Market Research on Virtual PA business...

Hi

I am considering setting up a business to help organisations with administration which they are unable to deal with in-house and ask you if would help me with my market research.

The work would be carried out on a task-by-task basis on my own premises. The services I am considering offering include:

§ Word Processing/Proofreading
§ Web Design and updating
§ Powerpoint presentations
§ Desk Top Publishing
§ Spreadsheet production and management
§ Database production and management
§ Invoicing/chasing of payments
§ Preparation of invoices receipts for bookkeeper/accountant
§ Research
§ Telephone answering/message taking
§ Meeting arrangements
§ Diary management/travel arrangements

Does anyone have any views on whether this might be a good business opportunity?

Re : Market Research on Virtual PA business

There certainly never seems to be enough time to do administrative tasks, which is why a lot of this sort of thing is outsourced by businesses, not just the invoicing to the accountant.

A quick google search reveals lots of companies offering these sorts of services, so there must be demand out there one would think.

First port of call I guess would be to set up a website so people can find out more about you and your services. You'd also need to think about the payment model: some are quite straightforward but require a decision as to whether you use a 'per job' rate or 'per word', whilst others need more careful consideration: do you charge for chasing invoices only when they get paid, or as a flat rate etc... how would you provide evidence that you have followed up on invoices and so on.

Re : Market Research on Virtual PA business

Go work for a company offering the same service, find out how the business works, then set up on yer own
__________________
Get a company formation with a virtual office and mail forwarding from http://www.RegisteredAddress.co.uk