Tips on starting your own Virtual Assistance business

Hey yall! Im working on building my reputation, my knowledge and my clientele.  I thought I would jot down a few of my tips that I have learned along the way.

• Create a unique name for your business.
• Make a list of the services that you will offer. The knowledge and experience you have that can be applied your clients.
• Do your research. 
• Create a professional email address. (Gmail and Outlook is more professional looking than Yahoo or Hotmail.)
• Create a logo and slogan. Canva is a great app that can help you design something unique and professional looking.
• Decide on your targeted audience.  Go where your audience is.
• Never stop networking. Make friends everywhere.
• Share and promote your own business but dont be afraid to support the competition.
• Make sure to keep track of time spent per project, income, expense, supplies.
• Sometimes you have to spend money to make money.
• DONT GIVE UP. Building your clientele can take time sometimes.
• Create social media to advertise and market your business. Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, a website, a blog.
• Create a resume that caters to your business, knowledge and skills.
• Have a home office. Quiet, free of distractions and have the basic equipment and supplies on hand. (Computer, Internet, Notebook, Pen/Pencil, Printer, paper and ink. Headset, Webcam. 
• Create business cards and flyers. Hang them everywhere. Ask businesses if you can hang them or hand them out there. 
• You must have good communication skills. Written and verbal. 
• Always strive to provide your services to the best of your abilities.
• Make a business plan and a goals list.
• Check emails regularly. 
• Update social media often.
• Tell the world. Promote everywhere. 
• Put 30% of your every pay into savings.
• Always send follow up emails even if it's just to say THANK YOU.
• Have incentives. Offer discounts if you get a referral.
• Always be ready!
• Train yourself. Take notes. Take a course. 
• Have templates ready; client info, time tracking, payments, expense & profit, questionnaire.
• Have a welcome package for your clients.
• Have a separate bank account for your business and personal.
• Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage platforms ont he web.  Its simple to use and sync across devices.
• Use hashtags such as #VA, #Virtual Assistant, #Clients
• Join freelance websites, join Facebook groups.
• Send out seasonal cards to clients (past and present) Send out occasion cards.
• Don't forget to take care of yourself. Drink plenty of water. Take breaks. Find a new place to do your work when you can (in the fresh air, at the mall, at a restaurant)

More to come! This was just a quick posting with a few tips along the way.