How to Start a Virtual Assistant Business

Keep in mind that you will not start with 30 hours; it will take a while to build a client base. Many VAs take a part-time job while they establish their businesses. Sometimes this part-time job comes in the form of working for a well-established VA as a sub-contractor. This is done by joining a VA group, introducing yourself and offering your sub-contracting services. Be prepared to sign a terms of agreement, which often includes a "non-compete" clause that prevents you from marketing to their clients.

This protects experienced VAs from losing their hard-won clients to their sub-contractors and at the same time gives you, the aspiring VA, a chance to learn how to be great.

Getting Help

Your best bet for getting off the ground fast is to join the International Virtual Assistant Association. This registered nonprofit Web site includes a searchable member directory (for potential clients to find VAs), a request for proposal system (for clients to announce their project and get VAs to respond to them), a forms library from which to draw example materials and an "Expert of the Month" chat series for education.

For more support, here are some other VA groups you may want to research:

• International Association of Virtual Office Assistants

• International Association of Virtual Assistants

• Alliance for Virtual Business

• Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA) Forum

• Virtual-Professionals.com

What to Expect

Remember, since the industry is new and growing, there are some prospective clients who don't know what a VA is or how one works. There will be occasions when you'll need to explain what you do.

Note that many choose to use the term "Virtual Professional" because there are some who feel "Virtual Assistant" gives a subordinate image. Nonetheless, "Virtual Assistant" has taken hold and proliferated on the Internet. One way to deal with this is to incorporate both terms interchangeably throughout your marketing materials.

As the industry grows, expect competition. Make sure you are providing exceptional services at your highest professional level. For example, your office is in your home, so ensure privacy and quiet while you're working. It's unprofessional to hear barking dogs or family members in the background. Create a voicemail message to sound like the professional that you are. Also review your Web site to make certain that it's easy to use, understand and navigate. And be available for quick response to inquiries.

Expect also to have to go out and "find business." You will not be inundated with business from the Internet. You'll need to "reach out" and make it happen by networking and marketing (both in person and via the Internet), and perhaps even by making phone calls to get your business off the ground swiftly.

To network, find a niche and join one or more associations or Internet groups. Your niche should be a target market that makes sense for your unique background. An example: If you have paralegal skills, join a paralegal association and network within the group. You'd have something in common with your prospects right away, smoothing the way to an ongoing relationship.

Research professional associations along with Internet groups, such as Yahoo! Groups and LinkedIn. Join, participate and make connections to get going.

As a member of the virtual assistant community, expect to find friendly support, mentoring, educational opportunities and conferences. VAs are, by definition, helpers. We do it professionally, and we do it compassionately. So when you become part of the VA industry, you may find something you really weren't expecting. You'll find friends.

Lyn Toomey, a veteran virtual assistant and founder of Virtual Market Support, leverages her 27-year career in marketing, operations and virtual assistance to support small and midsize businesses.