Greetings:
My name is Diane Dupree-Dempsey. I am, like so many others here, just beginning this journey. I applied for my business license yesterday, I have my business plan written and my business cards created. Those ducks of mine are starting to line up - so why am I so scared? I guess that is a "well duh" question.
This is the beginning of a new adventure and it is a quest into very unknown territory! So exciting and nerve wracking.

I have quite a bit of experience in various office environments, but most of it is past - way past - experience. Up until three years ago, I was an at-home Mom for fifteen years. Although most of my work experience is old school, I have kept up with computers. My husband owns a computer company, so I have access to the latest programs and information. I currently work part time as an administrative assistant to a financial advisor. The work is interesting and I enjoy my job most of the time. My plan is to keep this job while I build my VA business. Once I can at least replace my current income, I will go full time with my business and see where that leads me.

I have been perusing this site for quite awhile now, reading and gleaning. I have found it to be a rich source of information and I know I have just scratched the surface. Up until now, my main goal was finding information on setting up and getting started, but now, with one potential client in the wings, I realize that I had better start figuring out the whole marketing piece!

I still need to finish building my website, but once that is up, I will consider my virtual doors open - now I just need to figure out how I get clients to walk through them!

I look forward to meeting other VAs here and learning from all of you.
Diane

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Diane Dupree-Dempsey
Dupree Dempsey Virtual Assistant Services

Hello Diane and Welcome.
You are correct in saying that this site is full of information. I come here first when I have a question about something and have found so many answers using the search feature.
I am also working toward a website. Right now I have clients from word of mouth and business cards. Once I have my logo and "new" business cards I will attend networking meetings with others in my community and get my name and niche out that way.
Good Luck to you!

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just Kate, VA

Hello Diane,

Welcome to the VAF! I am also a newbie and just about at the same place you are. The excitement and fear of starting a business even when you have lots of experience is normal, but keep believing in yourself and your talents and you will succeed. Good luck!

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Margaret
Helping You Build Your Empire

Hi Diane,

Welcome to the site. I'm in your shoes... Trying to get it all together. You'll do great!

Diane...Welcome! I am also a newbie and it's good to know we are all in the same boat together! I am putting together my services offered and then can move forward with business cards and that's my goal for THIS week! I have also found this site to be an invaluable tool. I'm spending a lot of time scouring the internet and reading everything I find there to help me move forward a step at a time. For those of us who are "stay at home" folks it's a little harder to make this journey. I don't have business contacts in the community and have been "at home" for 15yrs so I am feeling some trepidation too. However, I'm working on my business each day and a little progress is better than none at all. Encouragement goes a long way....

Welcome to the forums, Diane. You will find probably find answers to most of your questions here. I am new to VA also and am taking my time to make sure my business is off on the right foot. There is so much to learn and do and the forums are extremely helpful. I really appreciate all the input from everyone involved.
Wendy

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http://www.anofcextension.com
Office support, Database Creation and Management, Internet Research

Welcome to VAF Diane. You will learn alot here. Like Wendy, I am diligently going through the research stage to ensure my business success. Personally, I have found VAF to be very helpful and there is a wealth of information here as well as caring VA's . Make sure to use the search feature in the top right corner. Wishing you much success!

Regards,
Riley

Thank you to everyone for the responses. It is good to be on this journey with others! I am going to upload my website tonight (I think) even though it is not completely done. I has the pertinant info and as a friend of mine told me, "Your ducks will never all be in a row, sometimes you just have to get out there."

I am joining a couple of networking groups and I think I will sign up for an online marketing class. Time to spread the word!

Diane

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Diane Dupree-Dempsey
Dupree Dempsey Virtual Assistant Services