Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sue L Canfield on October 14, 2008 at 11:24am

Hi Kristin, Though you don't want to go into deep debt, do you have credit available to help you get started? Perhaps a family member or friend you could borrow some money from? What type of software does this client have that you need to use? If we have specifics, perhaps we can be more helpful. Sue

Permalink Reply by Kristin Weston on October 20, 2008 at 12:21am

He uses Quickbooks Premier 2008. I looked for a free trial, but nothing came up. Unfortunately, this is one of the more expensive versions. I am going to have to look outside of the home for work, we are still trying to get the remote access working. He is running into connection issues.
Unfortunately, I have tapped out my family's ability to help and have nowhere to turn. I truly need to start getting more work so I can afford things like this. As a woman I did some work for once told me "You need to get some work before you back yourself into a corner and can't find your way out." Well I am there. (sigh)

Permalink Reply by Kelly Harris on October 14, 2008 at 1:48pm

Hi Kristin:

First, congratulations on winning the client! Second, I would like make a few recommendations based on what you have posted and the I also have a few questions to help us dig a little deeper.

Regarding start-up costs, you'd be surprised how little you actually need. I started my business with less than $100 and then parlayed a % of my earnings for each client into the business for things like advertising etc...

So don't get worried about too much. I would simply focus on this client, and stay in what Dale Carnegie used to call "Day Tight Compartments"
. That always helps me.

In terms of advertising, just get things going. I would start a simple site, which can be done for less than $20 and I can help you if you need me to. :) Then simply add to it each week. Your best way to advertise will be in Search Engines and we can all help you get a grasp on how to do that better too. :) Join SEO Strategies, the group Jason runs and pick his brain a little. He has helped a few FV members and they have all been thrilled. He did wonders for us too.

Software is easy, most software programs will give you a 30 day free trial, sometimes more. You did not mention what software you need, but I'll bet if you do a Google for the brand and then add "free trial" to the end of your search phrase that you'll find something. Check out: http://www.download.com/2000-2001_4-0.html or if you have a PC, do a Google for free Microsoft Software and see what you can find there. You'd be surprised.

Regarding remote access, I don't think he'd mind. Whatever helps you get the job done is best, right? You don't need to go into details either, just explain that you think this would be easiest and say that you are trying to avoid adding tons of software to your PC because it slows it down.

I always take the high road and think honesty is best, but depending on the situation sometimes you need to get creative when explaining your reasoning. Be honest, but don't share details that are not relevant.

Kristin, please don't let financial expenses get in the way of freeing yourself. Persevere and get through this and when you look back you'll marvel at how you pushed through and how much strength you've gained as a result.

:) Kel

Permalink Reply by Kristin Weston on October 20, 2008 at 12:38am

Kelly,
Thanks for the motivating reply. Unfortunately I have reached the point of no return. If I don't get some kind of income coming in soon, I am in big trouble.. As for my client, I have convinced him to allow remote access, but he only wants to allow me access to QB. He is having troubles connecting with Webex, and I am waiting for him to set it up.
I have looked into creating my own page, and will get that up and started. I could use some help if anyone would be so kind. So, while I was VERY hopeful that I could become a VA and virtual bookkeeper, I was completely misled by some people. They gave me hope that I would be working for them by now. Now they simply ignore my emails and send me countless emails on marketing and classes where I have to pay. Maybe that was the idea all along! (sighing)
I am afraid that I am going to have to find something outside of the home, since I cannot find anyone that agrees I am a desirable candidate. I have applied to several VA agencies, never hearing back. Same with jobs on Craigslist. I have a degree and experience, so I just don't get it. Maybe it is the long absence from work (which is due to my disability)
Someday I will succeed! This is not me giving up, just putting this dream on hold until I am steady on my feet.

Permalink Reply by Monique Terrell on October 20, 2008 at 2:45am

Hi Kelly,

Are you only looking to do Virtual Bookeeping? Maybe if you can expand your offerings that could help generate some revenue for you. I'm not going to tell you that it's not going to cost you anything to get started because that's just not true.

I know your working on a website you should look at Microsoft Small Business which offers the ability to create a professional website for FREE. You will need to purchase a domain name if you have not already done so.

I know it can be tough and the reality is your starting a business. I don't know if you saw, but I'm offering reality teleseminar (Sparkle - The First Sex Months) talking about these very issue and REAL deal on how to address them. It does cost but I am willing to take an hour to speak with you personally and share some of my thoughts, ideas and lessons (no cost) if that would help.

If you interested contact me offline.

Monique Terrell, Virtual Assistant

Permalink Reply by Julia Wojdacz on October 21, 2008 at 1:41pm

I am having the same problem. I have lost my job a couple of months ago. I get clients here and there. I look for anything free that I can get. You have to do a lot of internet searching but there is a lot of free stuff out there until the money comes rolling in. I have my website on Freewebs.com. They give you all of the tools that you need to start a website. I plan on creating my own website at a later date but Freewebs works for me right now. Also it has features that help you track how many people are visiting your site each day. My problem is my website is up and running how do I market it ?

Julia

Permalink Reply by Optimal Admin on October 25, 2008 at 12:31pm

I'm sorta in the same situation as your self and Kristen. I have a web site through vanetworking and currently trying to set up a free one myself through webstarts.com. These type of web pages definitely works for short term ,until clients start rolling in consistently. I've been marketing my web site through my email signature, business cards, social sites such as this, facebook myspace, twitter, basically every where that I can put a web address in. I'm totally now sure how many people has visited it yet, and I have not gotten any clients from it, but I'm very hopeful:)

Permalink Reply by Optimal Admin on October 25, 2008 at 12:34pm

I'm in the same situation as yourself. I have no other income coming in and times are really hard. My dream is the same, financial freedom w/o being glued to a little cubicle. This is a suggestion. I'm registered w/ a few freelance sites. Bidding is a requirement, but you might win a few bids to bring money in right now. Normally, you would have to bid lower than your current rate is but it help. Try these sites, getafreelancer.com, elance.com, odesk.com, gofreelance.com. Some of these sites also charge a min. fee to register, but a couple is totally free. Hope I could help a little:)