Hi! I'm Lisa Marie. I'm just getting started with my business, at least officially! I've been doing VA work for the last 5 years for various companies and people, but never really thought of it as such. Now, as our family has grown a little, and my husband started a new job a year ago that has paid less than his old one - we need some more income and it's time for me to get started on my own adventure!

Right now, I'm hoping to start as being a Customer Service Specialist - helping businesses with their customer service email overloading. I know that those emails tend to be the same 5-10 questions over and over - so how helpful and smart time managing would it be to have someone ELSE answer those questions and be able to focus on other parts of your business! I'm more than happy to repeat myself all day long to people (after all - I'm a mom! I do it all day already! haha).

My ultimate plan is to offer blog set up and design. I've done this for so many people and for myself MANY times and love doing it. There's a thrill in tracking down the perfect template for that person or topic, creating a header that is a good representative for that blog, dealing with personalizing all the code to make it one of a kind, and the satisfaction of seeing a completed project.

Although I could probably do that now, I'd like to learn more about WordPress before I make it official. I know a lot, but I want to know more.

Thanks for letting me join. I have loved all the great forum posts I've read so far. I'm learning already! Thanks!!

Hi Lisa Marie, Welcome!

I'm also new to this forum. I live on Vancouver Island, but am originally from Toronto (moved out here 5 years ago and wouldn't even CONSIDER moving back!).

I started like you, freelance in 2000. It wasn't until 4 years ago that I made it official and registered as a sole proprietorship. I've had many aspiring VAs email or call me to ask for suggestions in starting up a VA business.

Please feel free to contact me if you wish. Good Luck and stay well. Leslie leslieadams@shaw.ca

Welcome to the Forum! I hope that you find all you need here to keep the business going...sounds like your successful...good for you!

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Mary Beth Marino, Owner
The Writing Editor

Hello and welcome Lisa Marie
It sounds like you have a great 'game plan' - now you've found a wonderful resource for information and support too!

Make yourself right at home and don't be shy about sharing your own comments and questions on the boards.

Wishing you much success!

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Hi, You have come to the right place to learn all the tips and tricks of the trade! I wish you every success in your endeavors! See you around the forum!

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Mary Beth Marino, Owner
The Writing Editor

Thank you for your well wishes as I begin my new business venture, it is great to see that there are so many of us with the entrepreneurial spirit.

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome! I'm just hoping to get off the ground running - well ok, jogging perhaps - running might be faster than I'm ready to start with haha

Hello! Welcome to the forum. Good luck with your business.

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Amy
www.porterofficesolutions.com

Welcome, Lisa Marie! I live in Barrie, but grew up in Toronto. This forum is amazing - you'll find so much help and support. Good luck in growing your business!

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Sharon Foster
"Giving You the Executive Edge"

Hi and how are you doing. Have you been getting much snow or your side of the country. We just finished a small burst out here on Vancouver Island. I hear we are in for another one in the new week or so. White Christmas for some of us I believe. Have a great day,
bye for now,
Patricia