I am new to VA I am forced into finding a second job money is very tight, and I have two children that are school aged. My questions is: I have found Virtual Assistant Agencies where they place you on specific jobs, but I also see many of you have started your own business. I wonder what the difference is. I already have my own business and am wondering what the pros and cons are of both of them any advice would be so appreciated! Thanks,
Leslie Prohaska
Love To Promote

Really hoping for some feedback on this one anyone experience working for agencies???

Sorry, I haven't worked with any agencies. I did look into them in the beginning, and I never found one that didn't seem like they wanted me to be available to them ALL day and be paid very little for it.

I'd suggest checking out the RFP section here, and adding your services to the appropriate board. I for one enjoy subcontracting to other VA's.

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April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

I have no experience working for agencies, but the consensus seems to be that it's best to go it on your own if you're able to... 1) you'll probably get paid more, have more control over what you're earning and be able to keep those earnings for yourself (a lot of agencies don't pay very much) and 2) a lot of agencies treat you as an employee even though, technically, you are still responsible for all of your own expenses and taxes.

However, there is a lot more work involved in owning your own business because you'll be responsible for marketing yourself and attracting your own clients rather than being given assignments, so I guess it really depends on what you need and want to get out of a second job and how much of yourself you want to invest in it. One sort of "middle-of-the-road" way to go could be to become a sub-contractor to another VA. You'll still be a business owner in charge of yourself but your clients will be other VAs. You'd still have to get your name out there and build a reputation but it may be a bit easier than going completely off on your own.

As I said before, I've not dealt with anything like this and everything I've said is based on my impressions of what other people have discussed. I'm sure that other people will have totally different opinions.

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase :daisy:

Sounds like good sound advice - If I go on my own do I have to get an FEIN, claim any sales tax or anything like that? How does that work? Thanks I appreciate the feedback and responses!

You'll need a business license in your city and at the very least you can be a Sole Proprietor. You'll also need to file for a DBA in a local newspaper. There are lots of VA start-up guides that will walk you through all of those steps.

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April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

Welcome to VAF!

You have found the right place to research everything you need about starting your own virtual assistant practice. There are lots of threads created to answer just about any question you may have. Best wishes to you

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Cathryn Branch, MPA 'We will either find a way, or make one.' Hannibal

I'm not sure about agencies, I haven't tried it myself. I was formerly employed by a company and now I do freelance. Been meaning to put up a company with partners and it's hard to get clients. I find it easier to get clients on my own actually. I suggest you just go on your own.

Welcome to the VAF Leslie,

Sorry about the late reply. Working for an agency is different than working for yourself or as a sub-contractor. It is up to you on how you want to proceed.

Agencies take a percentage of your rates.
Sub-contracting allows you the freedom to charge a better rate.
Working for yourself allows you the freedom of earning the maximum rate.

Agencies offer the opportunity to get your feet wet without having to deal directly with the client, but you earn a percentage.

Sub-contracting gives you the opportunity to work directly with another VA and earn a better hourly or per project rate.

Working for yourself, you learn how to work directly with the client.

Again, it depends on what you want to do for yourself in this industry.

I personally enjoy working directly with the client. I have done sub-contracting work and I enjoyed and learned quite a bit from other VAs by doing this.

I wish you much success however you choose to run your business!

Sincerely,
Andrea~

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

This thread has been quite useful because I have been looking at agencies also - not too impressed - this I will work on building my own business.