How to Set Up a Successful Virtual Assistant Business

I know there are so many reasons why you’ve decided to set up a Virtual Assistant business. So whether you’re just curious or you are ready to get going as soon as possible, I know this is a daunting prospect and a HUGE step to take. There’s no doubt there are a lot of things to consider.

I have started 2 businesses of my own, so I completely understand how you feel. I remember being incredibly excited but also extremely overwhelmed. It comes in waves and one minute you’re thinking this is the best thing you’ve ever done. The next minute you’re wondering what am I doing?!

Having a clear plan in place means the whole process can become much more straightforward and you can actually sit back and enjoy the process. Make some notes as you read this blog and you’ll be well on your way to launching your Virtual Assistant business!

Set Realistic Goals

Goal setting is one of the most important parts of creating a business. Goals help you to visualise what you want to accomplish, and without them, you won’t have a clear outline of your overall journey and what you want to achieve. Start the process by jotting down your ideal goals. 

I have added some examples of the goals you can set:

• What courses do you want to complete to gain more knowledge?

• What action will you take from the research you conduct?

• What systems will you set up?

• The date you want to launch your business?

• Your financial goals for the first quarter, all the way through to your first year?

• The number of potential clients you want to reach out to every month?

• The number of clients you want to have by the end of the first quarter?

Once you have set your goals, put them somewhere you will be able to see them every time you work. This could be by your desk, or where you get ready in the morning. This will help you to see how far you come every day. If you struggle with setting goals, I have written a blog post about how to do this successfully, so check out How to Set Goals and STICK to them and start smashing your goals!

Set Realistic Timeframes

Now it’s time to plan your goals around your schedule. This step is just as important because without realistic timeframes you won’t feel the urgency to reach your goals. Take some time to add the dates that you would like to achieve each goal in your calendar.

Having your key dates set in stone will keep you motivated and will help you focus. Break each goal down into smaller timeframes and really think about how each step will be achieved.

Here are some examples of how you can split each goal into manageable chunks:

Create documents for the business

Ok, now list each document you need to create and include how much research/prep time it will take you to complete each one.

Look into the branding I want for my business

Now, add in time to look into this. How long will it take you to brainstorm colour combinations, draft some ideas, and get feedback?

Set up business legalities

How long will it take for you to research what you need? When will you take action, and do you need to research any questions that crop up during this part of the process?

As you can see, just writing a goal isn’t enough. You need to break them all down and add them to your diary so you can take strong action and celebrate each win!

Time to get Organised

Now you will have scheduled all your new exciting tasks and projects into your diary at times that suit you. It’s time to get organised by having a checklist at hand, so you can visualise how far you've come after each step. This will also help you have a clear path when it comes to moving on to the next steps. 

When you have a checklist at hand, this gives you one set place to go back to and see how much you are achieving. Try to keep your thoughts and ideas organised from the start. Create a folder, I suggest on your computer, so you don’t risk losing any bits of paper. 

Organise your time so you aren’t biting off more than you can chew, but instead enjoying the process!

Remember to Stay Focused

Don't try to learn everything all at once as this will simply overwhelm you. Take each challenge one step at a time and try not to jump around from task to task. If you do this, you run the risk of becoming overwhelmed and disorganised.  

I know it seems hard staying focused and calm when there seems to be so much to do, but there are ways that you can help yourself. Here are some ways you can stay focused below:

• Ensure you have clear, realistic timeframes and goals

• Try not to procrastinate too much about each task

• Remove all distractions when you are working on your business

• Accept that some days are going to be a little easier than others

• If you feel you are comparing yourself to other online businesses, take a step away from the online space. Or simply unfollow anyone that makes you feel unmotivated. You can always follow them back at a later date!

Keep a list of ways you can stay calm if you do become overwhelmed.  For example, you can practice meditation, take a walk outside in nature to become inspired again, take a relaxing bubble bath, or simply remember to switch off when things get a little bit too much. 

Setting up a virtual assistant business will take a while, and it's not supposed to be completely straightforward. The best you can do is remember that you are growing at each step and learning from each challenge you face. The end will be well worth it, and you will be so proud of how far you have come!  

Ask for support

There are so many people online that will be willing to help you. So from the beginning of your journey, remember to connect with other virtual assistants. You may be able to find someone else that is setting up their business too. Perhaps they can be your accountability buddy!

There is a strong community of Virtual Assistants on social media such as Instagram and Facebook (including me)! You can also join networking groups online, and there may even be local events that you could attend. Facebook groups for Virtual Assistants are so helpful as you can meet real VA’s who share their own worries and difficulties with plenty of support and advice. 

Remember to reach out for help if you're not sure how to do something or learn by booking into courses or speaking to a coach/mentor. You don't need to do it all alone. 

I created the Business Start Up Checklist to help as I know how difficult this can be. So, if you’re struggling with focusing on key elements of setting up your Virtual Assistant Business, you can download the free checklist to become organised, prepared and calm about the process. I actually created this checklist from my own notes and experience when I started my own Virtual Assistant Business!

Let me know if you have any questions at all and always feel free to reach out to me if you need any support.