A Walk into Starting my Own Business

My background started in the beauty industry/retail. I have managed very successful hair salons, sold Aveda products for a distributor throughout western Canada and managed high end department stores as well. I have also been in the IT industry for the past 11 years as a help desk analyst, problem and change manager and an incident manager. Most recently, I have been in the role of a business analyst and quality assurance lead. Did I like all of these jobs? Parts of each, I did. I know I enjoy teaching, leading and the communication that came with all of these positions, but what I didn't like was the commute and the lack of appreciation I consistently felt.

Women as a whole are sensitive and since I am female, I am sensitive and tend to feel all emotions around me. I make decisions based on emotions and not always on intellect. However, I have felt led to try my hand at what I do best ... provide a niche service to those that could benefit from my expertise of service, technolgy and support.

After a heartwrenching search for employment, I have succumbed to becoming my own boss. As it is with most trends, I have researched and decided to become a virtual assistant. I provide solutions for the small business owner that wants to grow their own business. I give them time to do what they love while I do the background duties that need to be supported daily, weekly or monthly.

In this type of a role, I will work from home and offer services that the small business owner doesn't have time for. These duties can include; administrative duties, Quickbooks/Accounting, social media, meeting preparation/scheduling, budget management/vendor negotiations, cold calling, sales, project management, etc. I can even provide level one help desk support if need be.

I have developed my marketing plan, my business name and am now researching the legal end of things such as, do I become an S corp, an LLC or something else?  What do all of these mean?

The next blog will provide additional information on what I have chosen and why. I will also cover my first three clients and what I am providing for them. Perhaps this will light a fire within some of you to either open up something similar or pass my name to someone you know that could use a minimum of five hours a week help.