“I’m thinking of starting my own Virtual Assistant business, but I don’t know where to start. How do I find out about state/local regulations? How do I organize everything? How do I think up a name for my new business? Where is the best place to advertise?”

Does this sound familiar? Are you looking to set up your own business and really get it off the ground? Have you already hung out your shingle, but aren’t getting the response you wanted? Have you thought about utilizing a coach?

“Why do I need a coach?”

Would you go up to the starting line of a marathon without any preparation, without any planning, and wearing the wrong clothing? Of course not! To be successful in a marathon, you have to train, wear the right running clothes and shoes and plan ahead for how it will affect your life. Preparation should also be taken when setting up your business.

To help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Coaches will work with you to help you discover your hidden talents, the services you want to offer, and the things you still need to learn. A good coach can also work with you for training on new software or find out about classes.

To provide positive reinforcement.
We all have those “little victories” that make our day, but we feel like everyone else would just scoff at them. You got the business cards you ordered with your business name on them? Your first order of business checks came in the mail? You just signed your first client? You can call your coach, who not only will be genuinely happy for you, but will also make sure you are going to do something to celebrate life’s little victories.

To act as a sounding board for new ideas or troubling business situations.
Coaches are there for you when you need to throw out new marketing ideas, new service ideas and more. Or just to listen to you vent about a client.

To remind you to take time for yourself.
When setting up your new business, and still balancing your undoubtedly already-busy life, it may become difficult to find time for yourself. Your coach will make you take time for yourself – and probably report on it. S/he will try to ensure that you are still eating healthy foods, sleeping enough, exercising in moderation and taking time for yourself and relaxation.

To teach you how to “vocalize” and/or “visualize” your goals.
A good coach will teach you how to write out your goals in an action plan that will be easier for you to follow. They will also teach you about updating your goals, if circumstances change or once you’ve met one or more. A great coach should push you out of your comfort zone, in order to push the limits and make your goal reachable but straining.

To hold you accountable for your goal-plan and/or other plans you share with them.
A good coach will check in with you regularly to see where you are at with the plans you’ve laid out together. If you’re not working towards them or getting discouraged, s/he should be there to pump you back up and get you going again.

To help you get all of your paperwork, contracts and more, in order.
Your coach should be able to help you get through most of the standard legalities of setting up your business, plus help design and compose paperwork, marketing products, etc.

To provide on-going training and teaching opportunities for you.
Once you’ve set up your business, a good coach should provide on-going opportunities for you, such as how to market your business or how to keep your clients once you have them. Plus, they should be there to follow up with any questions you have along the way.

To help you establish your priorities – and remind you of what they are when you lose track.
VA coaches often will make you list out why you want to work from home or own your company in one of your first sessions. This serves as a good reminder when you’re so bogged down with work that you’re forgetting to brush your teeth!

To get your first reference.
Most VA coaches offer at least part of their fees in trade-time work. This not only allows students the opportunity to get some experience under their belt, but also allows them an earned reference of their own. You can use this reference on your new website, in your new marketing materials, and more.

A good coach not only helps you set up your business, but will also be there for you once everything is set up to make sure you stay on track. S/he will be there to help you when you get discouraged and listen to all of your triumphs. A good coach will also turn into a good friend, a good counselor, a mentor and more.
 

Patty Benton runs a training program for new entrepreneurs interested in venturing into the virtual assistance industry that is affordable to all, and she has also written an e-book that takes virtual assistants through the process of setting up their business. Additionally, Patty is the owner of JERPAT Virtual Assistants and JERPAT Web Designs which provides affordable administrative and web design support to coaches, small businesses, religious organizations, and more. She has also partnered to establish the ministry Acknowledging Christ Together at Work and is co-owner of Virtual Business Group an online networking organization for Virtual Professionals. Learn more at www.professionaladminteam.com.

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