I was just thinking about my niche and my target market. I don't really have a specialty. I do a little bit of everything. I was wondering about marketing towards new businesses. They might need help with setting up databases and getting organized and such. I also realize though that start-up businesses may not have the cash flow initially to pay for these services. What do you think? Is this something I could make a long term goal, to become a start-up business consultant of sorts? Thanks for any feedback.

Norma

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Norma D. Landis, Quest Virtual Assistant Services
www.questvas.com

I think that you are right, start-up businesses ARE a niche and very much in need of help! If you are a new VA then you can probably feel their pain! What you could probably do is use that as a way to establish a relationship with a client and then once they are setup you may find ways you can continue to support them to maintain a longer term client-consultant relationship.

I think that is an excellent idea!

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Sharon Rosen
Intelafina

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking about the long term benefits also. This sounds like a good way to build a good client base.

Thanks again for the advice.

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Norma D. Landis, Quest Virtual Assistant Services
www.questvas.com

Norma,

Since you don't have a niche that would a great idea for a start up. You may stumble upon a niche or specialty in helping small business or doing certain services you find you like more than others. Good Luck to you.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I think start-ups would be a great niche to focus on; in fact it is an area I am considering as well. You are right, they often don't have a lot of money, but focus on how you can free up their time to work on what they went into business for.

Good luck!

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Gladys Strickland
GS Business Resources

That's where I started - I sent a mailing to all of the new LLCs registered in my county in July '07 (mailing sent in November). I got one client out of that mailing and continue to collect new LLC filing addresses for mailing lists (I get mine by culling the legal classifieds in our local paper).

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

Start-up businesses probably need it more than they realize. I have found that often they will spend their capital on other things that will not provide the benefit a VA would. It is in showing them WHAT they need that you can provide that you seal the deal.

I have a client that has been in business 2 years, and is on the brink of bankruptcy. It is only now that he has seen the light.... so to speak, as well as the value of a good VA. Had he contracted with one at the beginning of his business instead of thinking he could do it all, I have no doubt he would be in the black and not the red.

Don't emphasize your qualities (toot your own horn) as much as WHAT you can provide for them. Moving them forward in their business...It is much easier to get behind and push instead of trying to stop the momentum they already have going.

It's a great idea! Put it out there, and you will be surprised at your success I'm sure.

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Robin
My Virtual Ally

Thanks for all the positive feedback. It's always encouraging to hear that other people think you're on the right track! Now I just have to figure out how to define exactly what it is I do! I've found that the running niche list thread has been very useful. It's given me lots of ideas. I love this forum!

Thanks again!

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Norma D. Landis, Quest Virtual Assistant Services
www.questvas.com

Wow ladies - what a brilliant idea. I am in the UK and I'm sure that the government have some sort of help available for start up businesses - perhaps I can link in with them and advertise there.... I'll have to look into it.

Thanks for all the great info.

Bingo! : ) Absolutely they need help, too.

I think that is a fabulous niche. I am doing just that, as well as businesses that are already established. Its esp fun to do that as you can "do it right the first time", which might even be a "tag line" to use. People need *a lot* of guidance when they first start out - so why not be that person for them?

Major thumbs up on the choice, if I must say so myself.

"do it right the first time", which might even be a "tag line" to use.

Ok, I'm a nerd, but I watch "Holmes on Homes" all the time. I love the show Mike Holmes constantly says "Do it right the first time" and "Make it right" I think that he has one of those sayings trademarked but I am not sure which one - so I would check on that tag line.

Amanda

Hi Norma,

I think that's a fantastic idea. I would believe start-up businesses would need help. Depending on what your specialties are, it could be logo design, handbook / policies book typing, etc... Look at all of us newbies here in search of help. Asking for help with getting the proper procedures in place, proper paperwork suggestions, etc...

Good luck with your venture. I hope it works well for you.

Norma,

I'm in the process of trying to determine my niche. In the meantime, I will be looking for clients who are new small business owners and non-profits who are starting to downsize or merge. As I work with more clients I'll have a better idea of what their "major" needs are - and may find my niche.

Good luck!

Carol

I think you are completely on the right track.

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Angie
Blue Water Business Services

I don't have a niche yet. Trying to make the right choice. THank you for all the great advice!