by Rosie Shilo
Article from Run Your Business Life

As a network manager, I’ve seen many start-up Virtual Support (or Virtual Assistant – called VAs) businesses come through Virtually Yours. I’ve seen new VAs who are unsure of what they should or could be doing, and others that leap in and give everything a go with a smile.

One thing I have seen on occasion though, are VAs who start up their new venture, and begin by emulating the VAs they admire. Personally, I think this is a good idea, however, there are a few golden rules to consider when starting up in the VA Industry.

Respect copyright is the first. You may admire another VA for their products and promotions, but be inspired by it and create your own.

Your business name needs to be unique and reflect who you are and what you want your business to become. Your products are unique to you and your skillset. Stand out by being you. As they say, ‘everyone else is already taken’ and ‘you are best at being you than anyone else’.

Join networks and get involved. Work isn’t going to just come to you, you need to build up your networks both in the VA Industry and in the Industries you would like to target as clients. People hire people they trust.

Don’t just sell your product. Sell yourself too. You can sell yourself by being active in your Industry, dedicating yourself to enhancing your skills and supporting those around you.

Don’t just see other VAs as ‘the competition’. The VAs with the most successful businesses are those who have worked alongside other VAs, lending a hand when needed, collaborating to build better ideas and products. There is plenty of work to go around if you are good at what you do.

Love what you do. Don’t just provide a service because you can. This might get you by when you are employed – you still get your paycheque at the end of the month even if you didn’t push yourself to be the best you can be. But when you run your own business – loving it is the key to success. If you love it, you will care about what your clients think of your work and you will be energised by it. If you only do it because you can, it can be easy to be uninspired and not really care so much about the end product and how it helps your client. Plus, it’s not as much fun!

And finally, ask questions! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask friends, peers, mentors. Listen to their advice and use what you think best suits you and your situation. You don’t have to do it on your own.