Loading ...Dear Gritty VA:
I have wanted to start my own Virtual Assistant business for a while now. I’ve been with the same large corporation for 12 years. Some of that time spent in the Medical Law department, as a human resources assistant, and about six years as an executive assistant juggling mulitple managers. Prior to that, I worked from a woman’s home as her assistant as she ran her own company bringing in over $400,000 gross per year. I’m a bit nervous about taking the jump of quitting my secure job and starting my business. What is the best way to get support from the industry of Virtual Assistants so that I don’t jump in blindly? –KC
This is an easy one… join Virtual Assistant organizations and networking forums. While you’re employed is a great time to do your homework and due diligence, as well as learn about and set up the foundations in your business.
I never recommend new anyone jump into this business without being properly capitalized or with at least some kind of income to live on until you get established. You might get clients right away, but for many new Virtual Assistants, these are just project work, nothing that is going to create regular, dependable cashflow. It often takes many months, sometimes over a year, to develop a roster of retained clientele (that is, clients who pay an ongoing monthly fee for a package of administrative support) that you can live on.
Good luck!
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2 Comments
Being able to walk away from the JOB to start your VA business takes courage and good planning. Your transition plan will be a vital key to your success because it will force you to play the \tape\ all the way to the end. Also, your mindset must go through a makeover from being an employee to being a business owner of a virtual practice. Get connected NOW with relevant VA communities, enroll in mindset workshops, and subscribe to industry newsletters. Your future awaits you — so take time to plan.
Good advice. I always counsel VAs that it’s best to have at least six months to a year in savings/capital set aside to live on (if you have no other means of support) before quitting a job and diving in. It can take many months, even more than a year, before you begin earning enough to support yourself. If you have other means of support (like a spouse), that’s great, too.