I think this is a wonderful idea! Having a niche market means that you are tapping into a market that isn't saturated. Good luck!!!

What perfect timing...I started targeting my 'locals' and such this year. I'm so glad that I found this thread.

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Your Marketing, Research and SEO assistant www.buckeyeva.com

Still trying to find my niche, but I must admit, this forum is definately a tool to help me find it........

Especially start-up business right now. With the economy the way it is, more and more people will be attempting to take their finances into their own hands - and that includes many many new start-ups. Many of these business will be looking for inexpensive part-time help with their core services. Enter the VA.

One great way of approaching the small business start-up is that YOU have been where they are now. Given that hands on experience, you've probably learned by trial and error like the rest of us and can help them avoid that. People are more willing to work with someone they can relate to! Best of luck!

I think this is a great idea. Not only will it give you experience in starting different types of businesses the potential for building long-term relationships is great. Best wishes in finding those start-ups.

Barbara Cooper
Preferred Virtual Services

I say go for it! This is what I've been planning on doing as my start-up niche (at least) because I have a lot of skills but I wouldn't say that I'm a total expert an any one (I am, however, very well-rounded ) and don't feel comfortable niching (is that even a word) until I find that one thing that just feels completely and totally "right". Currently, one of my clients is a brand new start-up business and I've been helping her set up her back office. It's been a learning experience for both of us and I'm loving it. It's very rewarding being able to help someone else.

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase

I am also targeting start-ups and I can tell you that they need a lot of help. Most of my clients are in need of research for the start-up phase of their business. So, add that to your services.

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Wendy
eAssistant - worldwide

I think focusing on start-up businesses as your niche is a great idea as well. Since I am considered a start-up business, I can think of two very important challenges that I am facing now. One is limited resources such as funding and the ability to delegate tasks such as creating a website. These may be areas you might want to consider when approaching owners of start-up businesses.

Sheila

Thanks for all these greats posts I have been wondering how to find the right people to mail my marketing letter to, however I never thought of looking through the newspaper for new business postings. Great Idea! I was looking for a mailing list service.

It has taken me a while to determine my particular niche but I think finally narrowed it down to an area that I have the most expertise. My niche is to provide customer service to small businesses with a focus on service businesses. I hope to provide all the support necessary to get and retain customers.

Sheila

You are right, look at how much help we need in starting our business. That is an area I want to target as well. I too thought about the ability to pay since they are starting up but I think that if someone is passionate about there business then they will see the assistance as a benefit and be willing to pay!

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Wendy
www.virtualbusinessassociate.com

I'm also thinking of focusing on new business start-ups. My husband and I started a pet sitting business 4 years ago, and if I only had someone to tell me then what I know now!

I think new business owners need all the help they/we can get!

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Sonja Red Bird Clay
http://www.srbcvirtualsolutions.com

Great advice given here. I too, have decided on making start-ups and small businesses my niche. I just need to find that something extra that will set me apart from the rest so to speak. I do believe that this is a very good niche to be going into especially with the current economic climate as many people are now turning away from the traditional idea of working for someone and actually going into business for themselves. As for the finance side of things, as Wendy stated if you are really passionate about your business you will be willing to pay for professional help as I certainly know that I would be willing to pay for help to get my VA business up and running efficiently.

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Cassandra S Ward
An aspiring Virtual Assistant

That's a great idea, I think that I will look into doing that in my area also.