Hi there, I have just set up my own va business, literally in the last few weeks. I still work full time and don't yet know if this business is for me, but the experience of setting the business up and creating the website- www.virtu-assist.net was very enjoyable so all I would say is give it a try!! Good luck, Mike
Feb 27, 2009 Rating
To test the waters.... by: Sandra, site owner
Hi thanks for your post. You may also wish to check out virtual assistant agencies. I've never dealt with one myself, but you may try and see if being a VA is something you'd like to do by gaining work through them. You see they may pay you on their end, not through the client/business you are working with, so in this instance you may get away with not setting up a business yet. It may be the same principle as a temp agency, you know where they pay you as an individual, not a business. I list such agencies at this page: www.virtual-assistant-advice.com/virtual_assistant_employment_companies.html
But yes as mentioned, you can join VA networks and gain subcontracted work from other VAs. Just remember that if you do like the work, when you finally set up your business you can charge higher rates; obviously through subcontracting and agencies you would receive lower rates, but it's a great start.
Also check with an accountant or small business network in your area of the world as to the best way to set up a business cheaply to suit you, so that you are not spending too much money up front should this not be for you down the track. Depending on your business structure it may not be so expensive or difficult to set yourself up anyway.
Hope I've helped.
Feb 26, 2009 Rating
Virtual Assistant Suggestions by: Sherra Scott ~ Virtual Assistant
One thing to remember is that being a Virtual Assistant IS a business. As a virtual assistant you are not an employee, therefore you are responsible for all your own payroll taxes and other business expenses.
If you want to subcontract for other virtual assistants (such as those with multi-va practices), I would suggest joining virtual assistant forums - http://www.vanetworking.com is a great place to start - and join the conversations and get yourself known within the community. Also, respond to the requests for proposals that are listed for that particular forum. Often VAs who need help with their overflow work will post requests for assistance.
