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New Virtual Assistant Business in California 6/13/07 After many months of accumulating ideas, researching the virtual assistant industry, studying the ins and outs of running a small business, the time has finally arrived for the opening of my new baby. Virtual Office Express. With many hours put into this endeavor already, I am excited to bring this plan to fruition. I can't wait to bring my services to the Greater Sacramento Area, and possibly the World!
My Decision 7/14/07
Becoming a Virtual Assistant is not a decision to be made lightly, but rather a journey within yourself. It all started when I quit my full time administrative job with the intent of finding a part time job that would allow me more time at home. Soon after I quit, I found myself pregnant, very sick and unable to go out and search for part time work. I had no idea there was any such thing as a Virtual Assistant at the time, I only knew I needed to help with the income of the household without sacrificing staying at home as much as I could.
I searched extensively through home-based businesses trying to figure out what I could do to help out with the family income. It wasn't until several months of trying various “work at home” businesses that I stumbled onto a website that introduced me to the idea of a Virtual Assistant. I thought the Heavens had shined on me at that moment! To think I could have a career doing something I was already skilled at, enjoyed, and stay at home? What luck! That’s when I knew I had to figure out a way to make it happen.
During the process of learning about what a Virtual Assistant was and what they did, I realized there were some important questions I had to ask of myself. Why did I want to be a VA? Why did I want to start my own business? Did I think I could really do it? The answers came pretty easily. I wanted to be a VA because I really did enjoy doing administrative work. I enjoyed the creativity of the work and pride I felt when I finished a project. What I did not enjoy was feeling like I never got any recognition for all my hard work and accomplishments. I wanted to start my own business so that I could share my passion for the business and problem solving skills with the world. I wanted to take on a new challenge, to grow as a person and to achieve independence. I knew it would be difficult starting a business with no prior experience, but backing away from a dream has never been my style. I knew I had the drive, the desire and the skills, I just needed guidance.
The more I researched the Virtual Assistant industry, the more I realized that it wasn’t just about starting a business or having a career. It soon became apparent that Virtual Assistants have a set of ethics behind their work that I didn’t expect. They don’t just go out there trying to make a buck; they want to help others with what they know. They want to encourage, to help succeed and to give knowledge to the world. VA’s aren’t just administrative assistants working from home; they are nurturing, creative, spiritual beings who give of themselves everyday. This is one reason why I want to be a Virtual Assistant. I want to use my knowledge and experience to help make this world better, one business at a time.
I really feel like becoming a Virtual Assistant is the perfect choice for me and my life. It will allow me to continue to perform the type of work that I enjoy doing while being able to make a positive contribution to the growth of not one, but many businesses. It will enable me to challenge myself to learn new skills so that I can be of value to many clients and grow my business. I want the freedom to choose my clients so I can work with those that will appreciate my input and hard work. And most of all, being a Virtual Assistant will help me to gain independence and control over my life so that I can make my own schedule and spend more time with my family.
What is a Virtual Assistant? 8/11/07 A Virtual Assistant (or VA) is an entrepreneur who provides asministrative support utilizing current technology such as phone, fax, and e-mail and with the newest most effiecient office equipment can provide support regardless of geographical location. A VA works from their own office and are highly skilled individuals who offer services such as administration, bookkeeping, marketing and more. A Virtual Assistant is not an employee, but rather a partner to you are your business. Your working relationship is based upon a contract where the terms of services are clearly defined and agreed upon. A VA is commited to honesty, integrity, efficiency and to fostering the growth of your business as if it were their own.
Who Can Benefit From a Virtual Assistant? 9/2/07 A virtual assistant can be a wonderful asset to small businesses, entrepreneurs, consultants, authors, non-profit organizations, real estate professionals, and more. Maybe your company only has seasonal office work that needs to be done, or you are overwhelmed by administrative responsibilities. Virtually anyone who needs professional administrative assistance can benefit from outsourcing to a virtual assistant.
Why Hire A Virtual Assistant? 10/12/07 There are many benefits to hiring a Virtual Assistant. When you partner with a VA, you pay only for the services you need, when you need them. There is no need to worry about the high cost of health benefits, sick time, vacation or holiday pay, taxes or unemplyment insurance. A VA does not need to be trained. You get all the benefits of administrative support without creating office space for an employee or investing in office equipment. A Virtual Assistant works off-site with their own equipment and software amd is well experienced in the administrative field.
