Is this viable?

Drea

I have been thinking about going freelance recently and over the past couple of days have come up with what I want to do, a business name, colour scheme, etc :rotfl: so I figured it might be best to ask people whether they thought it was viable before going any further

I'm an experienced Administrator and have done all sorts from audio typing to filing and everything in between. I am sure that the competition for Freelance Administrator's is fierce but I have been thinking and I really think I could make it work if I get my name out there. I was thinking of targetting small business/sole traders who just don't have the time or the skills to do all their own admin work. I could work either from home (eventually an office - who knows) or the clients own premises if they needed someone in person. I would charge on an hourly basis although may consider discounted rates for a full day/week.

I'd start off creating a website, maybe getting some leaflets and contacting companies/individuals. I would probably need to get a fax machine but not quite sure how that works?

I know it'd be a lot of hard work and I might not see any money coming in straight away, but I just want to know if I'm missing something obvious or if I should go for it...?

Any advice appreciated!

Edinburghlass_2

Learn about book-keeping and payroll. Try postcards in local shops and PO, any free papers you could put an ad in?

Edinburghlass_2

ps, yes it is viable

Drea

Edinburghlass wrote: »

Learn about book-keeping and payroll. Try postcards in local shops and PO, any free papers you could put an ad in?

I had already planned to do some short courses on both book keeping and payroll :eek: great minds...

There are local papers that go through the doors that I could get in contact with, will need to look into what else is around.

Anywayyy, how are you? :rotfl:

paddyrg

What business sectors do you have experience in? For instance, if you're experienced in administering dental practices, they may be a better approach than submarine makers?

paulwf

Edinburghlass wrote: »

Learn about book-keeping and payroll. Try postcards in local shops and PO, any free papers you could put an ad in?

An excellent idea! Most small businesses struggle with this, if you can provide this service AND a range of other admin services this makes you very useful to a lot of businesses. Take retail for instance, not many shops would employ someone freelance to do typing and filing, but if you are already doing their books and you are there I'm sure they could make good use of your skills.

heretolearn_2

People make a living from this - a virtual assistant. But there's a lot of competition and small businesses are tightening their belts right now. I think you need to find something special to offer or specialise in a niche market. Is there some sector you have lots of experience in?

Drea

paddyrg wrote: »

What business sectors do you have experience in? For instance, if you're experienced in administering dental practices, they may be a better approach than submarine makers?

heretolearn wrote: »

People make a living from this - a virtual assistant. But there's a lot of competition and small businesses are tightening their belts right now. I think you need to find something special to offer or specialise in a niche market. Is there some sector you have lots of experience in?

I have mainly worked for small companies, the longest being in property (auctions). I have also worked for a photographer and a training provider. Nothing as specific as medical/legal which would be more of an advantage.

paulwf wrote: »

An excellent idea! Most small businesses struggle with this, if you can provide this service AND a range of other admin services this makes you very useful to a lot of businesses. Take retail for instance, not many shops would employ someone freelance to do typing and filing, but if you are already doing their books and you are there I'm sure they could make good use of your skills.

I'll definitely look into doing some courses on both, to be honest once I've been shown how once I'm usually able to just do things so I think a short course would do the trick... I hadn't even thought about shops, thanks for that.

PasturesNew

It's about "who you know". I was recently shocked when I met a VA who had NO past experience whatsoever - and she charged a FORTUNE for typing "because I'm slow and can't really type". She started her business by schmoozing people and mixing with people, who used her simply because they'd met her.

There's a lot of work out there and to get it you just have to be available, ask for the business, be responsive to requests and do the work on time and to a good standard. Once you've got somebody, they'll keep using you as it's easier than finding a replacement.

Make sure you charge enough to be able to afford help/an office in the future as people will leave you if you put up your rates once you're established. Charge properly from day one and don't be ashamed.

Drea

PasturesNew wrote: »

It's about "who you know". I was recently shocked when I met a VA who had NO past experience whatsoever - and she charged a FORTUNE for typing "because I'm slow and can't really type". She started her business by schmoozing people and mixing with people, who used her simply because they'd met her.

There's a lot of work out there and to get it you just have to be available, ask for the business, be responsive to requests and do the work on time and to a good standard. Once you've got somebody, they'll keep using you as it's easier than finding a replacement.

Make sure you charge enough to be able to afford help/an office in the future as people will leave you if you put up your rates once you're established. Charge properly from day one and don't be ashamed.

Ohh that last paragraph has made me think. I was thinking of starting out low to attract the custom but maybe you're right and that's the wrong way to do things.

PasturesNew

Drea wrote: »

Ohh that last paragraph has made me think. I was thinking of starting out low to attract the custom but maybe you're right and that's the wrong way to do things.

If you start off charging £6/hour, you'll be knocking yourself out 50 hours/week for ungrateful clients, to turnover £15,000/year. At least if you charge £12/hour you'll have only about 1/4 of the clients but better quality clients and still have the spare time to build your business.