Hello All! I have been reading this forum for about 2 wks and decided it's time to jump in and get some of that wonderful input/advice I've been reading about! This is a great place to be for help, inspiration and support. Kudos to all. I decided to hang out my shingle a couple wks ago and am in the brainstorming portion of setting up my business. BUSINESS NAME: My Office is Your Office and have the .com registered with Godaddy. So everything else from business cards to website is in the "design phase". My problem is I've been working from home for nearly 20yrs and have a myriad of skills to offer but because I've been working in the family business and not "out there" in the working world, I feel a little unsure...really alot unsure. My background consists of commercial, residential and retail property mgmt, as well as working for lawyers in the patent field (but did not get paralegal) and I'm pretty versed with Quickbooks construction accounting but I am not a CPA. So I'm trying to put together services offered and really want to get this moving so I can order bus cards, finish website...etc. My creative juices are all dried up... My husband and I have a small construction firm and the economy has hit us very hard so I'm trying to stay on a budget... and I'm usually very creative but reinventing the wheel is overwhelming to me...did any of you have a "guide" to follow or plan that worked well. So sorry for being so wordy...but thank you so much for reading!

Hello and welcome
Never apologize for long forum posts - this entire site is based on conversation and text so say what you need to say, ask what you need to ask and don't worry about it!

It sounds like you have a LOT of skills to offer your potential clients - but I'd recommend sitting down and figuring out what you *want* to be doing. Of all those skills (and possible services) which will make you happy? Which will you be excited to wake up to each day (in terms of client requests). Which of your many skills do you want to continue to develop and build upon?

Services offered is where many newer VAs get stuck (there and business name, but you're in the clear on that one ) but what most don't realize is that as the business owner (the boss) they (you!) get to choose what they'll be working on.

Your uncertainty is normal, and quite common - we've all been there and many VAs feel that even after being in business for some time. It just means you're growing

Once you pin down what your focus will be (and who will utilize your services) I think you'll feel much less scattered and much more focused / ready to move forward.

Wishing you much success!

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Thanks so much Tess! I know that I need to hone down what services I want to offer based on what my best skill(s) is...and that's of course where I'm a little hung up. But I am working on it daily. My goal is to have everything figured out and my website/business cards at the ready by the end of July. I'm learning a great deal here...so thanks again for taking the time!

Hello and welcome to VAF!

You said you are in Virginia? I am too.

Tess has set you on the right path and wish you lots on what you decide on. Take your time and don't rush to get started. I spent 3 months before I even got my business license and 6 mths before I pursued a client and that was in 2000. I continue to change my skills and services especially since times change often.

I look forward to see you "open" your business!

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Leona Martin
A Plus Admin Services

Leona...thanks so much for your encouragement. I am taking it a little bit slow myself. Am currently taking a couple classes to enhance what I'd like to offer. If I have myself squared away and site up, business cards and am "open for business" by the end of August then I'm happy with that plan. Where are you located in VA? I'm in the Richmond area. It's a little scary stepping out into a totally new forum but one step at a time hopefully gets me there...slow but sure!

Hello, You have been given great advice from Tess. If you are on a tight budget, check out vistaprint.com for business cards Your local print shop may have great offers as well.

Hello! I can truly sympathize with your situation! I have registered my domain with godaddy also but I am stuck on the initial stages of planning... I certainly agree with Tess - a lot of the uncertainty stems from fear of risks. But a great way to alleviate the stress is to research growing trends and services that businesses are utilizing now and in the future, and then make a checklist of your strengths and weaknesses in those areas.

Also we have to think in terms of competition - some general services might make it harder for us to gain clients. The more specialization the greater the attraction will be to clients.

I think you have started on the right path by taking classes to increase your offerings. Welcome and good luck!

Thanks so much for the input! It's great to hear from someone who is "in the same boat" with me! It is hard to make so many decisions at one time because you feel like each one is SO monumental. But I am trying to stave off the panic attacks (lol) and MAKE the decision when I feel like I've gathered enough good knowledge then it's the right time to make it. And most of this stuff isn't written in stone so it can be changed at some point in time. So step by step we'll get there. I'm so glad I found this forum because it is a wealth of knowledge and support!

I'm in the Chesterfield area! Let me know if you ever would like to meet and talk at a local coffee shop.

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Leona Martin
A Plus Admin Services