Hi All
I am new to the Forum. I am so excited to be here there is so much information available and you all seem lovely.

I am just in the process of setting up my own VA business. I did plan to launch my site this month however I have been put off by the current economic climate. Is it a good time to give up a well paid job to go it alone? How is business going for the rest of you? I would love to hear your advice


Thanks

Hi Lucy,

No time like the present to get started. You can run your business part-time while establishing yourself. I cannot advise you on giving up a good paying job but I can tell you that I think with the current economic situation more folks will be open to utilizing our service. I lost two clients who were in the construction industry but gained one who is a coach so it is hard to say.

Good luck to you.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Hi Lucy,

to the forum.

I agree that I think the hard times are forcing people to downsize if they can. Admin is something every business needs done so it is not a task that can be 'put off' for a little while. And the benefits of VAs will save small businesses a lot so once it catches on I think it will soar even more than it already is. (just my 2c worth).

Good luck with everything!

Deb

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

Hello Lucy and Welcome -

You will find tons of information here to help you get your business up and running in the right direction. Take time to read through all the threads - and feel free to ask any questions you might have.



Talk to you soon!

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Kena~
Everyone smiles in the same language

Hi Lucy, welcome
Only you can decide if you're ready to jump in with both feet and run you VA practice full time - business is going great for us and while I do see that some clients are less inclined to spend for non-essential projects at the moment, others are spending more - so I can't say that I see the economy getting in the way of our success as virtual assistants.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you much success and encourage you to network here to find the support you'll need when you do decide to launch your practice.

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Hi Lucy Nice to meet you!

Hello and welcome,

Good luck with your new business. I'm about to go 'live' this week, all very exciting & a little scary too.

Sarah

Hi Lucy,

Welcome! Just like everyone is saying, with this crazy world you never know from one day to the next how the economy will be. But there is always reading the threads here in the forum which is packed full of all kinds of information to help you on your way. Good luck!

Leilani

Hi Lucy,

Welcome to the forum. I agree with the ladys. Good luck with your business.

Sonya

Welcome! Lots of us work full-time jobs while building up our VA practices. It can be done - just be prepared for exhaustion. (Hmmm... reminds me of having a new baby, almost!).

I think the current economy will actually strengthen the VA industry because more people are going out on their own (and don't necessarily have the admin skills to handle day-to-day business mgmt) and more small businesses are finding it tough to keep employees when they don't have the work to keep them busy! Having a VA means being able to utilize our services only when needed...

Good luck w/your endeavor!

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