I have such a difficult decision to make.

My existing business at the moment which is not related to VA field - it's Market Research/Evaluation.

I've been seriously debating whether or not I should merge that with my new VA business.

What I'm doing in my marketing business is to evaluate business establishments to see how well they interact with a deaf client. Also to provide coaching how their staff can service their deaf customers. Not only that, but how to better assist their clients who uses wheelchair/scooter.

I just don't know if that sort of niche would fit in with VA? If I merge it with my VA business, would it be confusing to my clients?

Sometimes I felt it's a good idea - but sometimes I felt it may not be. So I keep going back and forth.

Anyone have inputs in this matter? I'd appreciate it.

The way I understand virtual assistance, it's something you do by contract for someone, usually from some distance away, or at least working with your own schedule and systems. What exactly the work is is not part of the definition. Many of us are administrative assistants, some provide concierge services, or event planning, or coaching or any number of other helpful tasks.
So what I'm trying to say is, there's no reason why your expertise in the marketing research and evaluation specialty shouldn't be part of your VA offerings. But here's the catch ... in the long term, where are you likely to gain most success and recognition? Is it possible it will be in one field more than the other? Would your VA business, for example, hold back your marketing business? Or vice versa? If you feel equally skilled, interested, and ambitious in regard to each of these endeavors, organize them whatever way is going to make life easy for you!

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Thank you Mary for your input as it was very helpful. I will put them into good consideration.

It may take me a tad bit before I make the final decision. - but rather take my time and do the right thing at the first place.

My husband and I just merged our businesses. He is a software test consultant and I a VA. I was just hired by the contractor he subs through. So far it has worked for us.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by cjherzog

He is a software test consultant and I a VA.

My Husband is also a STC/QA guy and I'm, yep, a VA. I was considering adding him as a service provider. Is this working well for you?

Originally Posted by TracyR

My Husband is also a STC/QA guy and I'm, yep, a VA. I was considering adding him as a service provider. Is this working well for you?

So far so good! In fact the person he subcontracts through is going to hire me as his VA! Yippee!

I personally prefer the broad definition of virtual assistant. I think the bigger picture needs to be what can you offer to the client. What I mean is that there were several ongoing posts about what a VA is, and my position is that if we are meant just to do admin work, then our industry should be known as a virtual administrative assistant. I like to present my company as a full service offering. I want to be a solutions provider not only for administrative work, but also in other areas as well. I referred one of my clients to my graphic designer and they are thrilled to be working with him. They were going to spend the time doing a blind search and all the work that goes in conducting that type of search. So to answer your question, I would say go for it!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

I agree with Doreen that Virtural Assistance is broad and best kept that way. When serving clients your providing them with the services they need and sometimes it's not always on the list.

I plan to merge in my medation and dispute resolution services when I complete my MBA next June. So I say go for it also.

Monique

Originally Posted by Monique

I agree with Doreen that Virtural Assistance is broad and best kept that way. When serving clients your providing them with the services they need and sometimes it's not always on the list. I plan to merge in my medation and dispute resolution services when I complete my MBA next June. So I say go for it also. Monique

Wow Monique, what a great service offering to be able to offer!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

I think the addition/merge would be an excellent idea. Marketing is my weakest part of doing business. I don't even know how to market my business to clients.