I am seriously considering starting a virtual assistant practice out of my home. I use Mac OS X and am fairly proficient using it's applications. My background is in elementary education and I'm currently in retail as a sales associate. I am curious if I need to take additional courses such as Business Operations Systems or can I use what I know to start this venture. I am not even sure what my "niche" is as I'm still in the investigative phase of my quest. Any ideas where to begin? I have a vast language arts background, fairly good with words and command of the English language, and am very interested in time management, organization and productivity. Thoughts?

Hello and welcome! I'm also a newbie so I might not have as much tips as a seasoned va but I have done a few direct mailings, some cold calling and even went into a volunteer website and I'm volunteering a few hours a month to get the business out there. With your background in Elementary ed what about proofreading thesis and such for college students? Helping with resumes? Do you have a website set up? Sorry if I didn't help much!

Greetings muffy432002. I have been doing VA work pro bono for missionaries for several years. In the past year I have been looking for paid work in the VA community. It can be a long road and be prepared to put in many hours of research and marketing. I certainly am not trying to dissuade you, but make sure you have an income in place to carry you through.

Hi Muffy,

Welcome to the forum! Well, you actually have already taken the first step in learning more about the VA industry and starting your own business; you found a forum full of answers to many of your questions. My first piece of advice is to soak up as much information as you can here on this forum.

As far as taking additional courses like Business Operations Systems or Business Management, this isn't a bad idea, afterall, as a Virtual Assistant you are starting your own business. However, you do not have to invest loads of money in schooling. There are many books you can read on how to start, manage and operate a business. A business is a business...the same management model for a mom and pop would be the same for that of a VA business...accounting, customer service, business plans, marketing, the same principals apply. So, you can go to your local library and check out some books. There are also many books out there on how to begin a Virtual Assistant business specifically.

You can start here for reviews on a variety of business and VA books http://www.virtualassistantforums.co...splay.php?f=74

In regards to your current skills and interests. As your research and knowledge of the VA industry grows...the services you wish to offer will be more specifically defined. Ultimately, you should offer services you really enjoy (afterall...this is going to be your business..do what you love) and that you are capable in providing.

It is great to have you here and if you have a question in which you cannot find an answer to, please feel free to ask!

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Hi Muffy!

I'm in Michigan, too (metro Detroit area). This is one great forum to get info and find out everything you can. I would also suggest you visit the Michigan Virtual Assistants website. You can PM me if you need the URL.

I joined this site about 4 months ago and the support here is phenomenal!

Hello! Another Michigan member here.

I agee with everything Darlene mentioned. She offered you great advice. There is another few threads that may help you as well -


Do and Don'ts for Starting a Virtual Assistant Business
Master list getting started - what to do?
Running niche list

In creating a niche for your venture, you can make a list of what you LIKE to do that your clients can benefit from.

Best of luck

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Brenda A. Jones
www.brevos.com

Hi Muffy, welcome
I started my practice without any 'additional' training or certifications - just based on my own experiences in various aspects of business and my ability to learn, adapt and follow through with client requests.
That's not to say training isn't a good thing - I'm constantly pursuing new skills, learning new technologies and adapting my business practices and philosophies based on new experiences and ideas. So, whatever you can apply yourself to that will enhance your ability to serve clients virtually will be a good investment in strengthening your business.

Wishing you luck in your new endeavor!

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Welcome to the group. I too did not have any additional training when I started my va service and the first month my VA business was open I did alot of free work to get my testimonials and that word of mouth. And I have to say it did pay off.

Great Luck with the new business.

Tricia

Hello!

Welcome to the forums! As you can see from the posts above, you have come to a very warm and friendly forum. The questions that have been posted are a tremendous help in getting your business off the ground.

Deirdre

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Deirdre's Virtual Office