Hello from a real newbie - Virtual Assistant Forums

permalink · #1 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008

I have been procrastinating for two years about starting up my own VA business - I am still a little hesitant even though I am computer literate, tons of office experience. I'm not completely sure just what a VA entails - do you need specialized software, equipment etc. Biggest concern for me, is how do you actually receive the work - I understand the concept of "online" but if someone wants a report typed, how do they send it to you. Sorry to sound like such an idiot, but I want to be sure that I can deliver what I offer. I am so glad I found this forum - maybe one of you wouldn't mind explaining the true ins and outs of VA Thanks in advance

lisa007 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008

Welcome! I'm a newbie too, but years of experience as an admin. Still work f/t as I'm getting my VA business going. I would say no you don't really need any special equipment. Unless your doing transcription or something like that, where you specialize in something. I just have the very basics: PC, printer, fax, email and telephone for now.
If you have a basic office setup at home that should work to get you started.

There's a lot of posts here, so read through them and you'll find answers for almost any question you might have. If you don't find the answer then feel free to ask. For sure, someone here knows the answer. I log on everyday and read and read and read. Everyone is truly friendly and so helpful! I love it here

ciboney · #3 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008

Welcome to the forums. I agree with Lisa, have are read through the forums and feel free to ask questions. We are a friendly and helpful bunch here.

DeirdreS · #4 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008

Hi!

Welcome to Virtual Assistant Forums!

First of all....read through the posts here, lots of your questions can be answered through the old posts.

Second you do need to have a computer, printer, phone and a fax would be good as well but not a necessity since there is e-fax and other online fax services.

You receive your work in a number of ways. Email, fax, snail mail, or phone and then you will either email it back or snail mail it or you might even send it directly to a print shop.

Read, read, read, and it will begin to make sense to you.

Deirdre
Deirdre's Virtual Office

Modern Marketing Support · #5 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008

Welcome to the forum MCONNORS. My specialty is internet marketing so I'm not too sure about how to answer your question about the typed report. I think it depends on what you mean. The client might just send you the draft for you to finalize. Or, maybe they might send you a recording for you to transcribe. At least I think that's how it works. Sorry, maybe an administrative VA could help out with that.
Anyway, best of luck in your new VA venture!

Tess · #6 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008

Hi

and welcome to the forums!
I guess the best way to answer your question would be to ask you one first - what do you plan on offering in terms of services?

Then - whatever you'd need in order to provide the finished product(s) for those services should be on your home-office shopping list

But aside from the basics listed above you'll also likely need Microsoft Office at the very least.

As far as how to send and receive your projects: I receive literally everything via email or fax-to-email - but as noted, many other VAs receive via postal mail or fax machine as well.

As you're reading through the fourms, feel free to post any questions that come up for you!

ciboney · #7 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008

Hi there!
As head of the welcoming committee of the Virtual Assistant Forums I'd like to welcome you to the forums. Hope to see you around soon!

Office Support Online · #8 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008

Hi and welcome! I've just started and I was initially receiving reports when my client dropped off a disc with the audio files on it. He was worried that, as they were so large they wouldn't make it through the email system safely. Since then I found a free portal that I signed up for. I can add clients to receive a logon and password and then he just uploads the files from his office and I can retreive them. Sort of like my own intranet I suppose. No-one else has access to the project that I have set up for that particular client. We only started using it recently and it is working great so far. It is called OnStage. I also use free software called Express Scribe on my computer to transcribe the audio files. I don't have a foot pedal, but I am a keyboard girl, so I use the shortcut keys. It's all really easy. Have a read around - I haven't had a chance as yet to check out everythere here either, but I'm sure there will be something to help you out. I'm always looking for tips and clues and this is the place to find the answers! Good luck and have fun! Marie

permalink · #9 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008

Welcome to he forum. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Read as much as you can and I look forward to seeing you around.

Kerri-Ann

permalink · #10 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008

Thankyou everyone that responded to my enquiry.
I am so grateful for all the information posted on this site. I have spent hours reading through it all (by no means ALL), but have gathered a lot of important information and am slowly getting my act together. My website is still in infancy as i haven't nailed down everything yet but it will be called virtualassistantplus.ca Once it's up and running would appreciate any critiques. I will be offering basic secretarial services, word processing, reports etc. But I also offer newsletter design,brochures too. I am also offering a personal greeting card service called "here's wishing you..." for individuals and companies. Hope I'm not whistling in the wind. But once again - thanks for your support and encouragement.

Tess · #11 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008

There really *is* alot of info, isn't there - and it can be overwhelming at times, but the nice thing about a forum like this is the info s right there when you need it as are lots of other VAs to answer your questions

We'd love to see your site when it's launched - be sure to post a thread to the Website Reviews section so everyone knows you're online!

Congrats on getting started - I love the idea of the greeting card service - what a neat concept! It's definitely a great idea and will just take the right focus on marketing to keep it afloat...in the meantime, as you do develop your clientele this is a great value-add service to offer them!

VBP · #12 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008

Hi and welcome to the forum! There is definitely no shortage of information here! I'd like to know more about your greeting card service!

permalink · #13 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008

Hi Doreen - the greeting card service was originally going to be my only concept and the website called "here's wishing you.com" This was several years ago - but I never had the gumption to even try starting it. I'm hoping now that as I gain clientele, some of them might also think it's a great concept - especially in the vein of an "appreication" program for employees. I know at my present job (yes I still work f/t) they don't even remember Secretary's Day and I work with mostly women. The client will provide me with names/addresses and dates (confidentially of course) and I would keep them in a database - prompting me when cards are due and what type. If the concept takes off the ground I will buy wholesale greeting cards to try and reduce the cost to the client - but right now don't have all the details to actually quote a per person card - I'm still figuring that out.

Ness Lindsay · #14 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008

MConnors,

I wish you great success in your VA business. You won't be disappointed!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to PM me.

Best of luck always,

Kerans VA · #15 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008

Hello and welcome to the forum! Best of luck with your new VA biz and feel free to ask questions as needed.