Creating, Developing, and Growing a Business

Wow, what a whirlwind I have been in over the past year. My company, Able Assistants, has grown so much, it is amazing. I have been through tough times and smooth times, but that is what comes with owning a company. I just wish the tough times had been a little easier.

When I decided to start this company there was a lot of creating involved. Although virtual assistants are becoming more popular by the day, the full concept was new to me. Creating an easy, catchy name, developing a 'niche' and growing the client base was what I needed to do.

Many clients I have worked for in the past were amazed with the projects they gave me and the success of my results. So I created the name "Able Assistants" with the tag line "when no one else can....we are Able." A catch phrase is important to be used on all of your marketing materials from emails to business cards. Every business needs that creativity in the name and catch phrase so people will remember you.

My 'niche' has always been in travel, however, a total VA business around travel would not be a profitable business. So increasing my abilities is important. Learning new skills can help with building up a business. Taking classes in html, CSS, Quickbooks, along with accepting new tasks from current clients, with them knowing that it will be a first, can help anyone learn new information. Maintaining the 'travel niche' for me, is always something to fall back on with my every day clients.

When it comes to growing a business, I have to resort back to the "who you know" from my last posting. I do a lot about computers, I know a lot about travel, I know a lot about QuickBooks, I know a lot about internet research, I know a lot, and I know that I know a lot. I am proud I know a lot. But making connections is what a business grows on. Word of mouth is great, and it always helps to get referrals, but you do have to do some work. This can be easy, buying marketing books, finding websites for marketing, there are so many cost efficient ways to market.

So get out there and market you business, use a VA to help you! Many VA's today know some easy steps that some people aren't aware of, that is our job, to know how the internet works, and how to use it to help your company grow.

Good luck creating, developing and growing your business in the meantime! If you have any questions, just ask, or contact me, I will be glad to advise at no charge!

Norma