What documents & forms should I prepare before I start? I'll appreciate all tips. Thank you.

I'm a "jump in and go" kind of girl, so when I started I had a website, a basic contract (because I really didn't know to charge a retainer then) and an invoice. That was it. I didn't know about this forum, or any others like it, so I put things together as I needed them and my client's were none the wiser.

However, if I were to start over again, I'd have:
-Contracts for the different ways that I provide support (retainer, project, etc.)
-A consultation form
-An intake form
-A brochure (I still don't have one!)

Other people here have a lot more "stuff" that they use, but these are the most useful to me and needed early on. You may also want to prepare a short script that you use when speaking with clients over the phone.

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April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

Originally Posted by Balancing Act

However, if I were to start over again, I'd have: -Contracts for the different ways that I provide support (retainer, project, etc.) -A consultation form -An intake form -A brochure (I still don't have one!) Other people here have a lot more "stuff" that they use, but these are the most useful to me and needed early on. You may also want to prepare a short script that you use when speaking with clients over the phone.

Fantastic reply April, just the kind of information I need. I like the idea of a short script too . What's an intake form??

Betty

Hi. I was reading your checklist you gave the original poster and I have a question. What do you have on your "intake form"? I do not use one, but think it may be good to have one. Not sure what goes on it though. Can you share with me. Thanks.

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http://dependablevirtualofficeassistant.com/
and online classes to enhance your talents!

This is a great question! As I am just getting started myself, I don't have a great answer! I love this forum because others are asking things I might not have. I had my first client call a week ago, and I was totally unprepaired! The client sort of just fell in my lap and I didn't have anything in place. I got the client anyway and have been putting things together as I go.

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Amy
http://amygetsthingsdone.com/

There are basic things, I believe, like a contract/agreement, intake/client information form, and an invoice, of course! But I believe after that, it all depends on what your business is and whether or not your clients are local.

I have a group of regular local clients that I get work from every week. I invoice them monthly. Then I have other local clients that I get work from when they have something they need transcribed, could be once a month or once a year. I have never charged a retainer/deposit, but when I start getting clients outside my local area, I will be charging a deposit based on the size of the project. Will have to have a form for that! I have business cards that I'm currently redoing--again. Never had a brochure, but probably should. I also have a resume. I've never had anyone ask for it, but I have one just in case.

Oh, and like Balancing Act said, a script to use when answering the phone is a great idea. I did that at first, too. And I still keep a list of questions to ask about their project so I won't forget any of them!

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Pam Deyerle - Transcriptionist in Richmond, Virginia (18 years)
The Perfect Word Transcription Service

At the bottom of this page is a link to download a Master-To-Do-List that I found invaluable this past year as I worked toward launching my business. Maybe you'll find it helpful, too.

Master To Do List

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Lezly Harrison
Laserdog Productions - Code that Doesn't Bite

Originally Posted by dognose

At the bottom of this page is a link to download a Master-To-Do-List that I found invaluable this past year as I worked toward launching my business. Maybe you'll find it helpful, too. Master To Do List

This was VERY useful, thanks for sharing.

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Netobia's Virtual Solutions
www.netobiasvirtualsolutions.c om

I have really found this to be helpful as I am just starting out and was trying to figure out what all I had to do to get started. Thanks a great tool for beginners!!!

Originally Posted by dognose

At the bottom of this page is a link to download a Master-To-Do-List that I found invaluable this past year as I worked toward launching my business. Maybe you'll find it helpful, too. Master To Do List

Thanks for this Master List! It is great for us just starting out.