Growing Pains

Since my last post, we were interviewed for an article published in the November issue of Black Enterprise Magazine.  As a result, we have experienced a tremendous amount of traffic with almost 7,000 hits this week alone and an increase in inquiries about training to become a VA.  That's encouraging because many times when people read similar articles to the one published, they think, "I can do that" and immediately set out to do just that with no training or preparation at all.

The VA industry is going through a growing process and it's normal to experience "growing pains" as a part of the process.  Many think that they can simply "do" the same type of work that they have done in the corporate arena, not realizing that someone has to market that work and place a value on the work in order to realize a profit.  Now as a VA that person would be YOU.  Unless you are experienced in being an entrepreneur and manager already, the guidance of a mentor, coach or trainer will be invaluable.  One wrong move could result in little or no business at all. 

The biggest mistake that I am recently witnessing is of people trying to start VA practices on a shoestring.  Just because you need a minimum amount of hardware in place does not mean that you can start with no money.  You need money to pay bills until you get clients, to pay for networking events to find clients and to pay for advertising to attract clients.  That's just to start.  We all have overhead expenses, supplies and taxes going on whether we have clients or not.  To enter this industry, print up some business cards, build a hobby looking website and think that the clients will bowl you over with business is foolish and irresponsible.  If you don't take yourself seriously, no one else will either.  The fact that your unemployment is running out or that your rent/mortgage payment is due is not the problem of the industry or your lack of a client base.  It is indicative of poor planning as an entrepreneur.  Any small business training program will suggest that you have at least three months expenses saved up before starting a business.  We should have that much saved up even if we have a job in case we are laid off.  This is survival 101.  From a business standpoint, the problem with this is that you attract what you are.  So, you can expect to attract the same type clients...poor planners, financially challenged, unprepared and uneducated.

If one is not prepared properly to launch a business of any kind, VA included, then perhaps the dream should be deferred until you can earn some seed money.  I'm not saying to deny the dream of having your own business.  Wait until you have the proper foundation to launch it properly.  More than half of all small businesses fail.  Don't start out the game with two strikes against yourself by lacking knowledge in how to be an entrepreneur and how to manage a business.  That's a game that you can't win.

To launch a winning practice, get some training from a reputable training program or coaching company with a proven track record, not a failing businessperson who decides to become an author, coach or trainer with no qualifications. That's another losing game.  Reading books and e-books can be great also, but make sure that the people quoted in the books with tips and tricks are still in business.  That would be a good indicator of the value of the tips and tricks.  Another way to figure out if people are busy and have real clients...they don't have time to post to the listservs much.  They may have time to answer brief and urgent questions, but not to sit around and chat all day.  Bottom line, get some help.  You can't afford not to.  The survival of your business depends on it.

Comments

[Kirsten]

Janet,

Wow...Last week I turned on the television and The Black Enterprise Television Show was on. I looked to my husband and said Janet should be on this show :)

Congratulations on being in the Magazine, I can't wait to pick up an issue!

Kirsten

[Becki Noles]

Again a post that's right on the money! I love your style and can't wait to read more.

Becki

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