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Hey there! Welcome to VAnetworking.com --> The Social Network for Virtual Assistants. I am so excited that you have decided to join the friendliest social network on earth for Virtual Assistants. Let me give you a quick intro of who I am. I am Juli and I have not been in the Virtual Industry that long, (3 years) but by being your moderator, I can relate to some of your challenges that you might possibly face that I might have gone through. I was unemployed looking for way to pay off my student loan debt and how to make money at the same time. I saw an AD on my local TV explaining how to make money online, that educated me a bit on how to make money online but through one of those freelancing sites. I was still not satisfied with only working from that platform so I went on Google and found ways how I could make money online, and this is how I found the forum and joined. Fast forward a year later I have a business in place and I have launched my website. So I have gone through the path that you now are on. Enough about me and more about you! One way to get to know you better on the forum is through your first introduction to us. I will outline some tips on how to get you started on the forum. First you can do a quick introduction about yourself and this can be done by clicking here http://www.vanetwork...al-Busi-f4.html If you are like me and don’t like to talk much about yourself here is a breakdown to use as a guide to ease those introductions jitters: Your Name: Your Website URL (if applicable): Years in Business: Description of your Business, including any specialties: On a more personal note: What City/Town/State/Country are you from?: Are you married? How long?: Any kids and how old? Hobbies & Interests: How did you hear about us? We love to know how you heard about us so please let us know! i.e. Google search (what keywords did you search?), article in magazine (name of mag?), word of mouth (who?), etc. Please feel free to browse around and get to know others. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to private message me or any of the other moderators here or contact us at our help desk Until then, can't wait to see your growth here and your accomplishments. Best wishes.

Hello, I do provide Transaction Coordination Services, I know this post was a few years ago, but just in case your looking again sometime.

I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is Maralee and I am very very new to the VA idea. Still going through the free resources available on the site and am getting a TON of information. My poor brain is a little overwhelmed but I am really really wanting to stay home and be able to make my own schedule while having fun and being able to help people. Getting started does anyone have any tips and tricks for free or cheap programs to start out with? As we don't have a ton of money to throw at this, and my hubby is not for sure convinced I will stick with it. Which is kind of fair as I keep getting ideas and run with it for a little bit and then stop So any advice would be so appreciated! Thank you so much!

Here are my answers to your questions: Your Name: Julie Smith Your Website URL (if applicable): https://juliesjoyfulsolutions.wordpress.com/ Years in Business: I started in 2014, haven't had any steady clients as of yet. I was on Upworks and decided it is time to change directions. Description of your Business, including any specialties: I create efficient systems for Realtors and Entrepreneurs to keep them on track with their deadlines while providing quality customer service so they can focus on what's important-- selling and growing! - Empower Realtors and Entrepreneurs by helping you achieve your goals - Assisting you with tasks to help you be more productive - Create solutions to overcome the obstacles you encounter to relieve the stress - Process information through well-honed research to meet timely deadlines I received training as a Transaction Coridonator from a Realtor. When you hire me for all your transactions I will: - Verify that all required signatures and initials are on the contract and addenda. - Verify that all required addenda are included with the contract. - Fill out commission disbursement forms. - Open the file with the escrow or title company…And much more! On a more personal note: What City/Town/State/Country are you from?: Angola, IN USA Are you married? How long?: Not married now, was for about a year. Any kids and how old? I have a son that is 18, 2 daughters a 15 and 9-year-old Hobbies & Interests: I love camping, fishing, and reading How did you hear about us? I found this group a few years ago, and I set business aside for a bit then, I re-discovery it through Kathy Goughenour-Expert VA training program.

Hey we have a great trend going here! Danielle is an Innovator that collaborates with the Maker (me), who collaborates with the Visionary (Tawnya). This is the start of a really creative team!

Thank you so much ladies for the great feedback! In regards to coding, I wanted to learn how to design and build websites so I could do that for others. I've done some searching though after I saw what you said, Tawnya. This is something I definitely don't need to know prior to getting my website live. I'll put that on the back burner for now. Thank you!

