Hi everyone! I've been flirting with the idea of starting my own VA business for a couple of years now, and I've decided that I really just need to jump in. As I'm sure you all know, however, that can be easier said than done!

I'd like for my niche to be centered around the written word: ghostwriting, editing, proofreading, blogging, etc. Focusing on non-profits would also be an excellent starting point, since I volunteer for some currently. Unfortunately, right now, I'm a little overwhelmed. How did you start, with some clients then business plan, website, etc? Or did you "set up" everything before pursing business?

I know my weakness is networking. I've always just been handed every position I've had, so this isn't an area I've had much experience.

Any suggestions on how to get over this hurdle? I know I could be very successful at this - once I get going!

I know it gets a bad rap, but my first clients all came from Craig's List, including the first real estate agent (my target market) that I worked with.

Since I don't really use CL that much anymore, the majority of my clients come from twitter.

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April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

Hi kristyle! I am new at this business, in fact, I'm still in the launch state. But as I have gotten so many answers to just these types of questions I thought I would try to answer some for you.
1. Everyone gets their first client in different ways, at different times, and there is no magic formula to help that happen faster. It's hard work, and your dreaded networking that will get you there in the end.
2. I set up my website first, as it is the most difficult to do if you are doing it for the first time. Most of the VAs on here have said they set up their website before first clients as it is a "virtual" business. The exceptions seem to be those that already know their first clients.
3. A business plan is a must. Starting a new business without a business plan is like driving cross country without a road map ( or in today's technology, a GPS!). I would never reccommend doing it. The SBA has a model for a business plan, but so do other websites and books. It is really the plan template you are most comfortable using.
4. Overcoming networking issues is never easy. I had my introduction to networking, or prospecting as it is called in real estate, as a real estate agent in training ( I wasn't even licensed, but only training with a local agency). I had to go knock on the doors of for sale by owner homes in the area with a script in hand and ask strangers to let me into their home so I could gain market knowlege. Talk about intimidating! How much less intimidating is networking over the internet!

Hope I was able to help you out some, and I am sure others will chime in too because this is the most friendly and helpful forum I have found!
Best Wishes!

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Serita Diana, the List 2 Close Assistant
REVA Academy

I forgot to answer the second part of your question.

I had my website "mostly" complete, but my first client wasn't all that interested... she just cared that I knew what I was doing. It's always a work in progress, so don't be afraid to begin before everything is perfect.

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April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

My first client emailed me through my contact form on my website. I'm a big advocate for getting as much set up beforehand before pursuing clients or marketing for clients. This give you a professional and polished image plus it shows you're a serious business owner by having everything in place before hand. It gives you the chance to think through your business policies and procedures as well as how you would like to run your business and figuring out who your ideal client is.

Getting clients before you've thoroughly set up your business and website is somewhat akin to putting the horse before the cart. IMHO.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

Hi Kristyle,

We got our first clients mainly through word-of-mouth, starting with friends and relatives. To answer the second part of your question, we actually got our first clients before we even had our website up 100%, so we had to work on both setting up the website and working with the client at the same time. This meant a lot of working nights to get the site up ASAP to project that professional image.

I think it's good to start with friends to give your business procedures and policies a dry run and you'll even feel more confident when it comes to a 'proper' client that comes through your site.

As April said, don't be afraid to start before perfecting everything cuz I realised as I went along, I learnt new things and changed things around!


Suze

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Suze
http://www.globalvirtualsupport.com

Kristyle,

I have read through numerous posts on the forum and the one thing I do see alot is that networking is key. Networking can be done in many ways though. You can go to your local Chamber of Commerce events; social networking (Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, etc.); and I would definitely let family, friends, and previous co-workers know about your new business.

I have not opened my virtual doors yet but I plan to do so in the next month. I agree with Serita that you should have a business plan. I think it is a great way to establish what you want to achieve from your business and gives you goals to achieve.

Here are my suggestions based on my research:

1) Complete a business plan
2) Complete your website
3) Try to narrow down the services/software you will use for your business (i.e. Ring Central, Skype, Client Spot, etc.) I think this helps in the forward thinking process and you will be prepared when you open your virtual doors.
4) Complete the forms and documents you will use within your business
5) Create your social networking accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, etc.)
6) Open your Virtual Doors
7) Stay connected with other VA's through VAF (the information and support is remarkable)

This is how I am proceeding and obviously it will be different for everyone. I am a perfectionist and want to be fully prepared for my first client. I hope this is helpful and best of luck to you!

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Amy
TAG Virtual Office, LLC

Hi Kristyle, I am not sure where you are from but in Canada they offer a Self Employment Program through the YMCA. This program teaches you how to write a comprehensive business plan, with goals and objectives for the first 5 years. You learn about the structure of a business ie: taxes, bylaws, marketing and promotion etc. Once you are finished the 2 week in class instruction you have a time frame to finish your business plan then have to report your progress monthly for a period of 1 year. It is an amazing tool which really opens your eyes to the world of business. You are also allowed to collect unemployment insurance for 1 year while you are building your client base. Hopefully there is something similar offered in your area.
Good luck, let us know how you make out.

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Sharon Clark
Administrative Results

My first clients were friends, relatives, and contacts through previous employers

Originally Posted by kristyle

Hi everyone! I've been flirting with the idea of starting my own VA business for a couple of years now, and I've decided that I really just need to jump in. As I'm sure you all know, however, that can be easier said than done! I'd like for my niche to be centered around the written word: ghostwriting, editing, proofreading, blogging, etc. Focusing on non-profits would also be an excellent starting point, since I volunteer for some currently. Unfortunately, right now, I'm a little overwhelmed. How did you start, with some clients then business plan, website, etc? Or did you "set up" everything before pursing business? I know my weakness is networking. I've always just been handed every position I've had, so this isn't an area I've had much experience. Any suggestions on how to get over this hurdle? I know I could be very successful at this - once I get going!

Krystle - what great questions and ideas. I'm glad you asked. I am interested in a lot of the same things. I wrote a blog when I worked for a guide dog school for the graduates I've thought about approaching other schools to do that too.