Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

CustomVA · #1 (**permalink**) 02-10-2011

Hello, my name is Anita and I was introduced to this group by a member of a Google group I belong to and I'm glad to be here. I have been toying with the idea of starting a VA business since I first learned of this industry back in 2000, with over eight years of administrative support experience under my belt at the time I wasn't sure if I was experienced enough to do it.

In 2002 my husband started his construction business and I left my administrative assistant position with a medical clinic to run the administrative aspect of the business, all from home. I didn't realize it at the time but I had just become a VA! For the past nine years I have worked solely for my husband's business but because of the economic climate the past year has been pro-bono (lol).

I am now looking at utilizing all of my experience to finally officially launch my VA business and gain new clients and start earning some money for my skills and knowledge. I have come up with a name and a tagline: CustomVA "Experienced virtual assistance providing customized solutions for your business needs." However, not sure if this is my final choice.

I am reading through this forum, as well as a couple of books written by other VAs to assist me with marketing myself to gain new clients. I am a perfectionist and very analytical and tend to over-think things, which sometimes keeps me from just doing what needs to be done to get my business off the ground. I now know I have the skills and experience to be successful, it's just that when it comes to taking that leap of faith into the unknown that's where I tend freeze up. I hope to not only learn a lot from this forum but to obtain the encouragement to just do it.

My apologies for the long post, I look forward to networking with others on this forum, especially those in Southern California.

Your assistance, input, suggestions, etc. are welcomed and appreciated.

Anita Armas
CustomVA

Rae J Gallaher, VA · #2 (**permalink**) 02-10-2011

Welcome to the forum! Good choice for your business name. I hope you find everybody to be as helpful as I have. This is a great forum to be a part of.

kimbeckers · #3 (**permalink**) 02-10-2011

Hi Anita, Welcome to the forums. This is a great place to get lots of information and really nice group of people. Welcome! :-) Kim

CustomVA · #4 (**permalink**) 02-10-2011

Thank you for the warm welcome. This does seem like a very helpful and supportive group of people.

Tess · #5 (**permalink**) 02-21-2011

Hi Anita, welcome!
Long posts are great, it's wonderful to learn more about you - no need to apologize

You're in wonderful company here and we're very glad to have you as an active member of the community, so make yourself at home.

See you on the boards!

Your Virtual Wizard · #6 (**permalink**) 02-22-2011

Hi Anita,

Welcome to VAF!

I was happy to read your post and I thank you for sharing your thoughts and goals with us.

I am looking forward to conversing with you on the forums.

Janine

msgofficesolutions · #7 (**permalink**) 02-22-2011

Hello, everyone my name is Regeana. I am so excited to be with VAF. I tried to start my business a couple of years ago. But I had to put it on the back burner because my duties with my Church college, and gained custody of my second grandchild. But working with my Church college, I became a VA because everything has been done virtually, because our staff and faculty are global.

Now my duties with the college have leveled off. Also, I am getting rid of a husband.

So now I am able focus on my business.

Kerans VA · #8 (**permalink**) 02-22-2011

Welcome to VAF Anita! It sounds as if you've got some very good experience under your belt. I can relate to your perfectionist tendencies and know I am the same, it can get in the way sometimes, lol. Wishing you all the best with your new biz and look forward to hearing more!

Regeana, it's generally considered good forum etiquette to start a new thread when introducing yourself, that way it doesn't take away from Anita's introduction.

hazeleyez · #9 (**permalink**) 02-22-2011

Welcome to the community. I wish you the best in your new business.

msgofficesolutions · #10 (**permalink**) 02-23-2011

Anita, please forgive me. I thought that I started my own thread. I didn't mean to put my introduction in with yours. I am a little rusty with the procedures of VAF. Please accept my apology.