Hello,

I haven’t started my business yet. I’ve been laid off for almost a year now and have been searching for the right job for me. I’m so excited to have found this industry, it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for for years, but wasn’t finding it.

Anyway, I’ve been stalking the forum for a few days now and love all of the info out here. I’ve also looked over several of the members’ websites and that has helped me tremendously understand that there is actually a market for what I want to do.

I have several different skill sets, being in the marketing coordinator / marketing administrator role for about 15 years. I have a B.S. degree with a marketing specialization - although now that I’ve grown up a little, I’ve realized that there are some things in the Marketing field that I really like and some things that I don’t.

I’m really excited to get started, but at the same time, I’m overwhelmed. I have so many questions and not sure who to ask them to so hopefully I can use this thread to get started and am not wearing out my welcome….lol.

If anyone can point me in the direction of where I can get info on any of the following that would be great.

• Is there a group of VA’s who pools together to get discounts on health and other employee benefits?

• Do I need to get more tech savvy and understand about having a back up system for my software?

• What do I need in place to get started? Business Insurance? Business license? Sales tax and withholding tax (I’m very accounting illiterate) set up?

I know I’ll need basic office equipment - landline, fax, scanner, printer, computer, and basic office supplies.

• How can I go about finding a mentor - or finding out if that would be a good place to start for me?

• I’m currently on unemployment, but I know there’s a certain amount I can earn and still be eligible. So how would I go about finding someone who needs me to help them with subcontracting - would that be a good start for me?

I know I have a lot of questions here, and like I said, I hope I’m not wearing out my welcome, but I feel very passionate about doing this.

Thank you everyone.

Donna

Hi Donna, Welcome to VAF.

I am located in Ocean County.

How to get started on the forum: If you click on 'groups' on the top of this page, you will find a Mentor group you can join. There is also a NJ group you can join.

You will find out a lot of information by spending some time here on the boards and checking out what has already been discussed. Just click on the top in the left side on the link 'Virtual Assistant Network' and you see all the categories that are available. There is a lot of info here so be prepared to spend some time here. There are free forms and seminars given at VAF also. You have come to the right place if you are looking for friendly people, lots of good information, free forms and everything is free.

If you are looking for training now or in the future, I would suggest checking out: http://www.aove.org/. The courses are reasonably priced and there are a plethora of courses available.

There also is a trade magazine you can subscribe to for free at: http://www.tvemagazine.com/. Hope this helps out.

JoCarole

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JoCarole
http://www.shoreofficeservices.com

Thanks so much JoCarole. I am in the process of checking in to your suggestions.

Donna

Hi welcome to the site I am also new to the VA field you will find tons of information on this site, I am sure you will be able to find answers to all your questions.

Hi and welcome! I don't believe it possible for VA's to pool together to obtain health insurance since VA's are typically self-employed or work as subcontractors for a larger multi-VA firm. You'd have to be an employee of an organization that offered group insurance in order to obtain it that way. Otherwise, it's individual health care. Secondly, yes, I'd highly recommend learning a bit about computer technology - having your files backed up is crucial! There is a plethora of information on this site alone to help you along with that.
About licensing requirements, those vary by state and can probably be easily found online by googling it.

Just dig right on in, and don't be afraid to ask questions!! Good luck with your journey!

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--Leigh

Welcome aboard

VAF is a great community and a terrific starting point for us VA's in the making. Best of luck to you!

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Denyse Giguere
Cimarron Business Solutions

Welcome! You have some great questions- this website is so contect rich,you shouldl have no trouble finding answers.

Hi,
Welcome to VAF. It sounds like you have a great background. I am new to the VA industry too. I am based in the UK, so afriad I can't offer much advice on how to set up in business in the US as far as licences, tax etc. I wish you all the best with your new venture and I am sure there are lots of other VAs here who can advice you on setting up.

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Claire Baber ~ Horizon Virtual Assistance