| Virtual Assistants are independent entrepreneurs who | | | | 3. Your Availability-determine how much time and |
| work remotely and use technology to deliver services | | | | energy you are willing to commit to a Work At Home |
| to clients globally. Most Virtual Assistant's work from | | | | career. |
| their home offices and receive their project instructions | | | | 4. Industry Research-conduct thorough industry |
| by phone, fax, e-mail or even instant message. | | | | research to determine what Work At Home industry |
| Although many virtual assistants offer secretarial | | | | needs your Virtual Assistant services. |
| services, as more people with diverse backgrounds | | | | 5. Client database-write a detail list of what your ideal |
| and skills enter the ranks, Virtual Assistants who | | | | Virtual Assistant clients are (this is also referred to as |
| specialize in such areas as marketing, graphic and | | | | intention setting), where you can find them, and what |
| Web design, IT support or even translations are | | | | challenges and needs do they have. |
| becoming more common. | | | | 6. Do a market analysis- find out the needs of your |
| Business owners contract Virtual Assistants because | | | | niche and focus on how you will apply your expertise |
| of the expertise they can contribute to the owners | | | | to solving the issues. |
| business with the ability to work virtually. This business | | | | 7. Calculate Expenses-Know your budgetary |
| relationship greatly reduces the overhead cost inherited | | | | constraints i.e. projected expenses, expected income |
| by business owners that have to train and manage | | | | and how long you can "float" until your business is |
| physical staff. Virtual Assistants are business owners | | | | running successfully. |
| that have their own equipment, pay their own taxes, | | | | 8. Create a Virtual Assistant business plan that outlines |
| health care and insurance. Industries most often hiring | | | | the purpose of your business and what how you |
| Virtual Assistants include the real estate, coaching, | | | | intend to grow your Work At Home business; review it |
| financial services, accounting and legal fields. | | | | often to manage the growth and change your Virtual |
| Here are 11 simple steps to help anyone start their | | | | Assistant business will encounter. |
| Virtual Assistant business: | | | | 9. Examine your equipment, software and work space |
| 1. Decide what type of Virtual Assistant services you | | | | to ensure they meet client needs. |
| want to offer by your expertise- Review your | | | | 10. Finalize all legal and financial aspects of startup |
| background to ensure you have experience in your | | | | before securing your first client- Have you drawn up |
| field of interest and can provide top notch service as a | | | | an Independent Contractor Agreement in between you |
| Virtual Assistant in your niche. | | | | and your client? Retainer agreement? |
| 2. Determine your business niche (market)-consider | | | | 11. Market your services 24/7. Just because you have |
| specializing in just two to three services. Example: legal, | | | | built a web site or placed an ad in the yellow pages |
| real estate, or coaching. | | | | doesn't mean clients will come knocking on your door. |