It can all become a bit overwhelming when you start, and I do not want to spend too much time working on things I will not need. Anyone suggest a list of the minimum contracts, agreements etc, I should have in place?
All suggestions greatfully received.

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VA-Karen
www.elite-va.com

Good Afternoon Karen!

I am in the business planning stage but I do plan on opening my virtual doors by the end of February.

Here are the items I would recommend based on my research:

1) Freelance Contract
2) Confidentiality Agreement (if it is not part of your contract)
3) New client questionnaire
4) Your website (depending on the information you put on your website it may want to have your terms and conditions, rates, retainer packages, etc. in place.)

I think these would be the four major items and then after that you can work on your social networking, etc. I would also recommend that you have your welcome package ready to go so you will be ready when you get your first client.

Best of luck to you!

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Amy
TAG Virtual Office, LLC

Thanks Amy, I think I am pretty much there then. It is just when you start to read some of the forums, you begin to doubt you have done enough.

Good luck with yours, wishing you every success.

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VA-Karen
www.elite-va.com

I couldn't agree with you more. There was a post the other day from a fellow perfectionist and how she continued to put off starting her business b/c she was never complete with everything or it wasn't just right. The advice from almost all of the other VA's was to jump in and go for it.

So I am taking that advice and getting the must have items complete and taking the plunge.

Now my list of To Do's though is very long b/c every time I read something on here I seem to add something to it. There is so much information and great ideas that are shared.

You will do fabulous! I look forward to your input on the forums as you start and grow your business.

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Amy
TAG Virtual Office, LLC

My most recent panic was just after I order my business cards from Vistaprint. Only to find that some comments on here said they were ok, but not great. Just have to hope they are acceptable when they get here.

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VA-Karen
www.elite-va.com

Originally Posted by VA-Karen

My most recent panic was just after I order my business cards from Vistaprint. Only to find that some comments on here said they were ok, but not great. Just have to hope they are acceptable when they get here.

I have heard mixed things about VistaPrint but I believe most likely your cards will be fine.

You may wish to design and make your own in the future. I created my cards in Word and have them printed/cut at the local office supply store. This allows me the flexibility of using my own custom paper, changing the design or text whenever I feel like it, and doing a small quantity of cards each time. Just food for thought...

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

I have just received my second lot of business cards from vistaprint. The first ones didn't look very professional and the writing I chose was too small. The ones I just received were in glossy and look so much better. Glossy seems to stand out a lot more than just the normal finish that they offer on the free cards.

Lisa

Karen, this is a good question.

Originally Posted by agough

Here are the items I would recommend based on my research: 1) Freelance Contract 2) Confidentiality Agreement (if it is not part of your contract) 3) New client questionnaire 4) Your website (depending on the information you put on your website it may want to have your terms and conditions, rates, retainer packages, etc. in place.)

You know, I never even thought to have a New Client Questionnaire, even though it would seem to be common sense to have it

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Heather

Another newbie here and I appreciate this four item list. It's a good starting point! Thanks!
Heidi

Thanks for the info, I will start compiling the recommended forms now!