Thinking about becoming a Virtual Assistant in Fort Worth? I have a few suggestions –
1) The Fort Worth Business Assistance Center is a great resource and they have free workshops each month on how to start a business. I attended Toni Allison’s Step One and her Project New class. The contacts I made there were invaluable. FYI - Toni and Alex have started a new venture called Knowledge for Success — be sure it check it out!!
2) Research everything you can about the Virtual Assistant industry on the Internet. But mainly listen to Daniel Keister’s advice and join her Virtual Assistant Chamber of Commerce. She is smart and her advice is sound.
3) Don’t buy anything until you need it for a job! Not even that awesome headset this beautiful model is wearing. And think hard before you call AT&T to install a land line for your fax machine which is going to run you at least $50 a month. Ask yourself if you absolutely need that right now, or can it wait?
4) To save money you can get low cost business cards at VistaPrint.com. Pay the extra $5 to have the “printing is always free at VistaPrint” tag line removed from the back of your card. Once you are established then pay for more professional business cards.
5) Start thinking about what type of work you want to do and what type of clients you want. Consider doing typing and proofreading work from home in the evenings and weekends. This is a great way to get your feet wet without quitting your job and will give you a feel for the industry.
6) Before you drop a bunch of cash on a VA association or a VA school think long and hard. Will your multiple years of real world business experience suffice until you have the additional revenue to justify the expense? I know my 10+ years in the corporate world and my BBA sure did.
When I first started out, my friend and fellow Tarrant County VA Esther Davis told me, “There is plenty of work for all of us.” and I have to tell you she was right! I found her words both comforting and encouraging and I hope you do too.
As a service to my industry, I provide a complimentary 30 minute telephone consultation to anyone looking for advice on how to start a VA business. If you have questions feel free to call me at 817–919-3423.
