Virtual Administrative Assistant/Answering Service?

Has anyone worked with a Virtual Assistant? Would you pay for the service? I am thinking of starting this serv
A Virtual Admin. I am thinking of starting a small business as an virtual admin. asst. setting up video-conferences for different companies using my software and camera. As well as projects that any Admin. Asst. would do. I have worked with Polycom, and Breeze Presenter/PowerPoint. Does anyone think they would have a use for this. My rates would go around 25-50 an hr depending on the type of services your looking for.
Video conferences would be a bit more just because of the cost I would have to eat. Let me know what anyone thinks.

Starting as a virtual assistant is a great idea. (I know, I started that way several years ago.) I do recommend that any of those new to the industry consider your best areas of service before launching and specialize from the start.

Unless you are planning on doing the video conferencing locally, I think you may find that to be a bit difficult to pull off. Not because it can't be done, but because you would need to work with clients that are able to set up the hardware and software on their own sites. Usually, people hire you to solve problems -- and the video conferencing has a serious potential to CREATE problems, especially long distance.

Before you launch a VA practice, research the name you plan to use for the business (an Internet search is a great place to begin) because you don't want to use a name that's already in use (and possibly trademark protected).

Then consider your strengths and weaknesses. Do an honest self-assessment to determine what services you can offer that will benefit your clients while emphasising your skills, background and education without requiring you to delve into areas that are not your best.

If you are going to be a VA, a website is essential. If creating a good website isn't your strength -- hire it out or barter services with someone else who can create an effective site.

Market yourself everywhere you go (business cards at the ready). And, always look for opportunities to talk about what you do -- this is most easily achieved by asking others about their own work (they will usually return the favor). Although Virtual Assistance is a known term in many circles, it still seems to create a bit of interest in casual conversation -- use that to your advantage by begin able to answer questions about the industry in general and your own business in particular.

Read articles by others on the topic of running your own VA business.

Be sure you are willing to put in the hours required to start and run a business. It's not as simple as announcing and starting to work. You will need to research your market, talk with people in the business, talk with people in your target industry/industries, read, research on the web and... PLAN.

Best wishes to you as you begin your endeavor. It's a great career option brought to you by this age of technology!

I think this is a great idea. I wouldn't focus too much on the video conferencing part of it. I'd focus on what your customers (solo-practice lawyers, say) really need, and providing that to them (through technology). Start with the CUSTOMERS (understand their needs, their pain), then devise solutions for them. Not the other way around.