Hello everyone!

I am originally from Arizona but I am currently living in Michigan. I work part-time in the financial services industry and have just recently started to promote myself as a virtual assistant. I am happily married and after deciding to not go to law school I decided to continue working as an assistant, because to be honest I love it! I recently got my first client and am really excited.

I am having trouble deciding whether if I should get a business license and name my business or simply first get clients and then move to the big stuff. Any suggestions? Is it also important to have a website up and running regardless of the amount of clients you have? I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts! Adios!

Vanessa

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Up and coming Virtual Marketing Assistant
Vanessa Blackburn

Hi Vanessa, welcome to the forum! A web site is important if you want additional clients to find you on line. I only want to work with clients who find me via the web, that is my main way of acquiring new clients. Regarding the license, I guess it depends on whether it is a requirement in the city/state/county where you live. Here in Portland, you have to register, but you don't have to pay an annual fee unless you make over $50k per year. Registering/having a license and a name shows clients you are "real" and serious about your business, that you are a professional not a hobbyist.

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Virtual Bankruptcy Paralegal
www.bkprep4u.com

Welcome Vanessa!
congrats on your first client! I'm sure you will be a success but I agree with Kate ^^, a website is important to attract clients. As for a business license, it would probably depend on where you live if it is required or not. It is not required where I live, but am in the process of getting one anyways (for the whole "real" aspect of it).
Good luck!

Shawna

Aww thanks ladies I appreciated the response. You guys are right I have to give myself a name. It's just so hard. I want something catchy but yet fun and professional. Anyways being on this forum is the best thinig I could of done for my business.

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Up and coming Virtual Marketing Assistant
Vanessa Blackburn

Welcome Vanessa - your license is important as Kate has already mentioned it shows your clients that you are serious. Good Luck!

Welcome aboard! For me, I'm have purchased my domain and website and waiting on approval for my name from Ohio (go Ohio State and go Michigan!). I am getting everything set up while I'm marketing my business that way I can get the "legal" aspect behind me and be able to really kick it up when I'm approved.

hope that helps.

Bobbi
The Distinguished Assistant

Welcome, Vanessa! I am just starting out as well. Michigan is my home state and I only needed to file a D/B/A form with the county clerk for $10. I am also working on a simple website (not to proficient in website development but wanted to get something online). My next steps are business cards and brochure. I am nervous and excited at the same time. Good luck with your business.

Anna,
How are you doing your website. I don't even know where to start first with that.
Peg

Not sure if you are talking to me but I have my website hosted by Inmotion Hosting. It was really easy to set up. It is just a basic website right now; I hope to improve it as time goes on.

The hardest part was settling on a name and tagline. My stepdaughter did the logo once we settled on the name and off I went.

Need business cards and brochures next.

Hi Vanessa and welcome. Here are some things I would do, if I were just starting out today (I've been in business over 16 years).

Find an accountant to get the advice that is needed regarding legal requirements for your business.
Apply for whatever licenses or register whatever you need to do legally regarding the tax dept for your region.
A business name can wait till you've gotten started - it's not necessary and you can legally operate under your own name if you wish.
Get business cards made up - doesn't have to be a real lot, even just a couple hundred, but so you have something to give out to people you meet face-to-face.
Set up a website - there are easy low cost options for doing this using blogger or wordpress or other systems out there.
Purchase a domain name - they are low cost and one that reflects your name is fine for now. If you later decide on a business name you can buy a new domain and get that pointing to your website as well.
Develop a signature block for online connection with people - that's like your online business card.

I wouldn't rush it when it comes to business names, logos or other things that could change 6 months down the track once you have a better idea of what you want to do and where you're headed.

Start finding local business networks so you can meet local businesses in your area. This will have two particular reasons - 1, you can learn from others who have been in business in your area for awhile, and 2, you'll meet potential clients. Most business owners need some sort of admin assistance.

You can also locate online business networks for the same reason. LinkedIn.com is a good avenue but there are many others.

After you've been in business for awhile you'll get a feel for what you like doing and what you don't and from there you might start deciding upon a niche or set of services you prefer to provide. At that point a business name may well come to you.

Hope that helps.