Having recently been laid off in SA, I decided after 5 years of research that the time was now right to open up my own VA business which is not an easy feat by any measure. We recently had a teleconf with our local BVAW of which I am a member and this was one of the issues I raised.

The tools are provided with the kind assistance of the associations we belong too however the onus is on each individual to refine and tweak the business plan to their expert and/or specialised services they are offering. The important thing coming out of the conversation is that you are your own living, breathing brand so as much as you are given the tools, you must be able to walk the talk so that your clients believe in you because if you are hesitant or lack confidence you lose the plot and it is very difficult to regain their trust.

A good idea is to always have an attorney or lawywer look over your plans or agreements so that you know you are covered all the way to the bank and that you fully understand your legal rights as remember companies have their own lawyers who are fully conversant with the law.

I hope this helps too as I have found many challenges with financial and legal law so all the best and take comfort you are not alone hence the GrittyVA being a source of constant comfort and more especially Danielle who helped me through some of the darkest moments of my life. You can lean on how, trust me.

Regards and all the best, your virtual colleague, Arlene de Waal