How do I start?

[Iwant2bhome]

Hi Everyone!!

I'm very to new all of this but I have been doing some work at home part-time in addition to working full-time outside of the home. I'm wanting to start up my own business as a VA and not sure where to start. Like I said, I have one company that I work from home for on a 1099 basis. Is this how I should approach all my clients? What if I want to have a name for my business? What do I need to do tax wise? I know what I want to do and what areas I excel in, who I want to go after and how to approach it all I just don't know how to get it all started. Any ideas or suggestions?? I appreciate any and all advice I can get!!

Thanks!!!!

Lisa

[tenXmom]

Start with your local city hall for business license and ficticous name

I work as an ind contractor/1099 and pay may own taxes annually (I am not required to prepay quarterly) - I claim all income, even if a client doesn't send a 1099

Keep records all year long, it's a bear to play catch up at year end, although you can make decent money doing it for others

[sydnee21]

I started my VA biz in 2007. I incorporated first thing, but it's best to speak with a tax pro/attorney to find out the best biz structure for you to protect you legally and tax-wise. Get online and market the heck out of yourself online and offline. Stay up-to-date with everything virtual. So much has changed in how I market my business and the services I offer since I started. It's hard work, but it's awesome!

[Iwant2bhome]

Thanks for the advice and info! My head is spinning from so much information and excitement about getting started!!

[SmartChic]

I have to tell ya just from the experience in getting started, it's a lot to do and a lot to get set up. You must be patience and detail-oriented. My clients seems to like the little things....

[Iwant2bhome]

Thanks SmartChic! You're right it's a lot to do and I know it's not going to happen overnight (as much as I wish it would! LOL). The detail-oriented part, I can handle and I'm certainly not afraid of hard work and I agree, I think clients do appreciate the little things, it's the patience I'm having a hard time with! LOL Why can't we just "blink" and it all be set up for us?! LOL

[dkramer]

Some of the things that I always tell people to keep in mind is that you never know where your clients will come from. I live in a small town in KS with about 1000 people and I never considered that I would get a client in my area because my rates are much higher than most people are paid here. The local newspaper asked to do an article on me and what I do and I thought it would be cool. I was shocked when about a month ago the local county government called me and asked me if I would help them with the administrative part of a grant project. They remembered seeing my info in the newspaper. I also make sure to let everyone know what I do, I update things on my FB page and I ask my clients to spread the word about me and they do. I started out working for a VA company and then went on to get my own clients so it was a little easier for me than starting out with my own company but I know you can do it!!

If you ever have questions or just need someone to talk to feel free to PM me.

Dawn

[Homemom2]

I have a couple more questions that you may have already answered here, but I'm still a little unclear on. I am looking to get started as a VA also. Can I start out, as simple as possible, using my own name working for businesses and just receiving a 1099 and claiming that on my personal taxes? I want to grow into my business and eventually have a name, etc. but am looking to start out small and simple, just don't want to do anything tax or legal wise that I shouldn't. Also wanted to see what forms I HAVE to have to get started, such as Terms & Conditions, etc. I have an appointment with an attorney tomorrow, but wanted to possibly get some input from here first. Thank you in advance for any advice/help you can give. I'm excited to get started, but am also nervous!!

[sydnee21]

If you are going to speak with an attorney tomorrow, he can advise you as to what the best way to get started is to protect you legally and tax-wise. I don't know the ins-and-outs of that stuff and I would leave that advice to a professional. Depending on the nature of your services, you want to make sure you are covering yourself and your assets. It goes beyond just how you claim your earnings.

I would have him write you up a legally binding contract to use with your clients while you are there.

[Homemom2]

Thank you, I saw the attorney today and she was very helpful! I should be able to get enough together soon to get started!