Hi All! Hope the weekend treated you well.

Feeling a little overwhelmed by all the information and research that I've been doing, but just had a few questions. I've been trying to dig back to older posts for answers but some of those posts are older (and full of good stuff) and think it's best to get some 2014 answers.

My two main questions are, how long after you decided to start your VA business did you launch? Was it a few days, weeks, months?

Did you think taking the classes/courses/certifications prior to launching was more beneficial? Or did you do them as you went along.

I've been reviewing other VA sites, and I tend to see alot of the same wordage in regards to things payment options/why should you hire a VA/benefits of hiring a VA. I'm assuming this stuff is standard and can be found on the this forum? Or when you take the class or purchase the book? Or is everyone copying everyone in regards to wordage? Just trying to get an idea while I develop content for my own site. I would like to use some of that info BUT not sure it would be plagiarizing.

That's all I can think of for now. Think I'm going to have to step away from the screen and take a break for a day. Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all to be done. Excited but overwhelmed.

Hi Aimee,

My timeline won't apply to your question because I had another small business and a part time "career" I was winding down. So I took my time. I got interested in VA work in January 2013 and felt I was ready to "open my doors" on my VA business in May (but I didn't actually open it at that point). I did take Michelle's class and loved it. It was "live" back then so I also enjoyed getting to know Michelle and the other new VA's taking it.

I didn't actually "open the doors" until that September due to commitments I had in my part time career. So I've recently completed my first year in business.

In regards to the content being similar on many of our websites... I do think that most people who are getting started read other VA's websites. However, many of us do generally similar things so a lot of terminology is going to turn up over and over. We save time, organize, help you reach your goals, move to the next level, and so forth.

If you look up websites for your local plumber, restaurant, dog walker - you'll see they have similar content. Hopefully we all look at a lot of websites and then sit down and write our own content in our own way.

__________________
Susan Sheehan - VA Cape Cod
21 Steps to Better Networking

I agree with Susan. You will formulate your own information, but just like anything you research, it's okay to look at what other VAs are doing to help you brainstorm your own services. I know that I have looked at many sites and I tend to get overwhelmed by those who are obviously so ahead of me on their service offerings and their web presence. Just try and take it in small chunks and start where you are. I'm still fairly new. I started creeping on this board almost a year ago, but I didn't offically open until a couple of months ago. Having said that, I'm still working out the kinks, but am taking on clients or at least trying. I figure even if I don't get the job, I'm still learning and getting much needed practice. Experience will come. Some people are wired to jump in with both feet in whatever they do. Others (like me) like to get a comfortable level of "ducks in a row" before they venture forward. You can do whatever feels best for you. There is no right or wrong way, just your way!

Thanks guys! Just so much information. I'm learning so much! I created an outline for my site so that I can flesh out my thoughts as I research other sites. So much to do!

I am so glad you asked these questions. With all the different websites trying to sell you their book, courses or certifications it can be overwhelming and hard to figure out what are legitimate resources. If I see one more ebook claiming I can be making 6 figures as a VA in six months I'm going to pull my hair out.