Hi all! My name is Sandy and I am currently in the start-up phase of my virtual assistant business. Right now, I'm taking a 6 week business course through MercyCorpsNW and I've enrolled in their IDA program. As a side note, if anyone is struggling with start-up funding, I recommend googling "IDA program" and your state- it's worth it.

This site has been a tremendous resource for me in the last few weeks as I learn all about the world of VA's. I plan on becoming an active forum member

I am a certified Library/Media Assistant and my specialties include internet research, desktop publishing, writing and editing. I have always been the entreprenurial sort and I look forward to being my own employer. My current day job is in customer service but I hope to strike out on my own full-time within a year.

Thanks for having such an active and friendly community

Welcome Sandy and good luck as you move forward! Thank you for the information on the IDA. I am also a newbie and this forum has been a tremendous asset for me as I get ready to launch my business.

__________________
Margaret
Helping You Build Your Empire

Welcome! I hope that you find this forum helpful, i know that I do sometimes!

__________________
Christina Keogh
www.ckvirtualassistant.com

Hi Sandy, welcome to the forums I'm also located in Portland, OR. I've lived here for almost a year (originally from Seattle) and quite like it.

Perhaps you'd be up for a local VA meetup later this month? Would love to get the chance to meet a fellow VAF member in person

Wishing you much success!

__________________

Hi Sandy, so good to meet you. I am sure you'll do well in your new business adventure.

Hi Sandy,

Welcome! I live just over the river in Vancouver, WA and launched my business a couple of months ago. This forum really is the best place for information and connecting with other VAs.

Wishing you the best of success.

__________________
Linda
Clockwise Virtual Assistance

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and well-wishes!

Hello Sandy! Welcome to the VA world. It's always comforting to see another new person who is stepping out on faith. You're going to do great! Thanks for the business tip.