Full Time Mom, Part Time Virtual Assistant: Urban Myth or Dream Come True?

The beauty of entrepreneurship is that you can structure your business any way you want. Many successful businesses are in fact run by owners who only work a few hours a week. What you don’t see, however, is the time and energy it takes to bring a business to the point where it almost “runs itself.” I would guestimate only a small percentage of all independent operations ever reach this point, if that’s even a choice the owner wants to make.

Here’s the thing: trying to be a part-time entrepreneur—at least in the beginning—is sort of like trying to be a part-time mom. That is, starting and running your own business can be very consuming. Your business is your baby (excuse the pun), so you will no doubt think about it and want to take care of it to the absolute best of your ability. That’s tough to do when you have “real” babies to take of as well! Many virtual assistants will tell you that they spent well over 40 hours a week on their practice during the start up phase. And that was before the first client came a knocking!

Remember also that for every billable hour you work “in” your business you will likely accrue another hour working “on” your business. Marketing, bookkeeping and the various other tasks that are part and parcel to running a business are time consuming but critical elements to the smooth operation of your venture.

So, back to your original question: Can I be a part-time VA? Yes, you can. But if you can only dedicate say 20 hours a week to your practice, then expect to take much longer to acquire that first client. Then be sure you have the flexibility necessary to give your clients the time and consideration they deserve. Because every client will present his or her own set of unique needs and demands, some which will be unexpected. Then be prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty, even if it may mean burning the candle at both ends some days.

This article was featured in the Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA) Newsletter . Do you have a burning question about virtual business? Send an email to Karri Flatla at karri [@] vanetworking [dot] com with “Ask Me Virtually Anything” in the subject line. Your question may appear in VANA’s next newsletter, along with a link to your website!

Karri Flatla is a business graduate of the University of Lethbridge and principal of snap! virtual associates inc., a consulting firm providing Internet marketing services to the progressive entrepreneur. Karri also produces Outsmart, the newsletter for small business with big purpose. Visit http://www.snap-va.com/newsletter to subscribe and get your free Copywriting & Usability Checklist now .