Hello VAs and other aspiring VAs!
I am thrilled to have discovered this resource and excited that there are so many active participants willing to help each other out.

My situation: I'm single, living in Chicago, IL. I'm currently working as a Department Administrator for a Fortune 500 company. I have worked for over 8 years as an Executive ASsistant for several companies: large and small. Before that, I worked on and off assisting my parents with the family biz (of the mom n' pop nature) since I was about 8 years old. (Note: not because I was forced to, but because I was always wanting to help them out in one way or another filing and such. I always want to clarify that so someone doesn't try taking my 'rents to task for not adhering to child labor regulations.)

Anyhow, I am ready to bid my cubical farewell for an alternative to suit both my talents and my personality: creative and independent. After a considerable amount of research I decided that VA work is the best possible match for me and I'm so excited to plan my escape to VA entrepreneurship.

The term 'overwhelmed' appears a lot in this forum section and this resonates with me, too. Not so much in a negative way, but in a way that reminds me to slow down and take all things into consideration before severing the bi-weekly paycheck cord, so I can hit the ground running with confidence. The more I read, the more things I want to look into before opening up shop. In fact, there are so many options and so much potential that I wish I had considered this sooner!

I'm thinking that securing some subcontract work, in addition to my FT job, would be the way to go to get a feel for virtual projects, build relationships and gain some extra financial momentum. But, I know this will be a delicate balance. For those of you who tried this or are perhaps doing this, I'm open to any advice you can lend. Every day I read the forum posts I learn something new. You are all so helpful.

I have great admiration for all of you out there who have taken the virtual plunge!

-jen

Hi Jen,

Welcome to the forum! I live just outside of Chicago! I know that you will find quite a few VAs on this board who are either working full or part time while building their businesses. Maintaining balance is a common sentiment shared by many other VAs so I would highly recommend reading and learning as much as you can before ultimately taking the plunge! There have been some great eBooks that have been previewed on this site; along with fabulous resources provided by other VAs that should give you a good basis to start with. Do you have an idea of the type of client you would like to work with? Is there a particular industry that you find you could be most valuable to?

Let us know how you progress!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

Jen, to the forums. Great to have you here.

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Eddna
www.VAInnovations.com

Hi Jen, and welcome -- the information here will help you and we're glad you're here!

Sharon

[QUOTE=VBP;42684]Hi Jen,

Do you have an idea of the type of client you would like to work with? Is there a particular industry that you find you could be most valuable to?

QUOTE]

I'm planning on a marketing/communication/design focus and am especially interested in working with authors and entertainers because I have been both and am comfortable with their worlds, needs, and concerns. I have been very involved with the development of a Chicago writers organization and have some local connections along those lines. As far as design goes, I am self-taught and have been asked to do design and marketing materials for local non-profits and local authors (book covers, book marks, logos, posters, flyers, show programs - all print materials). My ultimate plan is to add website design and SEO management to the list so I can offer a nice package of services. I have only designed sites with WYSIWYG programs and would like to expand my html knowledge to have more options/control with web design elements. Copywriting, press releases, web content other skills I'd be offering clients.

As far as books go, I have already read the The 2-Second Commuteand Entrepreneurial Freedom, both of which have been mentioned in these forums and were very informative. I was especially drawn to the title of The 2-Second Commutebecause even though I work and live in the city of Chicago my commute is 45-60 minutes each way (includes a bus and a train or sometimes 2 buses often very crowded and uncomfortable). So 2 seconds sounds really nice.


- jen

Wow, that's a long way to work!

You have such a lovely, entertaining writing style, I bet you will be very successful in your new business.

KiwiVA,

Thanks for the kind words about my writing style. I'm really much more of a words gal than a numbers gal.

- jen

Hi Jen and from a fellow Chicagoan.

Sounds like you are off to a great start. Research is key and you are handling that phase of the planning very well. Your enthusiasm speaks clearly through your writing. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Wishing you the best for your business,

sy (Sheila)

Hi Jen, welcome to the forums
What a great introduction - just from the energy of your posts here it sounds like you're ready to jump into this with both feet! I'm cheering for you as you pursue your new business goals and will be thrilled to celebrate the transition from JOB to VA practice with you when it happens.

In the meantime, enjoy the community!

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