Easy Steps to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant
Have you been wanting to transition to work from home but aren’t sure what to do to get started? Are you worried that the startup costs will be prohibitive? Do you feel overwhelmed by the idea of looking for clients?
Don’t worry! If I can do it, living in a small rural town in Missouri, with no formal business education or entrepreneurial background, so can you! (Learn more about my stor here!)
Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right.’ Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.
Before I jump into the steps of becoming a Virtual Assistant, I want to briefly explain what software and training programs you’ll need to get started. High-speed internet and a computer are all you really need to begin as a Virtual Assistant. Good news, right?
Having Skype, or Zoom, installed will be very handy for calls with potential clients. It’s also great if you have MS Word and Excel, or Google Drive, but is not required. Other than these items, you really don’t need anything else. Once you have been working for a while as a Virtual Assistant, you will learn what additional supplies and programs will be helpful, but there is no need to spend the money as you are getting started.
Now, let’s jump into the first two steps on how to get started as a VA!
Step 1 – Decide if you will choose a business name or wait and operate under your own name for the time being.
This step is important; you need to find out what the requirements are for doing business in your state. In Missouri, when I worked as a sole proprietor, all I had to do was file with the state’s fictitious names, it was inexpensive and I did it all online. I’m now an LLC, but it was still quick and easy to file. A little bit of internet research can tell you what you need to know. You may also want to check with your city and county to see if they have any requirements.
Actions To Take
- Research your state, city, and county requirements.
- Decide if you will use your name, or come up with a business name.
- File with your state and pay for your license.
Step 2 – Create a business email.
Don’t worry about using your business name for email just yet. Having an official business email means buying the domain, and that may not be necessary if you operate under your name for the time being and decide on a business name later. I started with my full name @gmail.com and it worked just fine. What’s important is that if you have a silly email, you may consider changing it to something more professional. That allows you to keep business email separate from shopping, Facebook, and all the other distracting emails.
Actions To Take
- Determine if you need to create a new email.
- If you do, search to ensure the email you want is available.
- Set up your free Gmail email account.
Want some more easy steps on how to get started? You can click here for my free 10 Easy Steps to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant.
If you want to start a work-at-home business and didn’t click on the link above, what are you waiting for? Start taking small steps today to make your dreams a reality!
You can also send me an email if you have any lingering questions on how to get started. I’m here to help!
Helpful Links
I have some helpful information if you have enjoyed this article and want more. If you are a mom wanting to work from home but have no idea how to get started, grab my free getting started guide, “10 Easy Steps to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant.” And if you are lacking confidence and wondering if you really can do it, If I can do it, living in a small rural town in Missouri with no formal business education or entrepreneurial background, so can you!
Go here to grab the free guide!
You’ll also be added to my email list, where I’ll send tips about working as a Virtual Assistant and more time-saving tips for busy moms.
And feel free to comment here with a tip of your own. The more we support each other, the better!