

This is such a great thread. I've enjoyed reading all the posts. For me I have my short term and long term goal (niche). My long term goal is to become a Virtual Paralegal. I have decided to go back to school to complete my degree with this. Below is my current "niche":

VBA - Target Bankruptcy Attorney's

• Assist with Client Intake Paperwork
• Input date into legal software
• Online Research
• Calendar Mgt. and Scheduling

Judment Recovery. For this I target contractors, dentists, Contractor Suppliers and Property Managers.

• Skip Tracing
• Online Research
• Correspondence
• Email & Calendar Mgt.
• Document Prep
• Submit legal docs to appropriate court

General Admin:

• Email & Calendar Mgt.
• Client F/U
• Project Mgt.
• Word Processing
• Proofreading
• Editing
• Travel Arrangements
• Proposals
• Business Coach
• Sales Support and F/U
• Digital Transcription

HR Services:

• Recruiting
• Phone Interview and Screening
• Reference Checks
• Background Checks
• Employee Handbooks

__________________
LoriLee
Executive Virtual Staffing
(web site to come in near future)

Hi Lori Lee

I logged on to the forum to start a thread about providing HR services as a target or niche and saw your post!

I'm not a HR officer myself so wouldn't provide the service, but was wondering why I couldn't see any threads or forums about HR or any VA's offering this as a niche?

Can I just not see any posts about it or is there a reason why?

Curious !!!!

I'm going to start a thread called 'HR as a niche?'

Louise

Louise,
I am not sure about specific threads regarding HR as a niche. To be honest I haven't tried to search for that. The reason I have it as part of my niche is I was a branch manager of a staffing firm at my last job. I currently have contacts in the Seattle area both people wanting work and employers. It just made since to offer this. I do charge a different rate for recruiting, etc. Employers pay a lot of money to staffing firms for recruiting. I save them money by not paying the higher fees but I charge based on the annual salary of the employee vs. an hourly rate. As far as employee manuals, etc. I charge my hourly rate.

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

__________________
LoriLee
Executive Virtual Staffing
(web site to come in near future)

This thread is superb! It has been very helpful to my own service listing and niche development.

I was intending to see how VA's providing this service find it, but it seems that there aren't many VA's proving HR. A HR Manager colleague of mine is curious about the possibility of proving this as a VA (in Dublin Ireland)

For anyone with any comments, please post to my thread called 'HR as a niche?'

Thanks
Louise

Hi

I will provide HR and Project Management as my niche along with some admin services. I have not posted my site yet since i am still trying to develop a name for the business. Please let me know if I could answer any questions.

Thanks Cathy

Would love to hear how you are getting on with your start-up.
What have you done so far?

Louise