Starting A Home-Based Word Processing /Virtual Assisting Business

Starting a home-based word processing business is an excellent at-home opportunity. You can schedule your own hours, decide on the type of client you wish to work for, and most importantly, earn a good steady income. Fortunately start-up costs are low and the main requirement is the ability to type and proof well. This is a perfect business for moms who want to spend more time with their children and still make money.

Following are ten do's and don'ts to keep in mind.

DO - Decide on a targeted market and initially focus your marketing efforts in that area. By developing a "niche" in your field, your reputation spreads quickly and soon you become a recognized expert. Several specialties include: medical, legal or business transcription, resume consulting, web designing, online transaction coordinator, event planning, desktop publishing, manuscript preparing, academic typing, computer tutoring, etc.

DO - Be creative about where you can find business. Actively network, join associations both online (i,e., IAVOA.COM) and locally (i,e., Chamber of Commerce) and get involved. Always have your business card handy and a 30 second elevator speech describing your business. Explore things such as web decals for your car (www.webdecal.com). Look in the want ads for those seeking help and offer your assistance until they hire someone. You want to find where there might be a need -- and go fill it.

DO - Write a complete plan of action for your marketing efforts. For example, I plan to 1) stop by local businesses in the area and drop off my card, 2) advertise in my local weekly paper, 3) send a marketing letter to doctors, new businesses, etc. Having everything written down ensures that you stay on track in developing your business.

DO - Develop promotional material that looks sensational! Your business card alone is often the only connection a potential client has with your services. It should have the POWER to draw them to you. Spend the time to review cards that have caught your interest in the past and then design yours with that in mind. With your letterhead, brochures, flyers, etc., add color and style by purchasing specialty paper at places such as Office Depot, Office Max or specialty paper stores.

DO - Learn everything you can about starting a business. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the fewer mistakes you are likely to make. Read, read, read. By frequently continuing to increase your skills and your knowledge of your profession, the end result is a more confident satisfied you.

DO - Provide your clients with more than they ask for. When clients leave your office and get more than they expected, they come back. And best of all, they refer others. This is how businesses grow. Also, it's easier to keep a client than it is to get a new one. By providing your clients with excellent services, you do just that.

DO - Enjoy!! There's no greater feeling than landing that first client or finishing your first big project. Plus, wait until you get the opportunity to tell someone you own and operate your own word processing business. It sure beats I'm a secretary at .... Plus, when you enjoy your business it shows. Your clients will sense your positive attitude and want to be a part of your team.

DON'T - Underprice your services. The average WP today makes $25-$35/hr., depending upon location, specialty, and years in business. (Some a lot more, but for start-ups, this is a good average). Don't make the mistake of assuming if you charge the lowest prices, you'll get the most work. You won't. Instead, you'll end up working outrageous hours for peanuts! Clients will pay more for professional services. When a potential client discovers you're charging a lower rate than standard, they often feel they will receive a quality of services that is also lower. You are a professional service and you want to charge accordingly.

DON'T - Overextend yourself. One of the common mistakes many word processors make is to accept too much work and then not be able to accurately complete it. Learn to say no or have a back-up helper who can assist you with any overflow work. Remember one of the most important ingredients for success is keeping your clients satisfied. If you overextend yourself and make a lot of errors, it will jeopardize your business.

DON'T - Get discouraged. It takes time to get a business going. Plan ahead and have money saved in reserve. Don't buy items until you have found the best possible price and there is an absolute need. This advance planning takes the pressure off of having to make money NOW. If things are slow and the phone just isn't ringing ... MAKE IT RING!! There's plenty of work out there, you just need to aggressively pursue it.

Finally, the most important ingredient for success is your belief in yourself. If you believe that with your skills and experience, you can own your own business, then there's nothing stopping you. DREAMS DO COME TRUE. SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO MAKE THEM HAPPEN.

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Diana Ennen, Author: Up Close & Virtual: A Practical Guide to Starting Your Own Virtual Assistant Business & Words From Home, www.virtualwordpublishing.com E-mail me at DeeEnnen@aol.com for a free booklet on how to obtain clients!

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