I am back to this thread and all I can say is HEEEEEEEELP!!!!!!

I have read and posted, read and posted and I still do not know where to begin, and its not because of you all, its because there is so much information that my head is spinning!

I look at my desk and that alone makes me want to scream, its a disaster because I never use it ... the kids are at it all the time.

So No.1 -- CLEAN THE DESK ...

BUT .. how about No. 2, 3, 4 and I am sure 5 and 6.

I have to purchase a printer .. nothing expensive because I am starting out.

I order a house phone, because I use my cell phone all the time.
But what else ?

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Kirsten C
kirsties-life Twitter

Those are the biggies. You may find other things you need along the way, but don't buy stuff you think need until you need it.

Why do you need a land line? Your cell makes you more mobile as a VA.

Hi Kirsten,

Remember to breath! It will be fine .

Some days I feel just like you... I want to run screaming into the night. Some things that are helping me stay sane are:

Printable guide from the doc library on gathering your thoughts for starting a VA business: http://www.virtualassistantforums.co...checklist-1666

Master Check list: http://www.accu-assist.com/master-to-do-list.htm

Plus I bought a binder and the sheet protectors and I am printing out my master to do list and other resources that I find on here.

As far as office equipment you should be okay with printer, computer, cell phone. I am going to start for myself with equipment that I already own:

laptop
Canon MP620 (wireless, all in one) I know you were asking about printers. It is a good printer and was not expensive.
MS Office
Adobe Products (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc)
Open Office (Free, works like MS Office).

The only "equipment" I am planning on getting is a fax, and phone line from Myfax and My1Voice both for $10.00 each/month. And a PO Box from UPS Store and a website.

I hope this helps.

Remember breath... and check out the master list!! It will help you focus.

Originally Posted by kirstylynn

I am back to this thread and all I can say is HEEEEEEEELP!!!!!! I have read and posted, read and posted and I still do not know where to begin, and its not because of you all, its because there is so much information that my head is spinning! I look at my desk and that alone makes me want to scream, its a disaster because I never use it ... the kids are at it all the time. So No.1 -- CLEAN THE DESK ... BUT .. how about No. 2, 3, 4 and I am sure 5 and 6. I have to purchase a printer .. nothing expensive because I am starting out. I order a house phone, because I use my cell phone all the time. But what else ?

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CAC

Thank You Callopi and Jamie -
I do not know why I thought a land line phone would be better, never really thought about it too much. Well I order it anyways, good thing my kids were starting to get cranky anyways ... lol

My cell phone is unlimited so that is a good idea. I own a Black Berry, even better I guess. ( just if I can learn how to use it, I know there is more too it then what I know. )

I would like to get an all in one printer/fax/photo copy/scanner at least for now. Plus I have a small apartment and I would need something small.

Jamie I have not come up with a name yet, I am trying to think of something short and catchy... hmmmmmmmm

Thank you for your support, I know its going to take me some time but as I move along I am starting to get ideas from other members here and then that opens my mind up to all new adventures and ideas!

These Icons are soo cool ... lol ( this is the child in me )

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Kirsten C
kirsties-life Twitter

Hi Kirsten, There are a lot of things you can do with medical billing and coding. You could process claims, account collections, and because you have knowledge of medical terminology, and have worked in the medical field in one aspect or another, you would probably be great at transcription. You have more skill than you think. I am also leaing towards work in the medical field, as that is where a majority of my experience is; however, in the beginning, I am going to have a vast array of services, as I try to obtain clients/customers. Keep us updated on your progress. I am also new, and have found this site to be a huge resource.

Kali

Originally Posted by KaliNicks

Hi Kirsten, There are a lot of things you can do with medical billing and coding. You could process claims, account collections, and because you have knowledge of medical terminology, and have worked in the medical field in one aspect or another, you would probably be great at transcription. You have more skill than you think. I am also leaing towards work in the medical field, as that is where a majority of my experience is; however, in the beginning, I am going to have a vast array of services, as I try to obtain clients/customers. Keep us updated on your progress. I am also new, and have found this site to be a huge resource. Kali

Hi Kali
I unfortunately do not have the skills for medical billing and coding .. I would have to be certified and I do not have the certifications.
Transcription is something I am also not sure of, because I listen to those Doctor's dictate their reports and some of them my god speak faster the speed of light .. lol It's crazy. I do not have a good ear for that.. its hard enough for me to do vitals on a Patient in an ambulance at times, with my hearing.. lol
Though do not get me wrong, I am not putting my self down or sounding like an "oh woe is me" (spelling?) attitude, its just I would think you needed the skills in order to work at home as a VA for a medical provider.

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Kirsten C
kirsties-life Twitter

Hi Kirsten,

Some examples would be sending out birthday cards, appt.reminders, scheduling appt., etc...You could send out client letters for the docs, manage their calendars, marketing, etc... The possibilities are endless. I have worked as an Executive Aassistant to surgeons for years, been their Patient Services and Implant Coord. you name it. Their are so many tasks(tedious to the office staff); however, interesting to us on the outside. The physicians I have worked for are very intelligent in their fields, but, you would be surprised at the little things they don't know, and how much they need someone to organize them, and take some of the stress off of their office staff, so that they can focus on patient care. As I think of more, I will let you know. Your possibilites are endless!!

Kali

Kirsten,

One more thing. If you have not done so already, browse the directory of VA websites under Hire a Virtual Assistant. You can get a lot of good ideas from our fellow VA's.

Kali

Welcome Kirsten. I am new here too.

Anisah

, , . I hope that you find what you are looking for in a niche. Try not to get overwhelmed with going through all the resources on this site. It's very easy to read and read and read, and print and print and print and then your head is overloaded. I'm sure you'll find what it is you really want to do after going through this site. It took me a while, but I finally figured out what I wanted to do.

I wish you the best.

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Be Blessed
Michelle