You can also use Small Business Windows Live and get a free domain and hosting with emails. http://smallbusiness.officelive.com/

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Lisa Olinda of Olinda Services
Keeping you on the path to success!
www.olindaservices.com

I definitely agree that having your own website/domain name is a must; not only will it provide you with the professional email address you seek, it makes you look more credible as a business owner.

Hello Everyone!

I agree with the majority - (yourname@domainname.com). I begin my VA business with a Yahoo account. I ended up with too many emails created by my clients with (jean@theircompany.com) that were forwarded to my Yahoo account. Over time, as clients increased, I switched over to Gmail to manage those clients, and now finally I've decided to switch over to (info@govirtualwithjean.com).

This not only makes my brand unique and establish professionalism..it also motivates me to work on my site as well! Good luck!

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Aspiring VA - Jean
http://network.govirtualwithjean.com

Originally Posted by Kerans VA

Hi Kristen, Frankly, given the choice between a company that bothers to register and make use of their own domain name and one that doesn't, I would hire the domain registered over the non-registered. In our business, perception really does make a difference because we are virtual.

I totally agree with this. All things being equal, the person with their own email address wins. However, if you must go with one of the free accounts, I think gmail has the best reputation. I would hire someone with a gmail account over hotmail, yahoo, or - heaven forbid - aol.

On a side note, though, I was denied access to something recently (I can't remember what, now) because of a "free" gmail address. I just used another address, so it was no big deal, but that's the first time I've run into a restriction because of a gmail account.

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~Cindy
www.FiveToNineOfficeSolutions.com

Originally Posted by Five To Nine Office Solutions

On a side note, though, I was denied access to something recently (I can't remember what, now) because of a "free" gmail address. I just used another address, so it was no big deal, but that's the first time I've run into a restriction because of a gmail account.

Wow. Really? Why would a site deny someone access just because of a free email address? They make it seem like a crime.

I've had trouble signing up for forums from time to time with hotmail and yahoo addresses. I think because those addresses have more trouble with spam accounts, or because they have delivery problems. Once I was denied access with an sbcglobal.net account, which the list owner insisted was a free account--I had to explain to her that I paid $35 a month for the internet access that came with that account!

This was the first time it ever happened with gmail, though. That surprised me. Overall, I think gmail has a better reputation than the other free accounts out there.

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~Cindy
www.FiveToNineOfficeSolutions.com

I have to say, I am a total gmail addict. Even with my own domain, I prefer gmail. I have my unique e-mail address set up to work with my gmail account. I guess at the very end of the day, it's personal preference, how you want to project your image/branding.
Amanda

I have my Web site email account for business purposes but I also use another business email account that I check all the time. The other e-mail accounts that I have come with my Comcast account and I have a few gmail & yahoo accounts. I know it's a lot but I have different accounts for different purposes.
Jo-Carole

Originally Posted by bluegreenoffice

Wow. Really? Why would a site deny someone access just because of a free email address? They make it seem like a crime.

Some forums (hopefully not this one!) have problems with troublemakers who get banned, then reregister with a new Gmail/Hotmail/Yahoo account. Because these providers offer an infinite number of different email addresses, it's an ongoing problem.

Email addresses provided by an ISP (and therefore attached to your RL financial account with them), for example, are more limited and considered less troublesome.

funny, I couldn't register here with my yahoo mail. Luckily I have a roadrunner account. I think I am on the verge of my first client. I have been using my yahoo account with her. If this takes off then I will definitely personalize it. Microsoft office small business live sounds like a great suggestion, thanks! As soon as I settle on a business name I will give it a shot.

Holly