Not sure if this is the correct spot to post this, but here goes...

Hi I’m new here and I’d like to introduce myself, my name is Paulette. Actually, I realized a few days ago that I signed up to VAForums about 2 years ago but I never posted. So I’ve been thinking about becoming a VA for that long. I currently work for an insurance defense firm in New York City but I am extremely unhappy. I have never worked at a place like this and can no longer handle it. I even got into an argument with my office manager today. I have had it with this place, but at least it is giving me the drive to go out and seek other opportunities.

A little background on me… I have been a litigation legal secretary for 11 years working for matrimonial, landlord/tenant and insurance defense firms in New York City. The bulk of that is insurance defense. I’ve been doing that since 2004. Recently I’ve have been seriously contemplating starting my own legal virtual assistant business, but I’m not really sure where to begin. I’ve done some research online, but I guess my question for you ladies (and gentlemen) is how exactly do you go about doing your work from home? Exactly what kind of work do you do? Dictation, document producing, etc? How much were your startup costs?

Also, did any of you take an online virtual assistant training course? VA Classroom seems to have good reviews but I wanted to hear real reviews from real people about what they thought of it; and if you didn’t take this course, what course did you take?

Did any of you work for a virtual assistant prior to setting up your own business? I’m wondering if it would be beneficial for me to work under a virtual assistant for a few months to learn the ropes first before potentially setting up my own business or is it not necessary? Did any of you start out just working as a VA on evenings and weekends, or did you just jump into it?

Lastly, I am also planning on setting up a PR firm that specializes in providing social media marketing, public relations and bookings services to emerging electronic music artists. That may sound a little strange but I’ve been involved in the electronic music scene for about 11 years now and I was also helping to manage a trance website for approximately 1 ½ years and during that time I met many people in the industry which got me into thinking and planning on opening my own online pr firm. Ideally I’d like to run both businesses simultaneously.

Well that’s all for now. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

and thanks for introducing yourself.

Originally Posted by Paulette

how exactly do you go about doing your work from home? Exactly what kind of work do you do? How much were your startup costs? Also, did any of you take an online virtual assistant training course?

I am a virtual bookkeeper and get docs via email, fax, and snail mail. I never received formal VA training and still (4 years later) work a 9-5 as well as having my VA business.

As far as startup costs, I already had a computer and printer/fax/copier/scanner so my costs were limited to filing my llc with the secty of state, getting a web domain and monthly website hosting (I set up my site myself), a po box, and the outlay for some marketing postcards/postage. I was 'up and running' for under $100. Most of the startup 'cost' was my time setting up my biz and learning to network. VAF was a huge help in getting started.

VAF has a "Become A VA Guide To Success" e-book that would be really helpful for you and, of course, the forum has answers to just about any question you may have. If not, just ask!

__________________
Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Originally Posted by Office Goddess

and thanks for introducing yourself. I am a virtual bookkeeper and get docs via email, fax, and snail mail. I never received formal VA training and still (4 years later) work a 9-5 as well as having my VA business. As far as startup costs, I already had a computer and printer/fax/copier/scanner so my costs were limited to filing my llc with the secty of state, getting a web domain and monthly website hosting (I set up my site myself), a po box, and the outlay for some marketing postcards/postage. I was 'up and running' for under $100. Most of the startup 'cost' was my time setting up my biz and learning to network. VAF was a huge help in getting started. VAF has a "Become A VA Guide To Success" e-book that would be really helpful for you and, of course, the forum has answers to just about any question you may have. If not, just ask!

Thanks for the input. Doesnt seem like much to start up. I have my own computer, printer, scanner, no fax but I think nowadays you can send faxes online right from your computer (and receive them too) so I dont think I need to invest in a fax machine.

In the long run I would eventually like to work for myself. Mostly due to my current employer, I have become really disenchanted in working for other people, which is why I am looking into starting my own business.

What websites would you recommend that I read and research before venturing into the field? Which contain the best information? Thanks.

Hi Paulette, welcome to the forums Congratulations on taking those first (exciting!) steps toward your own virtual assistance practice.

I think Lily gave you some great advice and information to help you get started. The only thing I'll add is that I did not pursue any certifications nor did I subcontract for other VAs when I was getting started - but I do think that's a useful avenue for some - you can read more about the in's and out's of subcontracting in the Virtual Assistant Subcontractors forum here on VAF.

You can also find plenty of opinions posted about VA Classroom here on the boards by using the search feature (you'll find it at the top, in the main menu, just look for the SEARCH link and type in VAClassroom and/or VA Classroom and you should get a decent number of returns. I haven't ever taken a course with them but know plenty of VAs who have and have only heard great things about them.

Wishing you much success!

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Originally Posted by Paulette

What websites would you recommend that I read and research before venturing into the field? Which contain the best information?

You're sitting on it right here. VAF has a full listing of all the 'nuts & bolts' information you need to set up and run your VA biz. I have found the politics on many of the other sites really interfere with getting any concrete, helpful information; politics are not tolerated here and the difference is astounding! Start here and feel free to ask questions if you can't find what you need in the SEARCH box.

__________________
Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Hello and welcome!
Tess and Lily have basically summed up most of what you need to know. I just registered my VA business a few months ago and am on the search for clients. So I don't have the experience that Tess and Lily have but I didn't get any certification and nor did I sub-contract for any VA's before hand.
I was thinking about starting it for a few months, did my research and basically just plunged right into it. Because if I kept "thinking" about it I would never get it started.
VAF has definitely been the most helpful resource to me. I got most of my questions answered on here.
Good luck with everything!

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Malaika Nallawangsa
Quick Works | Virtual Office Assistant