5 Steps To Starting A Virtual Assistance Business

You are likely reading this article because you have a vast array of skills as an administrative professional. In a previous time, you may have been an executive assistant for a large company. Or, you developed your skills supporting a wide range of professionals who needed help with their administrative tasks.

Now, you are looking for another option. The possibility of using your admin support skills to start your own business has become very appealing to you. There are probably 100 reasons why you are interested in started your own Virtual Assistance business.

To name a few, you may desire to:

1. Dictate your own schedule and income
2. Work for the best boss in the world – YOU!
3. Spend more time with family and friends
4. Take better care of an aging relative
5. Retire with grace

The list can go on for miles. The important thing to keep in mind is the motivating force for you. Why are you driven to learn more about building your own business? Your reason is important to me as well. It is so important that I want to share with you 5 keys to keep in mind when starting your VA business from scratch!

The fun part about the steps that I am going to share with you is that you can do them in any order. You have to take the lead and decide which is the next best step for your current circumstances. Heck! You can even do two steps at the same time!

Step 1: Set Up Your Infrastructure

Consider how you will legally register your business. Research the following terms: LLC, S-Corp and Sole Proprietorship. It is good to speak with a lawyer or a certified public accountant that specializes in small business. These individuals can help you make good decisions. Your personal research can help you make a sound decision as well

The infrastructure of your business also includes the technology that you will use to operate your business and serve your clients. Keep in mind that you will need to find your own insurance providers to replace what was provided for you through previous employers. Before the business becomes profitable, investing money in your business is a must. There are several costs that should be taken into account as well. These are a few things to take note of with regards to establishing a strong business foundation.

Step 2: Market Your Business

Marketing your services really means, ‘Offering solutions to people who are already looking for them.’ Marketing at it’s best is simple, focused and consistent. Those who do not market their company tend to find themselves out of business very soon. The best thing that you can do for your business is to know how to generate leads and enroll new clients. You should develop a marketing plan even before you have made your first dollar, taking advantage of the resources, relationships and opportunities already available to you.

Step 3: Taking the Leap

Many people have different ways for jumping into entrepreneurship. It is imperative that you start your business according to your comfort level, abilities, knowledge and faith. Consider your personality type, your personal needs, your finances and goals.

Of course you will want to make a smooth transition from employee to Virtual Assistant. Create a step-by-step plan that has dates attached to keep you focused. This plan gives you time and space to make the transition. Mapping out a realistic plan will help you to make steady progress, avoid unnecessary stress and minimize wasted time and wasted money.

Step 4: Grow Your Business

When you work for someone else, the company does all of the heavy lifting for you as an employee. The company is responsible for building the business so that you will have a place to work each day. Now, YOU are responsible for whether you win or lose! Success or failure is 100% in YOUR hands! You, therefore, have to perform all of the needed tasks to REMAIN in business. This includes constantly upgrading your skill set, setting up systems, marketing consistently and growing your VA business.

Step 5: Believe In Yourself

You may not realize it now, but to be successful as an entrepreneur, you have to think like an entrepreneur. As employees, we are trained to do what others tell us. Someone else typically decides our schedule, how much we get paid, who we work with and what projects we work on. When you become self-employed, YOU call all the shots. This is probably one of the things that is most attractive to you about the opportunity to become a Virtual Assistant. However, you cannot operate your business in the same way you functioned as an employee. It simply won’t work. Here is an excellent tip for you. Develop this mental attitude: ‘I can do it. I will do it’.

In whatever you choose, employ the steps mentioned here. Certainly, there are many more things that you will need to do in order to start and grow a successful business. You will need continual education and skill development. The balancing act of working on your business and working in your business will need to be addressed.

The excitement and joy that comes from creating your own income by using the skills that you already have is within your reach. To learn more about how to start and grow a successful Virtual Assistance business, join us for weekly training!