Services to Offer

Specialize – don’t try to be everything to everybody

When starting a VA business, one of your first considerations is what services you want to provide. What you want to do is match your skills and talents with the right clients who can best utilize them. Think about a year or so from now, who do you want your clientele to consist of? Who is your ideal client?

Following is a sampling of services you may want to consider, along with a brief description of each. These services can be combined or specialized in any manner depending upon your skills.

  • Transaction Coordinator: Realtor listing management, marketing/mail-out program coordination and contract-to-close processing. Can involve use of online transaction management programs.
  • Writing : Business, technical, academic, resume, and ghost writing. Includes formatting papers and manuscripts, as well as business plans and reports.
  • Competitive Research : Research clients’ competitors and report findings.
  • Editing/Proofreading : Editing and proofreading client documents.
  • File Conversion : Convert files from one format to the other. Example: Word to PDF format.
  • Digital Imaging : Digital photography, graphic design, scanning of documents, photographs, etc.
  • Graphic Design : Designing images for use on the web or in print.
  • Interpreting : Translate from one language to another.
  • Web Design, Development and Maintenance : Design client websites. May include development of copy and ongoing maintenance.
  • Word Processing : Many of the chapters in this book deal with this including Legal Transcription, Medical Transcription, Targeting Writers, etc.
  • Desktop Publishing : Design and layout of business cards, newsletters, flyers, catalogs, brochures, menus.
  • Transcription : Transcribing standard and micro-cassette tapes. Medical, legal and general transcription.
  • General bookkeeping : Process and mail invoices and statements. Bill paying, checkbook balancing, collection calls, bookkeeping, etc.
  • Meeting Planning: Organizing all or various aspects of a meeting. This might include arranging meeting space, A/V requirements, speakers, food and beverage, sleeping rooms, contract negotiations, and transportation.
  • Event Planning : Organizing all or various aspects of an event. This might include arranging for a venue, food and beverage or catering, contract negotiations, special transportation, security, and entertainment.
  • Presentations : Preparing slide presentations in a program such as Microsoft PowerPoint. Requires knowledge of the application, as well as presentation techniques. Might also include preparation of handouts and transparencies.
  • Realtor Support : Includes desktop publishing, bulk mailings, database management, letter writing, thank-you card writing, and making phone calls. See also, Transaction Coordinator.
  • Information Processing : Combination of word processing, data processing, database management, spreadsheets, and resume preparation.
  • Internet Research : Research and report findings on specific topics. You can do academic research, business and marketing research, locator services (alumni, family, military, etc.)
  • Photocopying : Black and white or color copies, including transparencies.
  • Association Management: Meeting minute transcription, meeting reminder cards or calls, database management, meeting agendas, meeting and convention planning, newsletters, mailing services, bookkeeping, and banking services.
  • Concierge Services : Dinner recommendations and reservations, tickets, travel research and arrangements, transportation arrangements, directions, gift buying, car rentals, general errand running.
  • Organizing Consultant: Rearrange office space, plan and pack for relocation, develop procedures, set up filing systems, time management, and office automation.
  • Contact Management: Maintain client database of contacts using a variety of applications like ACT, Goldmine, Lotus Organizer, Outlook and Maximizer.
  • Public Relations : Writing and submitting press releases. Arranging interviews with the media. Promote the general “image” of the company.
  • Systems Management : Manage system network.
  • Reminder Service : Remind clients of important dates and events.
  • Executive Personal Assistant : Combination of duties with a high level of decision-making, coordination, purchase authority, on behalf of the company executive(s).
  • Scheduling :Arrange and manage schedule for meetings, deadlines, appointments, and possibly personal activities.
  • Technical Support : Hardware and software installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and tutoring.
  • Internet Administration : Administration of chat rooms, message boards, and online groups.
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