Running niche list - Page 6 - Virtual Assistant Forums

#51 (**permalink**) 08-15-2008

Originally Posted by t.brooke View Post

This is a great list. I'm trying to get started and am currently in the research (and hope my brain doesn't explode) phase. I understand the importance of niches, however I'm not sure which niche I want to be in. I know Kylie said that she is a long way from where she started 2 years ago so it is okay to change along the way, but how do I know where to start? I would like to offer general administrative support (i.e. word processing, excel spreadsheets, data entry, databases, invoicing, etc.), but I don't have a specific industry in mind. I'm just not sure how to choose an area in which to offer my services.

I feel the same about exploding brains!

I haven't even managed to read most of the threads on the forum yet... It's just sooo much to take in.

I used to work as a real estate salesperson for two years, so maybe I should include that in my repertoire. Unfortunately, the real estate market in New Zealand is down at the moment, so there won't be much work coming from that.

#52 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008

I'm brand new to the forum, and haven't started up officially (probably in another month or two) but I have experience in the following and it could be a 'niche'?

> Quality Assurance Certification (eg ISO)
> Public Procurement and Tendering Procedures

Also, one I thought might work ...

> I am considering taking on bulk typing to start me off.
Because of the time difference, it might be feasible to take on urgent
projects from, eg, the US - in effect this would gain the client nearly
an extra day to complete their project

Any thoughts?

Louise

#53 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008

I do all aspects of bookkeeping but stay away from business taxes. I will generate the forms but require my clients to look them over and file them.

I also do almost all aspects of administrative support. The only things I won't (or can't) do is cold calling, marketing and web design.

I also have stuck with certain industries when looking for clients. I started with real estate investors and have just recently added photography clients to my business. This gives me variety while getting a chance to learn a new industry.

#54 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008

This is such a great thread. I've enjoyed reading all the posts. For me I have my short term and long term goal (niche). My long term goal is to become a Virtual Paralegal. I have decided to go back to school to complete my degree with this. Below is my current "niche":

VBA - Target Bankruptcy Attorney's

Assist with Client Intake Paperwork
Input date into legal software
Online Research
Calendar Mgt. and Scheduling

Judment Recovery. For this I target contractors, dentists, Contractor Suppliers and Property Managers.

Skip Tracing
Online Research
Correspondence
Email & Calendar Mgt.
Document Prep
Submit legal docs to appropriate court

General Admin:

Email & Calendar Mgt.
Client F/U
Project Mgt.
Word Processing
Proofreading
Editing
Travel Arrangements
Proposals
Business Coach
Sales Support and F/U
Digital Transcription

HR Services:

Recruiting
Phone Interview and Screening
Reference Checks
Background Checks
Employee Handbooks

#55 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008

Hi Lori Lee

I logged on to the forum to start a thread about providing HR services as a target or niche and saw your post!

I'm not a HR officer myself so wouldn't provide the service, but was wondering why I couldn't see any threads or forums about HR or any VA's offering this as a niche?

Can I just not see any posts about it or is there a reason why?

Curious !!!!

I'm going to start a thread called 'HR as a niche?'

Louise

#56 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008

Louise,
I am not sure about specific threads regarding HR as a niche. To be honest I haven't tried to search for that. The reason I have it as part of my niche is I was a branch manager of a staffing firm at my last job. I currently have contacts in the Seattle area both people wanting work and employers. It just made since to offer this. I do charge a different rate for recruiting, etc. Employers pay a lot of money to staffing firms for recruiting. I save them money by not paying the higher fees but I charge based on the annual salary of the employee vs. an hourly rate. As far as employee manuals, etc. I charge my hourly rate.

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

#57 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008

This thread is superb! It has been very helpful to my own service listing and niche development.

#58 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008

I was intending to see how VA's providing this service find it, but it seems that there aren't many VA's proving HR. A HR Manager colleague of mine is curious about the possibility of proving this as a VA (in Dublin Ireland)

For anyone with any comments, please post to my thread called 'HR as a niche?'

Thanks
Louise

#59 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008

Hi

I will provide HR and Project Management as my niche along with some admin services. I have not posted my site yet since i am still trying to develop a name for the business. Please let me know if I could answer any questions.

#60 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008

Thanks Cathy

Would love to hear how you are getting on with your start-up.
What have you done so far?

Louise