Still here and still struggling to get that first client. Could someone be more specific as to the type of client they have - what type of clients aren't so in need of having you right there - 9 hours a day? I just can't get past this first step... I am really good at what I do and ready to do this in the evenings/weekends but can't get that first client.

Right now I'm very small time...I'm working on my business plan and web site. Hope to go live by the New Year. I just located this area so I'm looking forward to picking a few brains and losing a few brain cells of my own. LOL.

hi there! it's good to see there are so many other part time VA's! I thought it would be so hard to compete with full time VA's as they get so much more experience and knowledge. I have recently started this business mainly because I could not get the "assisting" side of work at my day job. I have not yet started the word of mouth as I do not have a good network. However, I have registered to many websites where I try to be as active as possible so that people would see me. I also apply to administrative jobs by saying that if the company is looking for a full time assistant/administrator or such that should be based on site, I could offer them the same job but they would not have to pay for on-site costs such as breaks, doctor, desk and so on. That is my "marketing" today. Also, I request my clients to give me feedback, so that other potential customers could find out more about my qualities
Looking for more tips from other PT VA's...

Hello All,

I too work a very full time job and I attend school full time. I also have a son with sepcial needs and helping him with his homework and navigating sixth grade is proving to be a full time job in and of itself.

I am starting my VA business on a part-time basis. I am still in the planning stages and am considering working on my web presence. I definitely want to go live by New Year's.

I am glad this group was started and it appears to be active. I look forward to learning and sharing many new ideas and/or revamping old ones.
Pat

Hi Everyone,
I started my VA business almost 4 months ago and have had a few short term clients, and one who I expect to be a repeat client on an as needed basis. I'm looking forward to those long term retainer clients who will provide a more reliable income. I too am running my business on a part time basis while I continue with my full time regular job. For now it's still paying the bills. But I long for the day when I can go full time with my VA business.
Good luck to all of you and feel free to contact me if I can be of any help to you.
Carol
Progressive Business Solutions

Carol,
Welcome to the forums. I am new here too. Come in and join the party. It's virtual.

Pat Bumpass, P.A.B. Consulting

Hello all! I am new to this forum. I work at a full time job and am trying to get my VA business off the ground. Its been a fun and educating process. My niche is small business with bookkeeping being my speciality! I look forward to talking with everyone and getting to know you!

candace

I too am starting my business pt while working ft. i really appreciate this forum, and all of you.

Just joined this group!

Just wanted to say hello to everyone and that I am looking forward to networking with you all!

Happy Holidays!

Hello fellow VA's! I'm new to this venture and am excited to learn and grow with the support of others and hope I can help others along the way! I'm currently unemployed and looking for a job as well as trying to grow my VA business. I'm learning a WHOLE lot and can't wait to learn a WHOLE lot more!

Hello, everyone! I have been lurking on this forum for a short while now and am amazed at the information to be found here. I have been in the business for some time, but have just recently discovered that what I have been doing falls under the VA umbrella! LOL I have just a couple of clients whose needs are mostly on an as-needed basis and also do transcription. So glad to have found you guys and looking forward to all there is to learn!

Good Morning!!! Like everyone else I just started my VA business and still work part time as an Administrative Assistant. I am very excited to find this group of peers that are in my same situation. Can't wait to share my knowledge and learn from everyone.
Good Luck to everyone! Jessica

Hi Everyone. I also have a full time job and have recently started my VA business. I am hoping to grow my VA business to the point where I can leave my current job. I've been going for about 3 weeks and already have my first client. There is so much opportunity in this industry and I'm so excited about it.

Hello Everyone.. I am a small time VA.. I only have 1-2 clients, but I am hoping to grown my business.

HI Everyone - just started into the VA business recently when my hours were cut at my full-time job and needed something to supplement my income. Trying to grow my business so reading everyone suggestions and comments has been a great help to keep me focused. Keep it up!

Thanks Julie

Hello to everyone! I am currently in the planning stages of my VA Business. My goal is to begin working part-time while I continue to work full-time at my current job.

Hello all! I began a few months ago and it is all pretty hectic as I work full time and I'm also studying for exams coming up soon. I'm really enthusiastic about making this work and my end goal is for my business to support itself so I can eventually become independant and do this full time and I find it great that everyone is so willing to share their own experiences and give tips to others. I managed to land my first client quite soon and I'm currently in talks with another possible monthly client so fingers crossed it goes up from here.

I have belonged to VAF for several months, but this is the first time I've written here. I have been spending my time writing my business plan and working on my marketing plan, which is giving me the most headaches! I am totally out of my realm when it comes to marketing. I hope to go live shortly after the New Year and have my first client shortly thereafter. I am planning to do some local networking in the foreseeable future, but everytime I start to head that way something stops me--mostly the fact that I only have one day off from my regular job--and mostly because I'm arguing with myself. I'm not good at people and new situations in the same setting.

When I discovered this site, I thought I had gone to heaven: all my fears would be resolved and the honey would come with the manna so to speak. Of course, I'm expecting too much.

My other problem is: I am never satisfied. I almost think I'm doing my usual sabotaging myself again. I fight that all the time.

As you can tell, I'm somewhat discouraged; and it's all of my own making.

It's just those first few clients I want and need. I know once I get them, things will work fine. It's just getting them that is throwing me for a loop.

I detest being bored. I love challenge (and I'm really challenged right now!). I love to read, and unfortunately, I almost read to much in the sense that it stops me from DOING anything.

Sorry, I'm becoming a bore so I'll sign off now.