3 Creative, profitable, internet business ideas for moms (Day 2)

In day 1 of this series we examined professional blogging as a creative, profitable, internet business idea that moms can start from home using their current skills.   The information I am providing about each of the ideas helps to get you started.   I've chosen ideas that I believe you can do without going through the expense of your time and your finances to go back to college.    This doesn't mean, however,  that you may not need to take some classes or read a book to be successful in your new business venture. 

 Using Skills You Already Have

I'm really excited about this next business idea, because it helps other businesses grow their businesses.   The next business idea we are going to examine is virtual assisting. 

What is a virtual assistant?   Virtual assistants, simply put, are individual professional business owners who have experience and expertise in administrative, technical, accounting, and/or marketing jobs in order to handle these aspects for other business owners (Teresa Morrow, Key Business Partners). 

The virtual assisting industry seems to be another industry that is unfamiliar to many moms.  Consider the skills you've used in your previous occupations or as a volunteer.    If you’re a woman with professional business skills (writing, administrative tasks, organizing, scheduling, project management, marketing), you may be able to make a living as a virtual assistant.

This business is right for you, if you…

• you don’t want to be an employee, but want to partner with other businesses to help them accomplish their goals
• are willing to be responsible for completing assignments with a high degree of professionalism
• are detail oriented, results focused and organized
• adapt well to change; you’re flexible and can go with the flow
• have the ability to stick with a task until it’s done
• work well independently without much interaction with others
• manage your time well
• enjoy making others look good
• are willing to promote yourself to find businesses that need what you offer
• are willing to keep learning
• understand that your business will not be about your needs, but about your client’s needs

To get started…

•  You need to be proficient with the Internet
•  How can you be a “virtual” assistant, if you don’t understand the internet?
•  Research! Research! Research! The Virtual Assistant Forums website offers this free checklist to get you started
•  Determine what services you will offer
•  Determine how you will market your business
•  Establish office hours and your rates
•  Join a virtual assistant organization that provides you with the support you need

The startup costs include…

•  any word processing or accounting software
•  marketing materials (website, blog, business cards, etc)
•  office supplies
•  organization fees

Your ideal client…

•  has a clear vision of the project or task they need you to complete
•  would like a partner in business and not another employee
•  is willing to pay what you’re worth
•  will use your services time and time again

Your customers will find you by…

• word-of-mouth referrals from your other clients
• your interaction on social media networking sites
• your affiliation with organizations and virtual assistant forums
• search engines (you will need a website, remember?)