Good Evening Everyone

[Bettina 0]

This is my first post here. My name is Bettina Thomas-Smith and a very nice lady Kathie, recommended this great site for me to network with fellow VA's.

 

Currently I'm the herbs editor at BellaOnline.com (unpaid position). I love writing, editing, blogging and content writing. I have been a "real world" Administrative Assistant for 15+ years and when I got sick back in 2010 I no longer can drive the 2 hours to work I use to, so I am wanting to turn my passion that I had in the real world into my home career.

 

I am new to this, so if anyone has any suggestions or ideas to lead me in the right direction to where I can get work, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you kindly,

 

Bettina

[Isle.Cameaux Virtual Services 6]

Welcome Bettina, it's good to have you! I hope that you'll feel comfortable learning your way around here. It's a great "neighborhood".

[Traci Knoppe 55]

Welcome Bettina!

[Nichole M 3]

Hello and Welcome! This website is great when it comes to information and support when you are just starting. I hope your journey as VA is successful and fulfilling.

[LindaH 52]

Bettina

 

Welcome to the forum at VAnetworking!

[Bettina 0]

Thank you kindly for your warm welcome! I don't know where to ask about Internship. Would any of you ladies know where I might start?

 

I am eager to get working and have tried all the "work" sites that pretty much lead to nowhere. I have to say that between the VA group on LinkedIn and this one, I haven't met a nicer bunch of people anywhere! For that, thank you!

[Danielle 1,241]

Hi Bettina,

 

Welcome to VAnetworking! This forum is full of information! You just missed our VAvirtuosos Seminar Series that was held last week. It would of been a great starting point for you! We will be holding another one in the Spring if you are interested.

 

We have free webinars on Thursdays that you can attend. You can view the calendar and learn more about those here:

www.vanetworking.com/seminars

[Lily Chambers 618]

Welcome! The VAC startup series would be a great place to begin! Also check out www.choosewhat.com for a comprehensive checklist on setting up your business structure.

[Bettina 0]

Thank you both kindly for the great advice! Do you recommend working under someone (intern) or going out on your own? So much to learn...a bit overwhelming.

[Cathy Drappier 53]

Hi Bettina and welcome to the club! Like others have said, this is the best place for finding out more about starting and growing your VA business. Being an intern would probably save you some time in understanding how to communicate with clients, etc. Another really great thing to think about is signing up as a VAInsider. The Insiders club is a paid membership however there are three membership levels with monthly rates so it can fit pretty much any budget. The benefits of being part of the Insiders club is that there are exclusive forums, members-only online training sessions and webinars to help build your business, a job board where you can reply to RFPs (requests for proposal) and...depending on the membership level, there are forms, templates, etc., available as well. It's something I like to promote as it's really been a help to me in getting my business started. Click here to find out more info. And no matter what question pops into your head...someone here will have an answer, so don't hesitate!! We've all been where you are and we know what it's like!!

[Bettina 0]

Thank you kindly for your great information! Everyone is so nice and so very talented. Thank you for letting me ask away...even though the questions are probably ones you have seen a hundred thousand times.

 

Truth of the matter is I need to find work and I don't have the luxury of waiting too much longer before I bring in an income. I am focused, driven and a bit of a workaholic, so giving a 150% isn't an issue. I'm eager to get my business going so I can support my family.

 

If I were to "intern"...where would I begin? Is that something most VA's start out doing? Or do most happen along clients and go from there?

 

Sorry for all my questions, but thank you all kindly for your time and consideration.

[Lily Chambers 618]

I hate to suggest this, but you may consider trying to find a part-time job in your skill background while building up your client base. It can take anywhere from 6 months to a year (or more) to establish a client base that will 'keep you afloat."

[Tawnya Sutherland 1,874]

Hi Bettina and welcome! Many resources here to get you started and hope you enjoy your time spent here wandering around Any questions, just ask!

[Bettina 0]

_{Thank you Lily and Tawnya. Lily, I got sick back inn 2010 and I can't work outside the home now. From where I live, it is a 2 hour drive for me to find work as there is nothing in the small town I live in or I would be working right now. That is why I'm eager to work/intern...anything right now to get my feet wet and prove what I can do.}

 

_{Being a writer/editor (BellaOnline.com) I love what I do, but it isn't paid, so I am looking to add something that does.}

 

_{I am enjoying my time here very much, everyone is so very nice. Thank you kindly for your comments and suggestions.}

[Lily Chambers 618]

I'm sorry to hear that. If I hear of anything I'll let you know...