Virtual Assistant Forums - Online Community for Virtual Service Providers

#1 (**permalink**) 04-04-2011

Hello!

I am currently writing my business plan and I am looking for stats on VA's. In particular I am looking for the growth of VA's in the last 5 years. How does this industry grow each year and at what rate.

Any insight would be great!

Thank you!

christina

#2 (**permalink**) 04-05-2011

I think you'll have a hard time finding real data on that specifically. I can tell you just from my experience watching activity on the forums that there is a constant influx of new 'hopefuls' AND a movement in the opposite direction as people give up, get sidetracked, realize they don't, can't or won't put in the work necessary to run a business.

There are a couple of sites that run a yearly survey of the industry and ask questions about how many hours people are working on their business, how much they charge, etc. but that wouldn't necessarily answer your question because it's only the 5 or 600 people who respond on average.

If you search Google for 'small business statistics by industry' you can get some feedback for overarching industries that might contain VAs.

If you do find something that specifically addresses growth rate in the industry please post back, I'd be very curious to know!

#3 (**permalink**) 04-06-2011

Thank you, I am finding it hard to find any real data.

If I find something then I will let you know!

#4 (**permalink**) 01-18-2012

Each year the Administrative Consultants Association does a survey of Virtual Assistants. I have found the survey to be pretty accurate and full of info. You might want to check it out for yourself.
http://www.administrativeconsultants...om/survey.html

#5 (**permalink**) 01-22-2012

Thanks, I will keep that in mind if I need it again. I did look at that site and I never got a survey because they did not have enough respondents for it.

#6 (**permalink**) 01-25-2012

Hi Christina, I did some research on the same thing when I was working on my business plan and can send you what I have if you'd like.
Cathy

#7 (**permalink**) 02-14-2012

Hi Christina, I wanted to see how you are doing with your business plan. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you out!
Cathy

#8 (**permalink**) 04-15-2012

My business plan has been a constant work in progress - I revamp it - change it - add and remove information - it pretty much has been a ' battle ' for which at times I am losing.

I would love to know the stats as well but I do agree that as quick as 5 new VA's join the world 10 leave for many reasons - I have had my ups and downs but this is what I love and I am almost to the point of being able to support myself and my horse solely on my business.

I look forward to know how you are doing in your plan Christina!

#9 (**permalink**) 04-16-2012

Originally Posted by msloehn

My business plan has been a constant work in progress - I revamp it - change it - add and remove information - it pretty much has been a ' battle ' for which at times I am losing.

I would love to know the stats as well but I do agree that as quick as 5 new VA's join the world 10 leave for many reasons - I have had my ups and downs but this is what I love and I am almost to the point of being able to support myself and my horse solely on my business.

I look forward to know how you are doing in your plan Christina!

Hi Patricia, one thing that helped me get mine completed was knowing that I could always change it later. It's also good to not get too bogged down on one section. I had help through an EI program so there was a time limit; I had to have it done in 6 weeks. Having that restriction on time helped me to keep forward momentum and to make a decision on whatever section I was developing (target market, services, timeframe, etc.) and move on. If you need someone to bounce ideas off of just shoot me a message! I'm glad to help.
Cathy