Getting started as a Virtual Assistant CHECKLIST - what to do? - Page 3 - Virtual Assistant Forums

vsantiago · #21 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008

Hi, Tess:

In addition to a fast, reliable internet connection a new VA should think about how they will handle their business calls. Will they need a toll free number? Will they invest in an additional business line or get a virtual phone system to piggy back onto their home line? How about faxing? Will they need to purchase a fax machine or use an online faxing service like efax or Ringcentral fax.

Communications are my area so that's of course what I think of first.

Victoria

Tess · #22 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008

Great point, I'll make note of that for the update!

Ness Lindsay · #23 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008

Tess,
I think your list is wonderful. It would have been nice to have this when I first started!!!!

Vanessa Lindsay

wahm3blessings · #24 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsantiago

Will they invest in an additional business line or get a virtual phone system to piggy back onto their home line? How about faxing?

Ok, I'm going to show my ignorance in this area and ask anyway. What is a virtual phone system?

Tess · #25 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008

I'm guessing she's referring to VOIP (like Skype, Gizmo Project, etc.)

This list was really meant to just be a basic overview to help get people started but now that there are more detailed suggestions coming in I'll definitely plan a revamp in the future and update accordingly.

Thanks for all the great suggested additions!

vsantiago · #26 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008

Hi, Wahm3blessings:

A virtual phone system is a phone system that allows you to have multiple extensions, an auto-attendant and one number that "follows you" or points to multiple locations like your home number, cell phone or alternate number (like a subcontractor). They are pretty cool. Check out my blog at homeofficetelephony.com for more information about these types of systems.

Victoria

#27 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008

Wow... nice list. This helps

Tess · #28 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsantiago

Hi, Wahm3blessings:

A virtual phone system is a phone system that allows you to have multiple extensions, an auto-attendant and one number that "follows you" or points to multiple locations like your home number, cell phone or alternate number (like a subcontractor). They are pretty cool.

Victoria

Thanks for clarifying what you were referring to - Skype does have *some* of these features (like call forwarding, voice mail, the ability to have multiple incoming lines, etc.) and honestly, for a VA starting out I think is perfectly sufficient (and more affordable)

VBSOnDemand · #29 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008

this is great! thank you so much!

sharetheload · #30 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008

Thank you Tess, seems like you are answering all of my questions