Once you have started your business, you will need to advertise whatever product and/or service you will be offering in order to attract your clients or customers. No one will ever know you are there unless you tell them. Of course, there are many places in which to advertise however in this day and age...Continue reading
Setting Up Your Home Office
Before you start your own home-based business, it is important to know where you will work and ensure you have all the equipment and supplies you will need to get going. Like everything else, it is wise to have a plan and a list to help you keep track of what has been done and...Continue reading
What Makes a Good VA?
I was recently asked what makes a good VA (Virtual Assistant) and was surprised I couldn’t provide a simple and straight-forward response. I realized quickly that so much of what makes a good VA rests on perception and circumstance, and whether you are the VA or the client. As a VA myself I can respond...Continue reading
Determine your target market
A target market is the people or group of people you plan to market your services to. The idea is that the more specific you are, the more successful you will be, since you can then target your services and marketing efforts to only one group of people. And although a lot of VA’s don’t target...Continue reading
Recognize your strengths and weaknesses
Everyone has areas they excel in and other areas where they have to work just a little harder to achieve success. It is true whether we are looking at business, relationships, or life in general. Knowing your strengths helps you build a buffer zone to compensate for what you may lack. Knowing your weaknesses provides...Continue reading
Take stock of your talents
What talents do you have that are not necessarily related to business administration or virtual assistance, but could be used to set yourself apart from other VA’s? For example, perhaps you have a love of photography which could provide an opportunity to take pictures or select photos for a client’s website or promotional materials, or...Continue reading
Take stock of your skills
Your skills inventory may be the biggest asset you bring to your business. These factor greatly in to identifying what services you would feel comfortable offering your clients right away, and what services you may want to offer in the future. Consider the skills and knowledge you already have (what you know fairly well and...Continue reading
Creating the Foundation for your Business
It is important to create a good foundation for your business by writing a business plan, even if you are the only one who ever reads it. It will help to establish key areas of your business, set goals, and track your progress. Consider your business plan as a roadmap, a tool that will help...Continue reading
Naming your Business
What you name your business deserves some very careful thought and consideration since it is not only a reflection of your company, but of you as an individual as well. It should let people know a little something about you and your business even before they visit your website, read about your services, or have...Continue reading
Mission Statement
Having a mission statement for your business is completely optional. However, having a clear and concise statement of why you are in business and what you intend to achieve can speak volumes. It will not only help keep you motivated and on track (like a mantra), it will also give your existing and potential clients...Continue reading