VAs Can Track Their Time to Save You Money 12/5/07 "myHours.com is a time management, timesheet, time tracking solution. It enables you to track your work time, projects you work on and tasks you perform. It is web based and can be used from any location at any time. " myhours.com What a solution! Now I can track all of the time I work on my projects to make sure that I only charge my clients for the time I work! Another reason why hiring a VA is a money saving solution for any small business or entrepreneur.
Cost-Effective Marketing Strategies 1/24/08 Starting off a new business can be quit a daunting process. There are so many questions running through your head as you first begin the journey of becoming a business owner. There are tax questions, license questions, and financial questions, but time and time again, there is always one question that every new business owner asks: how do I market my business so I can get clients interest? That’s why as a new business owner myself, I have devised a list of cost-effective ways to help answer that question for those of you who are still struggling to find the answer.
1. Your Local Chamber of Commerce – Many don’t think of this option, but you local Chamber of Commerce can be a great benefit in introducing you to your local business community. There are many ways in which you can utilize your local Chamber, such as attending local events, putting business cards out in their office, or getting a hotlink on their website to yours.
2. Online Networking – There are many online forums, message boards and communities available for small business that you can join. This is a great way to chat with other business owners from all over the world and get a lot of great advice. Not only are there small business forums, but also forums specific to your field of service. You can also respond to questions on the forums, giving other members insight into who you are and the knowledge you possess in that particular field. Another great thing about networking on these forums is that you are often able to include a signature where you can list your company name and logo and put a link back to your website.
3. Article Marketing – This is yet another hidden gem in the world of marketing. A well-written article in your area of expertise is a great way to get your name out there and showcase your skills. There are many free sites available where you can submit your articles for publication. By submitting to more than one, you will increase your chances of having your work read and you can use a link back to your website or mention your company in the article.
4. Blog – Blogging has become huge in the past few years and it can be a great way to speak out about your business and your skills. There are many sites where you can create and customize a blog free of charge. Not only can you create your own blog, but you can comment on other blogs which usually includes a link to your website URL.
5. Create a Website – Utilizing a website can bring potential clients in not only from your local area, but from all over the world. The internet is often the first place those in need of a service will look to find it. Creating a website does not have to be too costly to factor in your budget. As a matter of fact, there are actually ways to create your own website for free. By simply typing in “create free website” on any search engine, you will come up with several sites that offer simple and easy tools to get your own up within minutes. All you need to do is write your content in.
These are just a few of the many ways in which you can begin to market your new business. With a lot of effort and hard work, you will be well on your way to finding your client base. Don’t forget to utilize a small business owner’s best friend – the Virtual Assistant – in helping you get your marketing plan together.
Virtual Assistance and You 1/29/08 In this day and age of modern technology, the small business owner now has many advantages with helping their business succeed that were not as easily accessible before. For instance, a small business owner can utilize the many wonderful assets of a Virtual Assistant to maintain their daily administrative tasks, marketing, accounting and much more. By partnering with a Virtual Assistant, the skies the limit with what you can do!
What is a Virtual Assistant you ask? Well a Virtual Assistant, or VA, is an independent contractor who provides a wide range of business services from a remote location. With the help of instant messenger, e-mail, fax, and phone, you can communicate with your VA sending them projects which they can complete with the newest and most efficient office equipment and software.
A Virtual Assistant is not your employee, but rather a partner working with you to help you achieve the many goals and dreams you have in building up your business. Therefore, your working relationship is based upon a contractual agreement where the terms and services are clearly defined. That means you get the services you want only when you need it from your VA.
Since your Virtual Assistant is not your employee, you have just eliminated the many costs of hiring an employee. And as a small business, it won’t come out of the already small budget you have. That means you don’t pay employment taxes, benefits, holiday and vacation pay, sick leave, or the cost of office space and equipment. You’re getting all the benefits of professional help with none of the overhead costs!
Many VA’s have a range of skills from general administrative to website design. You can hand pick a Virtual Assistant that specializes in the services that are right for you and your business. If you need a VA to create business cards and make follow-up phone calls to your customers, then balance your books and send out invoices, chances are you will have no problem finding one. Virtual Assistants are hardworking and dedicated professionals who have worked for many years honing their skills. They are creative, innovative, nurturing, highly intelligent, and trained individuals who give of themselves everyday and are ready to help you. If you haven’t looked into partnering with a VA, I suggest you do!
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