I have been Va'ing for about 2.5 years but I do so through a staffing agency. They take a 44 percent cut of the total charged the client so I'm going out on my own and now I have my first referral. It's PR work, which I really like to do as opposed to more task-oriented jobs. This is for a speaker and she wants me to research organizations who may wish to hear her speak, make contact and arrange for the engagements. I see this as on-going. I'm not sure how many hours per week just yet but I know I do want to set a minimum of at least 2 hours to make it worthwhile. We are going to phone conference next week for more details.

Where do I start? And I know this is the end all question, but how much do I charge? I'm thinking $XX per hour but since I've been on these boards, I see alot of $XX per hour rates.

What do I need to get started...contracts, billing, etc. I'm really nervous because I don't want to make this too complicated since this person has not used a VA before.

Thank you.

Yeah! I think you might be a little bit ahead of the game from some of the new people who start out because you already have a feel for the ins and outs and what you like and don't like. Remember, since this is your own business you set the rules! Rather than going by an agency's! How exciting is that?!

There are plenty of sources out there and some samples posted at VAF so I would check there first. You might also find some standard things at docstoc or the microsoft website. If you are really in a hurry or not the type to design your own you can even purchase kits of docs...which you'll also find referenced in resources at VAF.

Instead of thinking of this potential as "at least 2 hours to make it worthwhile" think of them as the best referral tool you could ever develop! I have a client that has only done 5 hours of work in the last month but I love the work and he is easy to please! What more could you as for as your first client! This also sounds like the type of client who will have even more work for you the more research you are willing to do. Good luck!

Make it a great day!

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Sundi D. Hayes
Chief Virtual Officer - My Office Zilla
www.myofficezilla.com

I would take the rate charged to the agency's clients, reduce it by 35% and run with it - you are still cheaper than the agency (at 44%) but should be able to make a decent living this way!

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

There's quite a bit of thought that needs to go into how much you charge per hour. I wouldn't just base it on how much you've seen others charge. Perhaps a better place to start would be to look at your own skills and what you believe they are worth and be sure to include your own overhead, your taxes and any other expenses.

Since this is a new client for you and for your business, you can offer her a discounted rate for a trial period or off a certain number of hours in exchange for possibly a testimonial or referrals. But be sure to let her know that it's a "special"offer so that you leave room to go up to your preferred rate or raise your rates when you feel the time is right.

Be sure to check out the document library and there are other resources listed in the Virtual Resources area for contracts/agreements or client questionnaires.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

Thanks, I've never been in a position to do the work that I like to do and what I am good at doing. When one works with an agency, if you turn down work for not being an expert at it, your name gets marred and other jobs don't come your way as easily as you would like.

I've always just filed a 1099 at the end of the year and never paid taxes quarterly. I also never billed anyone directly although, all that I have read here, some work on retainer and others bill 1 or two times a month, payable upon receipt. This is the stuff I'm not certain about doing.