When you start a business – you talk to people, listen to their stories, join communities and read through blogs to form some beliefs about what it would be like.
But just so you know, almost a quarter of what you heard is not actually facts but myths that started from God-knows-where.
If you’re not focused specifically on Virtual Assistant related communities or surrounding yourself with people who have done what you want to do; you’ll probably encounter rumors too (plus the myths) that would probably prevent you from going ahead!
That being said there would for sure be some useful suggestions that you can benefit from.
But the real deal then is to differentiate between what is true, and what is not and work out what you need to know and what you don’t.
Thus, here I am today, bursting five myths about running a Virtual Assistant business that is purely a work of fiction and imagination.
Myths About About Starting a Virtual Assistant Business
Cheaper services are not always best
When you start a business, finances don’t come easy.
Moreover, with limited funds in hand, you might not be able to afford to invest in a high-end service like other virtual assistant or service based businesses do, and that’s okay.
Don’t fall for the myth that declares cheaper services or software is likely to be of poor quality.
That’s not always the case. In fact, high-end brands charge not for their services, but for their goodwill and brand value.
It also doesn’t mean that companies that offer you the same services at a cheaper rate are not professionals, or they’d compromise on the quality.
Who knows if they’ll provide you the best services in the end while keeping your pockets secure!
Give them a chance, and spend only what your budget allows. Remember, you would only know if you try.
Customers Will Come To You
The starting years are full of struggles for any business – let alone a virtual assistant business.
As a newbie, you will have a hard time finding clients.
It happens to us all.
However, if you just sit doing nothing, thinking clients will come to you themselves, that’s just wishful thinking my friend.
In fact, as a new business, you have to go the extra mile.
People won’t know about your brand and services if you don’t tell them; you have to make them know. In other words, be out there, advertise your services, and find clients yourself.
You can make use of Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook, and all the social media channels.
Freelancing sites such as Upwork, Freelancer.com are also some of the places you can use to put the word out there about your brand to generate leads too.
You DOn’t have to answer to anyone
Most entrepreneurs start their business because they don’t want to answer to an authority above them.
But here’s an eye-opener if you happen to be one of them – it’s not what you think.
Truth be told, things get riskier when there’s no one above you.
In other words, all the responsibilities fall over your shoulders.
You have to work, find clients, and most importantly be accountable for your actions both professionally and financially.
However, if you work as an employee, you might make mistakes, listen to an earful from your boss, but the business won’t be on your shoulders – your team leader would be responsible for your actions, not you.
My point here is that, as an entrepreneur, you don’t have to answer to anyone – you have to answer yourself.
You Won’t be able to Scale
Who says you cannot scale as a Virtual Assistant entrepreneur? Is it the people or just your fear talking?
You can definitely scale if you have the skills and are doing everything right. Look at what I’m doing right now! I started where you are.
Yes, you might have to make several investments, probably upgrade your software, invest in an efficient one, hire people and niche down etc. But that doesn’t mean you have to sink in losses or reduce your profits.
The only trick here is to expand your business while maintaining your finances.
That my friend would require some smart and strategic thinking.
You Need A Lot oF Money to Get Started
Yes, you need funds to start a business. But you don’t need a million dollars for it if that’s the thought holding you back.
If you think you have enough to get by for a few months, that’s good too.
Remember, at the end of the day it’s your work and skills that will get you the money.
You might get a little financial crunch in the beginning but that’s okay.
If you are doing everything right, you don’t need to worry if you don’t have a lot of money.
What you have is enough if you have the skills.
Now that you know these myths, I hope there’s nothing to hold you back.
Just believe in yourself, think, and go ahead.
What are the most outlandish myths have you heard about running your own Virtual Assistant business?
Feel free to share them in the comments section below or my Facebook community at Strategic Female Entrepreneurs.