Hello all!

I'm so excited that I have found this site! It really is fabulous! I have to say with the wealth of information available, my head was spinning last weekend. I spent my entire Saturday & Sunday sitting right here at my computer researching.

The thought of running my own VA business entered my mind probably about 6 years ago. I've just been too darn chicken to step out and do it. The crazy thing, is that I know I'm talented and can do it. I currently work full-time for the same company for the past 11 years. I started out as a document specialist responsible for making reports look pretty and consistent through out. That position really prepared to be really know the inner workings of various programs and to be quick at achieving the end result. Within the same company, I stepped into a senior admin role/office management and that's what I've been doing ever since. I enjoy my work, but believe I'm more of a leader and can stand on my own. I know it's going to be a serious juggling act , trying to get the business up and work at the same time until I begin to establish a clientele, but only the strong survive!

If anyone has any advice on working full-time and starting out, I could really use some advice!

I'm really looking forward to what's to come and again, I really appreciate all your contributions to this sit. There's a strong dedicated group here and everyone really seems to look out from one another.

Hi, great to have you here. What took you so long?

I've been doing this since 1994 and still love it today. Read through the messages here - you'll find they're set up in categories and so there will be heaps of info on getting started and what to do. You're in for a steep learning curve but it's well worth it.

Hi there and welcome
There are so many members who are dealing with the same situation you find yourself in - managing work outside the home as well as the process of creating a virtual assistant practice so you're in good company here.

Kathie's advice is right on and it sounds like you've already spent one weekend reading and taking notes...and don't be shy about posting your own questions and comments as you read through the forum sections.

__________________

There is a thread here on this forum about working FT while trying to get a VA Practice up and running. Here it is... Hope this helps and welcome to the forum!!!

Thank you all for the warm welcome!!! Imforbes, thanks for the helpful link! I'll definitely be getting involved in the discussions!

Welcome to the forum.

I agree with Kathie that the learning curve is steep. But, you will figure it out and then everything will begin to fall into place. Don't give up if it doesn't happen as quickly as you hope. Be persistent. It WILL happen.

Best wishes.

__________________
Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Hi Sharpaul24 and welcome!
I know what you mean about feeling 'chicken'. I am currently researching the VA industry and slowly putting together my business plan. The idea of starting my own business scares me a little, but I keep telling myself that I am very talented and strong willed!

Hi Everyone
My name is Liz . I have approx 28 years experience as a secretary mainly in legal and am interested in becoming a virtual PA since I moved to Crete from Reading, UK in April having not been able to find work here this summer. Believe it or not it has taken this long to get online at home - nothing happens quickly in Greece.
However, apart from my wish to earn money (before we starve this winter - work is seasonal here so my husband will stop his work as a scuba diving instructer in October) I have no clue what to do and what are the first steps I need to take - even looking at this site I feel scared stiff and quite sick at the whole prospect. Please let me know what I need to do to get started. It all seems so overwhelming ! Thanks so much !!