Hi all! I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Adele. I was a VA for years and then went back into working in corporate America after going through a divorce. Life circumstances at the time just called for that kind of change. I was only a VA on a part-time basis and needed to go back to full-time income -- and quickly! Anyhow, fast-forward to the present. I am now happily remarried and in a much better position. I have decided to take the plunge and delve back into my passion. I assist businesses with their HR, recruiting, and SMM needs. I also assist in a variety of other projects when time allows, such as event and meeting planning and trade show coordination.

I'm a retired Quality Assurance Manager who started editing part time (I'm a writer as well) and it just grew into editing, copy editing, proofreading and virtual assistance. I'm only wanting to do this part time, as I am writing novels. But jobs and projects and clients have a way of blossoming! So I network with other freelancers to spread out the work I don't want or can't do. I feel like I have friends all over the world now. Good luck in your business! Pat www.editalley.com www.pathauldren.net www.remotegirlfriday.com

Hi Marie, One service I think would be pretty cool as a package would be this. To extend your webinar package by offering to transcribe or create shownotes out of the content that is created. I know some marketers like James Schramko have very in depth pdfs created from their webinars, with formatting and images + transcribed text.

Good Morning !! I am new to the career of a Virtual Assistant. Although I have been performing remote work for years; I have just recently made the decision to expand my skills in other areas of Administration, as well as make a business for myself. I have over 25 years in Human Resources Management; and have been an Executive Assistant for around 30. I am excited to begin this new journey of my career path. Marilyn

Good afternoon from Midcoast Maine! I just wanted to stop by and re-introduce myself as I have not been active in the forum for about 10 years now. I started a VA business back in 2007 after my third child was born. The business took off very quickly and before I knew it my plate was full with work and a new baby! This was wonderful except I didn't have it in me at the time to create a full blown business and hire help to keep the flame alive, so sadly I let it go. I had ANOTHER baby since then in 2010. Now that my youngest is off to 2nd grade and my oldest is off to college (yikes) I'm ready to do something for me, all while still being available to my family when they need me. I have been taking a few hours a day to read through all the material available to me here at vanetworking but I'm sure I'll have many more questions as I make my way back into this career endeavor. It's great to know I have a supportive group of VA's/Office Managers/Administrative Professionals, etc... to turn to for advice. Thank you for your time!

I just signed up my first client, very small retainer one hour per day, but i am a firm believer in starting at the bottom work your way up, Super excited........................

Hi Jason, welcome to VAnetworking! Looks like your FB cover photo appeared blurry because you posted the mobile link. I've updated your post for you. As Tawnya said, you'll want to post engaging content consistency on your Facebook Page.

Welcome to the forum Hannah! I agree with the suggestions Tawnya gave. Awaiting on your response to see if their is anything that I can add. All the best.

Finding out what motivates me will certainly help me in the long run Solution always exists but we need to find it

Hi Jacob, welcome to VAnetworking! I've been a VA for over 8 years and it's a great career!

Awesome you have Pinterest and Tailwind training. Did you do a training program or just learn under someone else as an apprentice?

So sorry I missed your comment. I currently offer services for account payables, receivables, customer service, data entry, collections and billing. I just finished training on Pinterest and Tailwind through working as an apprentice. Really excited to implement what I have learned. Hopefully, this will open some doors for me.

Hi Alonda, welcome to VAnetworking! I've spent some time in Arkansas camping over at Lake Ouachita, beautiful area!

Welcome to the forum Alonda! Thats the drive that will you get you to be one of the biggest VA business there is. All the best.

Hello. My name is Laweesa McCray and I am seeking advice on becoming a virtual assistant.

