Advice needed setting up as a virtual PA

edwara

Can anyone offer me any advice?

I have 10 years experience as a PA at Director Level. Due to relocating I am now no longer able to go out to work in the conventional way i.e. go to an office, due to childcare issues and was thinking about setting myself up as a virtual PA.

What started me thinking that this could be for me was a conversation with the lady in the post office. I was in posting my dads Christmas card labels (he has retired and no longer has a secretary so I offered help) and we got chatting and she told me that in her last village there were a lot of people who used someone do things like labels, filing, letters etc. Either as one offs or on a monthly basis.

I discussed the idea with my family at Christmas and they all seem to think it is a good idea. My dad is non exec director now and thinks it would be great if he could get someone once a month to do all his filing, expenses etc relating to his work. My sister who works too hard thought it would be great if someone could sort out all her outlook contacts and setting up mailing lists for her as she just doesn't have the time. I think I talked myself into that bit of work.

Of course the other big bonus is that I can work when I like, from home and already have all the office equipment I need.

I have been doing some research and can't find any evidence of anyone else in the immediate vicinity offering a similar service. There are also several small businesses,and self employed that I know of who may be interested. What else do I need to do, how do I advertise, how do I price myself etc. In the long term I would like to offer bookkeeping as well and have just started a distance learning course for that.

All help, suggestions welcome. I am already registered as self employed as I have been selling greetings cards so that bit is done. I just need to know where to start really and whether it is a viable idea.

My thoughts are what have I got to lose for the sake of a few hours research, a couple of posters and possibly leaflet households - something or nothing may come of it My New Years resolution is to stop just having ideas and actually put them into practice

Look forward to hearing from you and sorry it is a long one!

richt71

Have you thought about ringing up the places that advertise suck services online? Do a google search there's a few. That'll give you an idea of charges. I guess you could also offer some form of trial to show them you're reliable and then ask whoever you do this with to give you a testimonial to say you are!

straws

I think you will have to register again if you're doing a new form of self-employment. I have to fill in 2 self-employment forms each year, as I work in 2 different trades.

Astaroth

There are a fair number of virtual PAs on https://www.ukbusinessforums.com who are very friendly and will give a helping hand

Kilty_2

There's definately money to be made at it.

One piece of (slightly biased probably) advice I'll give is get yourself a website. Without one you are throwing away potential custom, simple as. Cheaper than printed marketing, and more effective if you are using the correct channels to raise awareness.

Edinburghlass_2

Similar thread here...

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=258328

edwara

thank you everyone so far. Will take on all advice. Have made initial enquiries web domain with the possible name and am going to look at the business forums.

have also arranged for a friend to nag me into getting a move on so I don;t just taalk about it!

On the name front do you think it needs to be flashy or something simple like "initials" Secretarial or maybe ofice support? What do you guys think?