I used the Virtual Business Startup System!
I have operated successful businesses in the past but was a bit concerned about my skill level when I decided to become a Virtual Assistant. After a great deal of research on the subject of Virtual Assistants I found Tawyna Sutherland’s 30 days Virtual Business Startup System (VBSS) to be my best resource.
I was fortunate because Tawyna lives in my region and since I was anxious about starting right away, I phoned her and was able to pick up the material in person. No waiting for the mail service for me! However, I know from talking with others within the program they received their material promptly. I was just impatient. Tawyna was very gracious and accommodated my request and spoke with me at her home for quite awhile reviewing the material from the Virtual Business Startup System.
I could hardly wait to get home and start. The first thing I noted when I opened the binder was a supply of CD’s loaded with resources for developing logos, writing a business plan, financials, and creating excellent marketing material. Also included were two excellent books written by successful VAs. I then sat down and read the manual from front to back before I allowed myself to begin.
What makes it so special?
I was very impressed with the set-up and direction of the material starting with the question ~ “Why go into Business?” Sometimes we tend not to question our motives for starting a business or whether our idea is practical in terms of viability and suitability. Starting a new business is hard work! This applies to any new business, not just for becoming a Virtual Assistant. By starting at the beginning the student starts with the basics for starting any business ~ taking a self assessment, identifying their strengths and weaknesses and how to select a business structure.
Before hanging out your (virtual) shingle advertising that you are open for business there are many tasks to complete and the VBSS is set up with a 30 day plan of action to follow. Each day has a checklist that must be completed before jumping on to the next day’s tasks.
Although I was experienced in business startups I was not familiar with doing online business and I believe that without the VBSS program it would have taken me many more months to find my first clients. Not impossible to do but I wanted to start bringing in an income right away so I believe in the long run it saved me money by taking this self-guided course.
Added Values
Not only does the VBSS address ethics within the Virtual Assistant industry it provides all the material needed to succeed. Included in the price was a coupon for a coaching session with Tawyna, a domain name registration, one year of free hosting and a coupon to put towards having my website designed. For someone who never had a website before these were definitely added values.
Tawyna and her team are quite generous with sharing tips, techniques and tools and are always open to questions. I can confirm that since I had many questions and always received a quick response.
It just takes 30 days!
I believe the 30 day time frame is not realistic to a new business owner but if a person takes that part of the equation out of the mix and just follows the steps as they are laid out, works hard and believes in what they are doing they will succeed.
VAnetworking
The cost also includes a private forum for VBSS members and can include a year’s membership in the private VAinsider section of VAnetworking, a Virtual Assistant Network Forum where other VA’s connect and support each other. This network is invaluable to both the beginner and experienced VA. The advice, support, seminars, tools and connection with other VA’s is important to any Virtual Assistant who wishes to succeed.
I know I would still have a successful Virtual Assistant Business without taking the Virtual Business Startup System but it would have taken much longer to do so. Time means money therefore it was an excellent investment and can assure you that it will be money well spent.
All the best, 
Ps: By joining the VAnetworking Forum as a VAinsider you will be eligible to bid on RFP’s (Request for Proposals) and speed up your chances of obtaining clients. Join me in this group!
Pps: Marketing your business is important starting locally and then branching out online is one suggestion
You are very welcome. I hope I have been of help to you.