Transcription Software

After much research I finally found some great transcription software. It's called Express Scribe. It was very affordable. You don't need a machine. You use it right on your computer. You don't need a foot pedal if you don't want too. Some people want to use a foot pedal and some people prefer not too. I'm going to start without a pedal. I also started to build my website. Just did some of the basics. Once I start using the transcription software I'll be able to rate it for everyone.

DOMAIN NAME COMPLETE

Tonight I purchased my domain name. Tomorrow I will decide what I will charge my clients and start working on my website. Until tomorrow....

I'm Back Once Again!

I'm back again. I put off my virtual assistant project because I found a job in downtown Pittsburgh for a while. Again, I got laid off. Now the company I worked for is letting go 50% of its' workforce.

I am continuing with my previous project. I think the best thing to do is just continue on with a home business. No one ever lays themselves off. To supplement my business I have taken a job for 4 months in an accounting/tax office. This will give me a chance to get my business off the ground so I don't suffer so much financially. I'm starting over on everything. Right now I'm working on my business plan and deciding what services I will offer and calculating what my rates will be. Tomorrow I will let everyone know what I have decided about my services. I want to open my business before tax season ends, part time.

Website Software

Today I was searching the internet for website building software. One of my services to my clients with my Virtual Assistant business will be building websites for them. I think I have found a good one, provided I can create multiple websites with the software. I emailed tech support and asked them if their software would enable me to create multiple websites. Hope I get an answer tomorrow.

Business Books

Today I went through some boxes and found some very important books that will jog my memory on all kinds of business forms, reports, proposals, designing visuals, graphic art, order letters, inquiry letters, special request letters, sales letters, etc..the list goes on. I need to review all of these things because it's been a long time since I've had to do or use all of these things. Even punctuation and grammar. The book is called Successful Writing at Work. The other book that has always been my "Office Bible" is called The Gregg Reference Manual. I used this book when I was in business school and since have acquired the latest edition which I have used ever since. If you ever question any rules of writing in business or personal, these 2 books tell it all. If you refer to these books, you will never have to worry or question yourself when you write.

Business Approved By Secretary of State

That sure was fast! I guess when you file your business online it happens much faster than the old paper and traditional mail way. My business has been approved by the Secretary of State. Now the tax department has to review their portion and approve it. That should not be a problem, but since I registered an LLC it HAD to go through the Secretary of State first or the other departments would not approve.

Next, I am going to brainstorm for a domain name, see what is available and purchase one. That's all for today.

Step One for the New Business Process

Today I registered my business with the Secretary of State. All Corporations, S Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Partnerships, Associations, and Limited Liability Partnerships must first register with the Secretary of State or the registration and licensing applications will not be processed.

As I was researching everything on the internet I came across the West Virginia Secretary of State website and discovered that I could register everything on that site, so that is exactly what I did. I didn't have to worry about getting the forms to fill out by hand and mail. This was very convenient.

My business is going to be an LLC, or Limited Liability Company. I am the sole owner so I did not need to have a EIN or FEIN number. I can use my social security number. My business will be registered as "Help For You By Deborah, LLC." I did a check on the name and it was available. Apparently no one else is using that title. All I have to do is wait until everything is processed and legal.

In the mean time, I will be working on my business plan, marketing plan, carrying out a self assessment, decide on my exact services and rates, budgeting, develop my mission statement, create goals, set up bookkeeper, accountant, etc., I already have 99.9% of the equipment needed for my business, accept for some minor things.