Running niche list - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

There are a couple of posts active right now questioning specific niches...both of these intrigued me because, well, who'd a thought?! So, now I'm curious! I thought about a poll but there may be too many and it would be difficult to include everyone. So, let's just start a running list...

When you reply change the title of the post to your niche. If its not exactly clear (like bookkeeping for example) what it is you do then in the body of your post give an explanation. Try to be specific to your dream niche and keep it to what will show on the title line...like maybe "bookkeeping for professional athletes"...talk about $!

If you want, for simplicity, copy and paste the services you provide directly into the body or tell us what you won't do. For example you do bookkeeping but defer collections.

It will be interesting to see if when new people join/get up and running they post with something that isn't even on the original list!

I'm betting I learn a lot of new stuff with this one!

Make it a great day!

#2 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

workshop material proofing
layout and design
process structuring
proposal and contract creation
material production, compilation and shipping
client interactions and voicemail retrieval
event planning
appointment scheduling and travel booking
survey development and date compilation
assessment adminstration
"closed office coverage" - when my clients are on vacation or out for their client workshop, training, coaching events

#3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

My website isn't even up yet, but here is what I am working on as far as niches, but plan to offer more generalized support in other areas

Construction contractors support
Materials and services pricing and inventory analysis (aka shopping around

)
Statute and regulation research
Document preparation including, but not limited to, bid proposals and lien claims
Subcontractor background checks
Project planning/time management support

Customer Relations consultant
Plan and establish CR procedures and policies for new businesses
Analyze and suggest improvements for existing CR systems
Analyze marketing and sales materials from a CR standpoint

#4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

Great thread Sundi! Here's mine:

General administrative assistance
Search Engine Optimization, (SEO), Directory submissions
Basic website maintenance: templates, FTP, basic html and css
Advertising assistance (offline and online)
E-mail newsletter marketing
Press releases/Article submissions
Internet research/secondary market research
Shopping cart set-up and maintenance
Video Conversions for upload to YouTube or video sharing site of your choice (take from DVD,VHS tape or digital format)

#5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

Sundi, I love this idea!

I just fine tuned my niche recently, so here it is:

Content Management
Database Management (not database specific, including data entry)
Database Creation utilizing MS Access
Web Site Updates (HTML/Minor Flash edits)
Word Processing & Desktop Publishing Updates/Creation
Digital Video & Audio Editing

Virtual Reception
Email Management
Phone Answering Services
Customer Service
Incoming/Outgoing Fax Services

Then I offer basic admin. services if needed.

#6 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

I'm currently working on this list for my website -- here are a few of the basics:

Marketing Support
- desktop publishing
- marketing materials
- logo design
- business identity
- marketing campaigns
- email list management
- email campaigns
- assistance with obtaining and setting up booths at bridal shows
Client Support Assistance
- Correspondence
- Responding to inquiries
- Some client telephone assistance (limited)
- Appointment setting
- Gift idea/creation for their clients
- Etc.
Basic Web Design
Web Content Management
- Text updates
- Graphic creation and/or optimization
- SEO consulting
- Directory listing
- Blog creation/maintenance
- Forums
Office Administrative Services
- Word processing
- Spreadsheets
- File set up
- Database creation and/or maintenance
- Form creation/design
Product Photography
- for use on website, printed materials, etc.

Down the road, I hope to grow my business enough to do the following:

Virtual Office
- Rent a commercial office space to provide my clients a place to meet with their own customers in a professional space -- most of my clients might be home businesses and might be tired of meeting their customers in a coffee shop, for example. I would schedule times that a conference area will be available.
- Provide a physical place for them to receive mail in order to avoid using a PO Box.
- Can also service a physical place to have their customers drop off payment for their services.
- They can use the fax machine, printer, copier, etc.
Wedding Professionals Network
- Host networking events both online and local for Wedding Professionals

This list, of course, will be fine-tuned to better serve the Wedding Professionals market...but, this is the start.

#7 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

Great idea for a thread!!

M.Y. Marketing & Design provides clients with all the expertise, benefits and services of a Marketing Director at a fraction of the cost of a full-time on-site Marketing Director.

Marketing & Advertising:
Creation of Marketing Plans & Marketing Campaigns
Public Relations Campaigns and Press Releases
Collateral Materials Creation (brochures, flyers, signs, menus, business cards and newsletters)
Branding - Create logos and identities
Direct Mail Campaigns
Print & Radio Advertisements (plus negotiation of advertising pricing and contracts with media outlets)

Web Design & E-Marketing
Design of New Websites
Updates to Existing Websites
Search Engine Submissions and SEO Services
Directory Submissions
Email Newsletters and Management of Marketing Databases

Event Planning
I can assist with all phases of event planning (including creating a theme, site selection, menu, guest list, invitations, decorations, entertainment, marketing/advertising/pr for event, and "day of" services, or I can assist with specific event planning needs (such as only marketing or advertising for your event, etc.).

#8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

Business Documents & Design:
* Article and Blog Post Writing
* Proofreading
* Document Templates
* Business & Software Manuals
* Procedure Manual Writing and Design
* Report Writing
* Meeting Documentation including Agenda, Minutes & support documents
* Internet Research Reports
* PowerPoint Presentations
* Complex Spreadsheets
* Printed Newsletter Design, Postcards & Direct Mail pieces
* Leaflets/Brochure
* General Typing of Manuscripts, Essays, Research and/or Documents

Website Design & Hosting:
* Website Design
* eZine Design and Coding
* Ecommerce Solutions (including 1shoppingcart.com)
* Website Maintenance
* Content Management Systems (Joomla)
* Hosting and Domain Name Registration

Lead & Customer Management:
* Database and Mailing Management
* Email and Correspondence
* Newsletter design and eZines
* Auto-responders
* Shopping Cart Set-up
* Direct Mailing, Mail Merge letters, labels and emails

My target market is home based professionals including: coaches, business consultants, WAHM (the ones with money LOL), auditors, graphic designers, SEO Optimisation firms, Online shops etc.

#9 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

I just wanted to say what a great exercise this is. Often when I'm talking to people about their businesses, they have a hard time defining who they are, what they do, or who their target market is. This is something that everyone should do when they are considering starting a business. Typically it's part of the business plan or marketing plan, but at the very least, just to sit down and figure out what you do and who you do it for is invaluable.

Great idea Sundi!

#10 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

Lead Follow up
Marketing
Website Updates
Feedback
Mailings