Hello Everyone,
I live in Newbury, Massachusetts and am pulling together my business as a Virtual Assistant. I basically made this decision about 8 years ago when I had my daughter(2nd child), but it was never the right time. I was home for 7 1/2 years with the kids (and am very thankful that I was able to do that) before I went back to work. I worked the last 2 years in our town's school district as a SpEd Secretary for 2 of the schools. I absolutely hated it, and after discussing the possibilities with my husband, finally decided that now is the time to do my VA business. I spent the entire summer enjoying life with my kids and "thinking" about my business. I also downloaded a great e-book on setting up a VA business that's been a tremendous help. Although I feel like it's taking me forever to do things, it's really only been one month since the kids went back to school. I'm plugging along and checking things off my list every day. At times, it's overwhelming, but I know that I have many skills to offer, and this is what I want to be doing. I have been out of the loop for quite some time, so I've been working on updating my computer skills, software, taking a couple classes, etc.

I was searching for forms today and came across this web site. I just registered an hour or so ago. I'd like to make the best of my membership, but I guess I'm not up on new lingo and have a couple silly questions like: what is the difference between a post and a thread? Looks like I have to have 25 posts before getting into certain areas of the site, but I'm not sure how or why I would...what am I missing here? Also, what is the "quote" at the lower right of every post? I did read the FAQs, but I saw more acronyms I am not familiar and think they assume I know the fundamentals of what this site is all about. I've never done a forum, been in a chat room, or IM'd. I have enjoyed reading the forums, but feel like I don't have much to contribute since I'm not up and running yet.

Thank you for any answers and advice,
Diane

Hi and welcome
Not to worry, you'll get the hang of the boards - it just takes some practice.
Anyway, you've already successfully created a new thread with your member intro post so there's half the battle.

Take your time reading through the info here and post your own questions and comments as you go along - you'll have 25 posts, and a better grasp of how the community and site operate, in no time.

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Thank you, Tess. This is getting addicting. I keep reading more and more things every time I walk by my computer. I appreciate your response. I'll keep plugging away.
-Diane

I've no doubt you'll receive plenty more replies - it's a friendly and helpful bunch here, just gets a bit quiet in the evening sometimes.

Good to know you're getting lots out of the site.

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Hi Diane,

to the forum! You will get the hang of forums in no time! I only discovered the world of forums when I commenced my VA business earlier this year and now I almost feel like a pro!

Congratulations on starting your own practice. It takes time to set up and get organised so don't be too hard on yourself I know that I researched the VA industry for months before I actually started anything and I am still refining procedures now. It won't happen overnight.....but it will happen.

You are already one step ahead of me in that you joined the forum before being up and running, I didn't join until a little after I started! I only wish I knew of the benefits earlier . Be sure to read as many of the threads as possible as the information is invaluable.

I look forward to 'getting to know you' here!

Deb

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Debra Barber
Online Personal Assistants
www.opas.com.au

Hello Diane and Welcome to the forum -

Glad your here! I'm sure you've notice by now..but there is sooo much info here. Take the time to read through the different sections. Be sure and post any questions you might have


Once again,

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Kena~
Everyone smiles in the same language