The last few days I've been wondering about something and thought what better place to bring it than to the group. I am getting very close to "officially" starting my VA business (although I've signed up as a subcontractor with a VA just today, yay!). I'm not sure if I mentioned this before but in 2009 I started a transcription business, I have a couple of semi-steady clients as well as two contracts with transcription companies.

Because my VA business will be fairly new, would it be wise to maintain both businesses separately as far as marketing and promoting and eventually merge them? Would promoting them separately be confusing to potential clients?

I kind of feel that by holding on to the transcription business while building the VA business would provide more creditability.

What do you all think?

TIA,

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Anita Virtual Assistant Services

There is no reason why you can do both under one business. Many VA's provide a wide range of services, some just provide one or two. If you have established clients in one area, I would advise you to keep them! Build the other services you wish to offer around what you have now. Good luck!
Pam

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Pamela J Erb, Owner
Common Cents Bookkeeping

I agree with Pam. Wouldn't it be alot of extra work to maintain two different businesses?

Good luck!

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Jacqueline D. Callender
Global Horizons VA Services

Hi Anita, I agree with Jacqueline & Pamela, I would do both under one business. Would make things easier for you and will definitely give you more credibility.
Good luck!

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Ann du Plessis
www.virtuallythere.co.za

Thank you all for the advice you have definitely helped put things into perspective. I do see where trying to manage two business could get confusing, I guess I was thinking I could work the VA business on the skirt tails of the transcription business until it build up its own momentum and then just transition solely to the VA business.

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Anita Virtual Assistant Services