Hello, I'm a former a marketing assistant, and account manager and currently a SHM for the last 4 years. I want to start working again and would like to do it from home. I have lived in Idaho for the last three years, but I have traveled for business and on vacation around the States and to several countries. I have met a lot of people in my town in Idaho and have been active volunteering at several public organizations. I would like to start offering my services in my town in Idaho and then to other states and Latin America, since I'm bilingual.

My question is for this type of business (online) where do you recommend I should start, as far a s organizing myself and the business. Also, after being out of work for 4 years, do you think I should start working as a subcontractor or should I start "solo"?

Thanks!!

Hi eVA2008,

Welcome to the forums.

I don't think it matters that you've not "worked" in 4 years. You can still start solo if that's what you want. I did it as a SAHM who hadn't worked in 8 years.

Where do you start? Right here. You'll find everything you've ever wanted to know about becoming a virtual assistant by participating and reading the forums. If you can't find the answer to something then someone will help you.

Also, read the VA Interviews. You'll find very helpful information in those interviews.

Best of luck in your new venture!

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Hi and welcome!
Shari has given you some great advice - and she's completely right, it doesn't matter that you haven't been out in the workforce for a while.

Here's a getting started checklist that might help you organize your thoughts and pick a place to get moving toward your new business goals.

Keep us posted on your progress!

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Thank you so much, girls! I'll keep on reading this forum and learning about becoming a VA. I'm so glad I found this site!! It has a lot of good and relevant information that will help me a lot. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Welcome! I too am a SAHM (for the past 5 years). I've been looking for a "JOB" for the past 6 months and these employers make me feel like I'm damaged goods because I've been out of the typical workforce for so long. Well, I've decided to create my own future instead of letting an employer dictate what I am worth. I have over 20 years of accounting and administrative experience and I'm sure there are some smart people out there that would love to put my experience to good use to help their businesses. Good Luck with your journey!

To Denise3 and all of the other SAHM,

By being a SAHM, you are performing the most important and multi-faceted "JOB" ever known to humankind! Possessing the ability to manage a household and pursue your hopes and aspirations to become your own boss is a remarkable feat within itself.

Don't ever let anyone make you feel like damaged goods. As you mentioned, you have 20 years of relevant experience, you are capable and you possess determination. YOU WILL ACHIEVE SUCCESS!

I look forward to reading about your success in a VAForum Interview post!

Hi Denise3,

Welcome to the forum! I too am a SAHM to two beautiful boys and I wouldn't work for anyone else if they gave me the world. As far as I am concerned I have the world right here in my home! There are so many benefits to being able to work from home and be with your children and family all the time!

You've already taken the first step and that is deciding to take control of your future! Well done!

As the previous advice says, just read and enjoy the forums and you will learn so much and be off to a flying start in no time!

I look forward to hearing of your thriving business soon!

Deb

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Debra Barber
Online Personal Assistants
www.opas.com.au

Our family is blessed to have a four-year old who gets to have a SAHM and a SAHD (dad too)!

We've both worked from home for the last two years and wouldn't trade it for anything. We do everything possible not to have to work for someone else. It's too much fun working for ourselves, setting our own hours and rates, and having a blast!

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Sue L Canfield
AwesomeAssistant.info
My Blog

Hello eVA2008 and Welcome to the forum..

I know my welcome is a little late but I had to respond to this post b/c I'm also a stay-at-home Mom. And with the help of this forum I've learned so much. This is the place to be


Look forward to chatting with you further


Glad your here

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Kena~
Everyone smiles in the same language

Thank you everyone for your responses. I'm glad to see there is so much support from you to all the newbies like me. You guys are GREAT!!