Hi one and all, so I am definitely not ready to start my own business but more interested in getting hired by a V.A. business as an associate....

how does that work? is there some sort of online application process for V.A. Businesses that I could get my resume out to those who are needing help?

There are a lot of online sites (elance and odesk come to mind immediately) where you can look for virtual jobs. The pay though is usually low but it can help you get your foot in the door.

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-Amanda
www.virtualsolutionsmadesimple.com

Ladies, I don't want to discourage you from looking for ways to work through an agency or to subcontract to other VAs when you're just getting started but the truth is in both cases you'll be much more likely to be taken seriously and secure an actual project if you are established as a business owner. That's the whole point of being a virtual assistant. There is no quick and easy 'getting started' - setting up a business can be hard work, but is well worth it!

As an established virtual assistant though I am much more likely to subcontract to another VA who has also taken the time to establish her business entity, whether she has clients or not is not the point, for me it's all about professionalism. Anyone can come forward and *say* they can do the work I need help with, but when I can see they've taken the time and energy to create a business persona it lends itself to their credit.

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Originally Posted by Tess

Ladies, I don't want to discourage you from looking for ways to work through an agency or to subcontract to other VAs when you're just getting started but the truth is in both cases you'll be much more likely to be taken seriously and secure an actual project if you are established as a business owner. That's the whole point of being a virtual assistant. There is no quick and easy 'getting started' - setting up a business can be hard work, but is well worth it! As an established virtual assistant though I am much more likely to subcontract to another VA who has also taken the time to establish her business entity, whether she has clients or not is not the point, for me it's all about professionalism. Anyone can come forward and *say* they can do the work I need help with, but when I can see they've taken the time and energy to create a business persona it lends itself to their credit.

I agree with this. I started my sub-contracting through a virtual staffing company but the pay is much lower. Even if you are sub-contracted through a VA, it's still your business and you still are the business owner.

I have to agree with what Tess mentioned above. I am hearing the words "job" and "hired" which sounds all to close to being an employee. That is a mindset that is truly hard to break free from. While I agree that using an agency or an eLance type site is great to get started, just be sure to not expend all of your energies there!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

You have elance, guru, and odesk. I started on Guru.com. It helps you find clients in my opinion. You can start up there and help build your clientele. VA companies advertise on these site, employers seeking work will contact you if interested and you can contact them on behalf of your business. But, if you haven't got to the building the business side of being a VA, those sites are good for work so you can build your portfolio.

Hello Everyone:

I'm also a newbie VA and also looking for work and clients. I'm enjoying this forum, its fully of fantastic information. Is this a good start to build up my VA business by getting hire by VA business?

Thanks Kimmie

Hello - I'm new to the VA business. I was invited to join a few weeks ago and haven't had the opportunity to actually check out the site. I finally took the time today and so far it seems to be packed with information; I'm a little overwhelmed on where to start.

For all of you newer VAs don't be overwhelmed with the information! Take some time each day and I would recommend keeping a notebook to jot ideas down!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

I highly recommend getting started with Elance. I did a great deal of research when I got started in January 2007 and Elance is highly legitimate with lots and lots of traffic. The pay is not great through this and other freelance sites, but it will act as a starting point and help you build a client base. Once you have established yourself this way, branch out and start your own business. I used Elance for about nine months and am now completely independent.

Originally Posted by SanAntonioGal

Hi one and all, so I am definitely not ready to start my own business but more interested in getting hired by a V.A. business as an associate.... how does that work? is there some sort of online application process for V.A. Businesses that I could get my resume out to those who are needing help?

All excellent ideas! I registered with odesk, getafreelancer and have also dealt with elance...all good sources of small contracts and a great way to get ideas about new services that can be offered to clients.

I bit the bullet and took the financial hit to totally focus on my business. I started in Nov. 06 and quickly realized that my 20+ years of experience did not cover many of the things I needed to know in my new world. Instead of being underpaid for my efforts I decided to take a few months and work on learning the things I needed to know to be successful and start my business on my own terms. Since January my business has really grown and I am making what I made at my last job which is pretty nice. It will take some time to pay back the money I borrowed to live, but I view it as an investment and spent my time learning and obtaining my own clients, I have replaced a few along the way and turned down some too. We only need a few clients to have a profitable VA solo business and if you spend time doing work that does not make you happy you may never get the business you envision. There are risks and sacrifices in creating any business and I truly believe that is what makes it possible to achieve true independence and success. This was not easy, I am a single Mom with no help in any way but worth every stressful moment.

All the best to everyone!
Donna

Donna,

Your story of starting your business is great.

Originally Posted by Donna

Instead of being underpaid for my efforts I decided to take a few months and work on learning the things I needed to know to be successful and start my business on my own terms.

I really like this statement. This is exactly the problem I have with thinking along the lines of "I'll take peanut pay for a while to get experience". Maybe it's worked for others, but I'm not willing to work for peanuts. I'd rather work 10-15 hours a week at my rate and barely scrape by leaving me the rest of the time to market my business and learn things for my business than spend 40 hours a week working for peanuts to still scrape by but be tired and defeated at the end of it all.

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Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
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I agree 100%! What's the point of trading one unsatisfying situation for another? Freedom and flexibility are worth any sacrifice, in my opinion.

Originally Posted by lanelt

Donna, I'd rather work 10-15 hours a week at my rate and barely scrape by leaving me the rest of the time to market my business and learn things for my business than spend 40 hours a week working for peanuts to still scrape by but be tired and defeated at the end of it all.

Donna,

Thanks for sharing your success story!

Deirdre

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