Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

amylynn · #1 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010

Hey everyone.
I am just getting started. I have been working on research, picking my services, thinking about my web site..and, before I even have a business name, I have a PC!! My friend is a web designer and was talking to one of her clients, who said she needed a VA but didn't know how to find one!! The woman is supposed to call me tomorrow!!

I'm feeling like I don't have everything in place to start. Now, I'm trying to figure out what I should put together right away and what can be added later. I am soo excited and nervous.

executive_assist · #2 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010

I would suggest you wait until after you talk to her to put things together for her. It would be senseless to put the wrong things together. One thing you can work on is getting your contracts for both retainer and per project set up so you have those ready when she is ready to sign. Great job on finding your first PC

catfive · #3 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010

I agree with Serita, have a contract ready to give her and absolutely have a business card. My first ones were from a Word Template and business card stock I bought at Office Depot. Which I must say has improved over the years. It had the feel of a "real" card. Months before I had my website up, I bought my domain. That meant that I immediately had a business email address, kathy@virtuality-works.com as opposed to wildgirl@hotmail.com. (please note wildgirl is a made up address - you will not reach me there! lol) That makes a difference in the amount of professionalism you convey, I think. Your website can easily be "being redesigned".

Be Confident! This may be new to you but you are coming with years of experience and you have that to offer. I had my first official meeting with a potential client yesterday and the women took 3 Pages of notes! I love it when what I say is of such value they write it down! That's not because I have been a VA for 10 years, that's because I have 25 years in business and I know my ****!

You will do great. Good luck!

Kathy

reneeshupe · #4 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010

Exciting when that comes along. I often look at that as a sign that it's something you were meant to be doing. It won't necessarily always come that easily, but either way have fun and be yourself when you're talking with the PC!

PamH53 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010

Lucky for you she will be calling you on the phone instead of meeting in person. If you are nervous, she won't see it. Just act confidently and it will come through. Keep in mind that you do not have to set anything in stone on the first call. Just have your ducks in a row in your head and it will all work out. You can schedule an in person meeting later on to go over the "agreement" with her. That will give you more time to get things in order.

Congratulations and Good Luck. Keep us posted.

virtual writing · #6 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010

Amy - Biggest thing for me to learn about these situations is to listen, listen, listen - and be clear as possible when you finally speak.

AdvantageAdministrativeSltns · #7 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010

Amy, congrats! My recommendation for you is to take lots of notes, write down everything they say. Especially when they tell you what they need and what they telll you about their business. Make sure to get their website and full name of their company so you can research them after the call.

You can find a good post on questions to ask here

Good luck, and remember breathe and know that you know what you are doing because of your experience, be yourself and SMILE (they can hear your smile)!

amylynn · #8 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

Thank you everyone for your advice and kind words. I dont have any news to tell yet, the call was postponed because the woman got held up with something else!! I'll post when I know more.
Thanks

amylynn · #9 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010

Just a little update...the phone call went well!! I have my first client! We are going to start sometime this week. I know its not always this easy, but I'm so glad my first one was.