Now that you have set up shop as a virtual assistant, you need to put it in writing. There are several documents you need to write if you want to have a successful VA practice. Here are some:

1. Business Plan
2. Marketing Plan and Calendar
3. Vision and Mission Statements
4. Client Contract detailing policies and procedures
5. Contract for Sub-Contractors, if you use them

You and your clients should have a clear understanding of what is expected from each party and what deadlines are required. Put it in writing and include your availability by phone and email.

What else do you think you need to have in writing as a virtual assistant?

Years ago I hated marketing. The whole idea was scary and I just wasn’t interested. That’s probably because years ago most marketing was interruption marketing. Advertisers interrupted what I was doing to shove their marketing materials at me.

Today I think marketing can be fun and interesting. That’s because I’ve read Seth Godin’s Permission Marketing and Jay Conrad Levinson’s Guerrilla Marketing. Now I want to help others to create and implement a marketing plan.

I’m always reading books and then go visit the author’s websites. I’ve compiled some of my favorite business books into a bookstore and encourage you to go visit my bookstore and buy a book. You’ll find Ken Blanchard’s Raving Fans, Seth Godin’s Permission Marketing, and many more.

I also encourage you to visit Seth Godin’s blog. Find out how you’re doing with your marketing with Robert Middleton’s Marketing ScoreCard.

Have fun reading and learning more about how to market your business.

Yes, I did choose to blog on Mondays about Marketing because both words start with ‘M’. I also thought it would be good to start each week thinking about how to market your business.

Most small business owners understand that marketing is important. But they are overwhelmed with so much information and are not sure where to begin. They’ve heard of a marketing plan but don’t have one in place. And if they don’t see immediate results, they get discouraged and try something else.

Since a small business owner may never feel completely ready to begin marketing, now is the time to start. Marketing is a never ending process that will change and improve. Marketing needs to be maintained, monitored and adjusted.

I’m in the process of formalizing my marketing plan and marketing calendar and hope to be able to help other solopreneurs to do the same. Watch each Monday for more detailed information about how to market your business. In the meantime, check out the Guerrilla Marketing website.

I’ve heard this term for years and just got around to reading the new edition of Jay Conrad Levinson’s book Guerilla Marketing. You can order a copy at his website and I suggest you do. It’s packed full of great information. He gives a list of 200 marketing weapons. Here are just 20 that I’m working on:

Marketing plan
Marketing calendar
Elevator pitch
Email signature
RSS feeds
Brochure
Business cards
Post cards
Domain name
Website
Blog
Ezine
Free consultations
Article
Networking
Easy to do business with
Honest interest in people
Speed
Professional title
Forum Board

I love this quote from his book on page 269: “Having a clue means seeing everything from the customer’s point of view.”

I plan on writing a more thorough review of his book soon. Have you read it? What did you think of it? What weapons are you using?