Hi Everyone, Name: Bettina Website URL: No website yet; currently in the process. Years in Business: None; getting ready to start my VA Business Description of my business: My VA business will focus on services for chiropractors, since I have a background in the healthcare industry. My services will include: data entry, proofreading/editing, PowerPoint presentations, blog-related services, social media ad set-up/management, calendar management, and Facebook group management. What city/town/state/country am I from? I am originally from the Chicago area, but now reside in the Los Angeles area. Am I married? Not yet, but I am in the near future! Any kids? Not yet, but working on it! Hobbies and Interests: I love to read, go bike riding with my significant other, and I'm also a history buff! How did I hear about VA Networking? Through the Google search.

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and to the world of VA's. I have been working hard the last month to get everything up and running for my VA business. All that is missing is my Social Media set up and launch. And I can't for the life of me wrap my head around how to even start. This is harder than designing a website and creating content. I will be on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but I have never even used Instagram or Twitter personally. What are some good resources on how to get started or what a good first post would be? Thank you in advance!

I want to start my VA business providing services to Chiropractors, since I have a background in the healthcare industry--I actually worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. How would I market my services to chiropractors?

Amber that was so so so helpful thank you so much. Amber do you have a link so i can see how your looks and Tawnya thank you so much im going to check hers out now :)

I highly recommend Lastpass and it's free

My all time favorite picks are: 1) Project Management - Asana 2) File Sharing - Google Docs 3) Messenger - Skype

Thanks, This is helpful.

If you use WordPress.org then you can completely customize your website to how you want it.

Than you, Julian.

Hello Delia, Welcome to the forum! All the best to you.

I like the logo with Tagline from madness to methods. The three colours tie in nicely and I'd recommend creating yourself a brand board in Canva to get idea of the look and feel for your site and marketing going forward. You can save these three colours and the two fonts in Canva for use in all marketing materials like Facebook posts etc. Knowing your brand helps to give you a consistent look and feel which is what I think your looking to achieve with your site.

Hello All, I owned Norrell's Virtual Assistance back in 2004-2006 at which time life threw me a whirlwind and landed me in Germany upside down in a hospital bed. I closed my doors due to illness and time/language constraints. Fast forward to present time, I have time on my hands and in a small college town where jobs are far and few between, my skills need to be put to work. I am working to get my business off the ground floor which isn't easy days, especially being introverted. Any tips on where to start and how to jump into this cold bath water. I must say that I'm nervous, older, and wiser now. With these put together along with my General Administrative skills, I am looking to jump in with both feet.

Thanks. Will do.

Do I need to have a license to work as virtual assistant in Kentucky, USA?

Thank you both for responding.

Hello everyone, I am very early days into starting my VA business but I have decided to take the plunge as I have given up ever finding an employed job that offers any flexibility or work/ life balance. I'm currently looking for advice, guidance, and support really. I joined the Facebook group and they kindly pointed me in this direction. So anyway, I wanted to introduce myself and say hello! Thank you, Hannah

Hi Noemi and welcome! I'm also new to the VA world and working on my website. I'm in Exton, PA (Chester County) just down the road from you... what a small world. Sounds like you have lots of electronics... plenty to get started. You can always add later as needs arise. Wishing you the best, Elaine

Wow congratulations Angela! I say go for it as well! Let us know the link when it's posted and I'll share it on our networks.

Hiya Stephanie and welcome to our network. Have you signed up to our FREE VA member lounge yet? If not, I recommend you do that here then log in and watch the video on "A Career as a Virtual Assistant" as it will teach you all the basics you'll need to know to help get you started. There is also a Startup Checklist inside the lounge that is helpful. I do have a couple of programs to help VAs get up and running and have been offering them since for many years, specifically my Virtual Assistant Career Training Program. You might want to check out this page on check out this page If you have strong computer skills you may be able to start right up as a VA depending on what types of services you would like to offer without taking more courses. For example, if you are going to be handling a client's social networks, proofreading or email organization you are probably ready to roll without more courses. You just need to learn some basic business setup skills, how to onboard a client, etc. which we can teach you at our network in our VAinsiders.com Club. Why don't you set up a call with me for 15 minutes for free and I can give you some advice on next directions to take. If you have any questions along the way just ask us

I hope everyone has had a great week so far. I am a newborn when it comes to the world of being a business owner and virtual assisting. I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone and meeting some great personalities along the way. With that being said, I guess I should introduce myself and let you guys get to know me a little first. My name is Amanda and I currently live in Roanoke, Virginia. I have been working for everyone else for about 20 years now. However, for the past 5 years, I have been a Benefit Program Specialist, in our local Social Services Department. I have always had big dreams of owning my own business one day, and I am finally in a spot in my life and in the right mindset to make this happen. I am looking forward to this new and exciting journey and the ability to, have this wealth of knowledge from trusted and experienced individuals.

