Hi,

They call me 'J'...from Jersey.

I'm a VA for a virtual staffing agency for 2 years and looking to branch out on my own. Since they take care of all the marketing, billing to the client (I do the billing to the agency), and collections, I'm green around these start-up areas. I'm looking for admin help...contracts, best ways to bill, get paid, etc.

This looks like such a friendly forum.

I am a mother of two older boys, 22 and 12. The younger one needs help after school with his work and I have gotten used to being available for him since I believe this to be such a vulnerable age. Lord knows what he would do if I wasn't home! I know he wouldn't do his homework so one of the main reasons I do this work is to be available to my children, no matter what age.

I also like the flexibility I have to attend Weight Watchers meetings, walks on the track and visits to the supermarket when it is not busy. I can also volunteer more often than I did when I worked outside the home.

The downside is that it can be a lonely job and I do miss the friendships I had when I worked outside the home.

Anyway, it's time now to spread my wings. My specialities are real estate-related work and all the time consuming online work agents and brokers must do (unlicensed), which takes them away from their sales. I do alot of newsletter, blog, press release, virtual tours, mls, website and lately, setting up teleclasses for clients and podcasting. Every client had different needs and has used varying programs.

So, I'm glad to be here and I'm hoping I can add to the banter as well. I have a masters degree in marketing management and years of experience in the corporate world. My last position was as a computer software trainer in a technical school...loved that job!

If you can guide me in the right direction here for getting my VA business started...offer tips on which organizations to join...how to set up my website, I promise to listen!

Thanks!

Jillian

Hi Jillian..."J" Welcome to the forums!

You mentioned the wide variety of projects you've enjoyed working on - for me, that diversity of daily experience is one of my favorite parts of what I do. It's nice to know that each day will bring a new challenge, something fresh.

If you haven't done so already, take your time to browse through the forums - check out the different topics, etc. and do jump in where you'd like to ask a question or add a comment of your own! There is such a dynamic exchange of information going on here - and the best way to get the most out of what the site has to offer is to participate.

I know many of our members will especially appreciate hearing from your Marketing Masters perspective - I think the Marketing and Networking section is one of our busiest!

Looking forward to chatting with you further

__________________
Stuck in startup? Stop dreaming. Start DOING!
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HI Jillian and welcome to the Forums

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Bette Creek
http://bettecreek.blogspot.com/
www.ashbusinessservices.com

Welcome J!

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Carolyn
Atlantic Virtual Assistant

Hi J,

Welcome the forums! I am fellow Jersey gal too. It sounds like you have a lot of experience to pull from for operating you very own VA business. Good Luck and again

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

J,

This is a very open and supportive forum, as you will get to see. The members are all dedicated to the advancement and professional portrayal of the Virtual Assistant Industry, so you will greatly benefit from your participation on this forum (as will we, with your experience and background in marketing, and corporate ).

Congratulations on starting your VA Practice. We're looking forward on seeing it develop! Have you had any thoughts on the name of your practice yet? If so, post it in our Branding thread...you'll get great feedback from others.

Again, welcome to the forum!

__________________
Perfecting Assistance Services
www.perfectingassistance.com
Allowing you time to PERFECT your Business!

Welcome Jillian! I am originally from NJ as well. What county are you in? 12 yrs old is an age of vulnerability and I agree that you need to be there for them at this age.

I wish you the best of luck with your new business and look forward to getting to know you better!

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

Welcome to the forum. I have focused on Real Estate Agents as well. They are a great group to work for. It sounds like you have a lot of great experience that we can learn from.
Thanks,
Debbie

Hi Everyone,

Thank you all for the warm welcome.

Dawn: Don't you mean to ask me 'what exit?'...88.

J-

J,

Exit 88......That is near Brick, right? My grandparents lived in Brick years ago.My family and I would visit my grandparents every weekend. Traveling from Exit 154 to Exit 88, certainly felt like a very loooonnnng trip.

__________________
Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Oops I forgot! I was off of 109.

Darlene if I remember correctly yes I think it is Rt 70, Lakewood, Lakehurst and Brick.

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

You will see so many great resources right here on this forum. You'll find all necessary information to help you get a good start on your new venture.

I understand it can get lonely working at home. I used to work in an office outside of my home and it was nice to be around other people. Coming to this forum is very nice, not only you find the support and resources here, you also can befriend with the members as well!

Hi & welcome to the forum J!