Janine, A payment provider and contract in place. Also systems such as a Calendar for booking. Not to mention cloud applications to share and manage files these can be Google drive or Dropbox etc.

Hi Rose, welcome to VAnetworking! Tawnya and Veronica have some great advice to help you get started.

Hi everyone! My name is Mark Miller & on behalf of the whole vanetworking community welcome Tylor in this forum. Have a good experience & try to share your knowledge with us. All the Best

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome. I look forward getting to know everybody on here!

Welcome to the forum Liza! The good thing about having your own business is that you can so choose to offer what you like. All the best to you.

Hello Liza, welcome to the forums! I've always wanted to visit Spain You're in the right place if you want help and support, so feel free to look around and ask any questions!

If anyone is wanting to upgrade from the run of the mill email signatures, I recommend WiseStamp It's free and ad free, even gives the option to remove their name and logo if so desired! Also, it allows you to include social media buttons for Twitter, FaceBook, etc, as-well-as your latest blog article! Let me know what you think

In the email I state: Attached please find your invoice for the month of XXX for virtual assistant services. To ensure you hold a spot as a client with us for the upcoming month (and don't go onto our waiting list), payment is appreciated by the 25th so we can schedule our clients accordingly.

Here's my story: One of my former clients (who has since moved into a partnership with two other people & have a full time office staff) used one of the services you mentioned (I won't name which one). They didn't comprehend that there were certain ways you had to do things here. He's local to me, I met him at a networking event, and he had just had a really bad experience with them, and he spent most of the time talking to me about his issues. He told me how much he paid for what he got and I thought, at the time, there's no way to compete with that. Monetarily - if someone's watching the bottom line - you can't. But how you can compete is through SERVICE. Skip ahead 3-4 weeks, I get a frantic call from him (he was not my client at the time). He's flying from Michigan to California to meet with several people. He's a real estate investment advisor, so he meets with people with M.O.N.E.Y. and its very important that things go a certain way. This overseas VA company had done the following: 1. Only allowed him one hour between appointments, in other words: Appointment with Mr. Smith at 10:00 a.m.; appointment with Mr. Jones at 11:00 a.m. And the problem is: Smith and Jones' offices were an hour apart! Leaving no time for travel!! 2. Had scheduled his last meeting almost 2 hours away from the airport, an hour before his flight was to take off. 3. And that last meeting was with people that had major M.O.N.E.Y. Client called me from the airport in Phoenix, clearly distressed. Now remember - he had only met me once. We had talked for about 30-40 minutes, tops, and had exchanged emails a couple of times after that. We had no client-VA relationship at all, hadn't even talked about it, really. He called me because he was trying to start his company on his own, watch his money, and had no support. He had my business card in his pocket from meeting me weeks previous. So I asked that he fax me all of his paperwork - itinerary, phone numbers, anything he had and I told him I'd do what I could to straighten things out. Already long story short: I got all of his meetings fixed & organized the way they need to be. Got him on another flight (which ended up being direct, rather than 2 stops), so he got back home earlier. And I did not charge him for this. He did send me a really wonderful gift basket from Ghiradelli chocolate, and he refers anyone and everyone to me that he meets that could use a VA. We ended up working together for about 6 months until his company was merged with another, and they put an office staff in place. I still see him (and his partners) at functions, and he introduces me as his "Life Saver". So - no, you can't compete with the cheap prices, but you CAN compete with the service.